Environmental Health: Land Services
Soil Percolation Tests
The percolation test (perc test) is designed to determine the
suitability of a site for a subsurface private sewage disposal system
(i.e. septic system). More specifically, a percolation test measures the
ability of the soil to absorb liquid. Septic system designers use the
results of percolation tests to properly construct septic systems. In
The percolation tests are designed to simulate conditions in a septic
system. Most septic fields consist of a series of trenches about two
feet deep. Therefore, the percolation test holes are dug to a depth of
two feet. In addition, since the soil in a typical septic field is wet
all the time, it is necessary to duplicate that condition by prolonged
soaking of the test holes. This process is called the "presoak".
Approved persons conduct the perc test following established procedures and submit the results to the Health Department. The Health Department uses perc test results in combination with the results from the soil profile to design a septic system that will function properly in the soils on your site.
- A percolation test must be completed if the
soils in the area of the proposed system are of the following types:
- Soils finer than silt loam
- Soils coarser than medium sand, unless a
sand-lined, pressure distribution system is to be installed
- Compacted silt loam
- If a potential impervious layer is present
less than six feet below ground level.
- Soils finer than silt loam
- Three percolation tests shall be conducted,
when required, in accordance with DEQ 4, Appendix A on absorption
system sites. Test holes shall be evenly spaced throughout the area
of the proposed absorption site.
- Percolation tests must be conducted by
persons approved by the Department.
Generally, persons approved by the department will be the following:
- Surveyors
- Land use consultants
- Soil Site Evaluators
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