Percolation Testing & Septic System Design in Reno, Carson City, and Northern Nevada
Planning a residential or commercial septic system in Reno, Carson City, Sparks, Washoe County, Storey County, Lyon County, and surrounding Northern Nevada requires a clear understanding of both Nevada state regulations and local health authority requirements. Proper percolation testing, septic sizing, and septic design ensure your system meets legal standards, protects groundwater, and operates efficiently for years to come.
Whether you’re building a new home in Reno, expanding a business in Carson City, or developing property in Storey County, understanding these requirements from the start avoids costly redesigns and delays.
Nevada Septic System Requirements
Nevada regulates all onsite sewage disposal systems (OSDS) under NAC Chapters 444 and 445A, which set standards for system siting, construction, and dispersal. Key points for Northern Nevada include:
Residential systems: Typically do not require a licensed professional for design, as long as state and local guidance is followed.
Commercial systems: Must be designed and stamped by a Nevada-licensed professional engineer, particularly for businesses, multi-unit buildings, or projects with higher wastewater flows.
All systems must protect groundwater and surface water from contamination.
Cesspools are prohibited; all effluent must be treated and dispersed through an approved system.
These rules apply throughout Washoe County, Carson City, Lyon County, and Storey County, including Reno and Sparks, as well as other Northern Nevada communities.
Percolation Testing and Soil Evaluation
Percolation testing measures how quickly water moves through soil and helps determine the proper septic sizing and system layout. In Northern Nevada, soil types vary from fast-draining desert soils to shallow alluvium, making testing or detailed soil evaluation critical.
Percolation testing identifies:
Soil absorption rates for leach field design
Limiting layers such as clay, rock, or shallow groundwater
Areas requiring alternative treatment or advanced systems
For residential properties in Reno, Carson City, or Sparks, homeowners may conduct evaluations under local health authority guidance. For commercial projects, testing must be reviewed or performed by a licensed engineer to meet NAC and local health district standards.
Septic System Sizing & Design
Once soil conditions are known, septic sizing and design ensure your system is compliant and effective:
Residential systems: Tank size and leach field layout are based on bedrooms, anticipated water use, and soil percolation. Homeowners can typically design systems following Nevada guidance.
Commercial systems: Must be engineered by a licensed professional, with full plans submitted to NDEP or local authorities for approval.
Key design considerations for both residential and commercial projects:
Vertical separation from groundwater and restrictive layers
Setbacks from wells, property lines, and structures
Leach field area sized based on soil type and percolation rate
Alternative or advanced treatment systems when soil is restrictive
Local Considerations Across Northern Nevada
Washoe County (Reno, Sparks): Residential systems may be approved by the Washoe County Health District; commercial systems require professional engineering and NDEP review.
Carson City: Similar rules apply; commercial designs must be engineered.
Storey & Lyon Counties: Local health authorities oversee residential permits; commercial systems require licensed engineer design.
Northern Nevada’s diverse terrain and soil types make proper evaluation, percolation testing, and accurate septic sizing essential for reliable operation.
Why STL Is the Northern Nevada Septic Solution
At Soil Tests Laboratory, we provide complete septic solutions throughout Reno, Carson City, Sparks, Washoe County, Storey County, Lyon County, and the broader Northern Nevada region. Our services include:
Percolation testing and soil evaluation for residential and commercial properties
Residential septic system guidance and design support
Full commercial septic design with licensed engineers
Septic sizing and permitting assistance with local health authorities
From Reno homes to Carson City businesses, STL manages your project from evaluation through final design, ensuring compliance with Nevada laws, county requirements, and your property’s unique conditions. With our team on your side, you can move forward confidently knowing your septic system is built to last.
Contact us for a price at: Info@soiltestslab.com or call (951) 345-3509
