CountyEnvironmentCounty Environmental Quality Office
Serving 500,000+ residents
Your Water.Your Air.Your Land.
The county office that monitors air particulate counts, inspects septic systems, and issues well permits — so half a million residents can breathe, drink, and build without poisoning the watershed.
FY 2025 Annual Report
well permits reviewed last year
98.7%
Safe water compliance
2,100
Septic inspections
14
Air monitoring stations
<24h
Avg complaint response
(555) 274-3100
Main office
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
Walk-in hours
active air monitoring
stations across the county
Measuring PM2.5, ozone, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide in real time — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
PM2.5
Particulate matter
O₃
Ozone levels
CO
Carbon monoxide
What we monitor — and why it matters to you
Wildfire smoke, traffic exhaust, and industrial emissions can push particulate counts into ranges that harm children, seniors, and anyone with respiratory conditions. Our station network triggers public health advisories within 15 minutes of threshold breaches, giving you time to keep windows closed and reschedule outdoor activities.
Today's County AQI
42 — Good
Your tap water didn't pass itself
Every private well in the county requires a permit before drilling, a water quality test before first use, and periodic bacteriological sampling thereafter. Our lab processes results within 5 business days. If your water turned brown, there's a sampling kit with your name on it — no appointment needed.
How to get a well permit
Submit application with site plan and parcel ID
Staff reviews setbacks from septic and property lines
Permit issued — average 8 business days
Driller completes work; submit well completion report
Water sample collected; results mailed to owner
safe drinking water compliance
across all tested private wells
Of 4,312 wells tested last year, 4,258 met all federal and state safe drinking water standards on first sample. Failing wells received a remediation order within 48 hours.
11,400
Permits reviewed
5 days
Avg lab turnaround
48 hrs
Remediation notice
4,312
Wells tested FY25
septic inspections completed
in the last fiscal year
New construction, property transfers, and routine compliance checks — our inspectors visit every system that could affect groundwater and neighboring wells.
Failed perc test? Your contractor is waiting. Here's what happens next.
A failed percolation test doesn't end your project — it redirects it. Our staff will review your site for alternative system eligibility: mound systems, drip irrigation systems, or cluster connections. Call the on-site wastewater line before you reschedule the contractor.
Selling your property?
Most lenders require a septic inspection within 90 days of closing. Schedule at least 3 weeks in advance — we're currently booking 12–14 business days out.
Common citations — and how to clear them
Grease trap overflow (restaurants)
Pump within 5 days, submit manifest to office
Setback violation (new construction)
Variance application + site re-evaluation
System age >30 years with no record
As-built survey required before transfer
Find Your Permit or Form
Every form, application, and resource the county office issues — filtered by program area. No account required. No jargon.
Well Permit Application
Required before drilling any new private well. Include parcel ID and site plan.
Water Quality Sampling Request
Request a bacteriological or chemical analysis kit for existing wells.
Septic Permit Application
New installations, replacements, and major repairs to on-site systems.
Perc Test Scheduling Form
Schedule a percolation test for new construction on unserved lots.
Transfer-of-Title Inspection Request
Required by most lenders within 90 days of property closing.
Grease Trap Manifest Submission
Food service establishments: submit pump-out records to clear citations.
Air Quality Complaint Form
Report odors, visible emissions, or unusual air quality events.
AQI Alert Subscription
Receive text or email alerts when county AQI exceeds health thresholds.
Land Use Clearance Application
Environmental review required before subdivision or rezoning approval.
Illegal Dumping Report
Report unauthorized waste disposal on public or private land.
Not sure which form you need? Call our permit help desk — we'll identify the right form in under 3 minutes.