The ground in Sedgwick County
Sedgwick County is flat, but its soils aren’t uniform. North and west of Wichita, over the Equus Beds aquifer, the soils run sandy and the groundwater can be shallow; that’s good for draining a field but leaves less soil between the field and the water people drink. South and east, the uplands carry more clay and take water slowly.
Sedgwick County recognizes three kinds of onsite systems: septic systems, lagoons and advanced or alternative systems. Soil tests, soil surveys and groundwater depth decide which one a lot gets, and on sensitive ground the county can require advanced treatment.
Permits and rules
MABCD issues onsite wastewater permits for unincorporated Sedgwick County. A septic field needs a passing percolation rate of 0 to 60 minutes per inch; slower soils (60-plus) are lagoon soils, and a lagoon needs at least five acres. Only a licensed wastewater installer can pull the permit, and new construction needs the wastewater permit before MABCD issues a building permit. MABCD: (316) 660-1840.
Calls we get from Sedgwick County
- Pump-outs on acreages
- Lagoon tanks that have never been pumped
- Replacement tanks and lateral fields
- Advanced systems that need their tank pumped
Sedgwick County septic questions
Questions from Sedgwick County.
Will my Sedgwick County lot get a septic field or a lagoon?
The soil decides. Sedgwick County requires a percolation rate of 0 to 60 minutes per inch for a septic system. Slower soil (60-plus minutes) is lagoon soil, and a lagoon needs a lot of at least five acres. Smaller lots with lagoon soils need a septic or alternative system.
Can I pull my own septic permit in Sedgwick County?
No. Sedgwick County says homeowners may not pull a wastewater permit; a licensed wastewater installer must, and all systems must be installed by one.
Does Sedgwick County require a septic inspection to sell a house?
We haven’t found a county rule that requires one at sale. Lenders, buyers and some loan programs often ask for a pump-out and inspection anyway, so check with your agent, your lender and MABCD before closing.
What upkeep does a Sedgwick County lagoon need?
MABCD’s guidance: keep the grass on the berm under 6 inches, keep at least 3 feet of water in the lagoon and 18 inches above the sludge, remove trees within 50 feet, keep it free of rooted and floating plants, and keep the fence in good repair.
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