Septic System Resources

Screenshot of Town Of Charlestown Rhode Island's Onsite Wastewater Management Site

Town of Charlestown Office of Wastewater Management

Charlestown residents can find information about local maintenance requirements, including routine septic inspection. Residents seeking to replace their septic system should contact staff to discuss potential funding avenues, including a low interest loan program. Various publications, reports and resources are available for review.



visit the Charlestown Office of Wastewater management
Screenshot of the URI Onsite Wastewater Resource Center Website

URI Onsite Wastewater Resource Center

Visit URI’s Onsite Wastewater Resource Center for information and factsheets related to septic systems in Rhode Island, including system function and maintenance needs for both conventional and advanced onsite treatment systems.

VISIT The office of wastewater resources
Sceenshot of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SepticSmart Website

US EPA SepticSmart Program

This national initiative encourages proper septic system care and maintenance by sharing online tips and best practices with homeowners. Extensive educational materials include printables to remind family, friends and renters of how to take care of their septic system.

Browse EPA SEpticSmart
Screenshot of RI Department of Environmental Management's Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Website

RIDEM OWTS Program

The RIDEM OWTS Program is responsible for regulating septic systems throughout the state and provides resources for homeowners seeking information about OWTS rules and regulations as well as resources for professionals.

Visit the RIDEM’s site for Septic & Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

RIDEM OWTS Permit Search Tool

The RIDEM Permit Search Tool is available on the RIDEM OWTS Program website to assist homeowners in locating their septic system permit. RIDEM maintains a public database with digitized files dating to 1968.

locate your septic system permit

RIDEM Permit Search Tool Guide

URI’s Onsite Wastewater Resource Center has developed a guidance document to assist homeowner’s in locating their septic system permit in the RIDEM online database.

View the Guide

Community Septic System Loan Program (CSSLP)

Financial assistance may be available to homeowners replacing a cesspool or septic system. The Community Septic System Loan Program provides low interest loans to homeowners through participating municipalities. Visit the CSSLP website for more information about loan eligibility and municipal partnerships.


Visit the CSSLP page from RI Housing
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