Wells and septic systems on rural Lewis County property

Outside towns like Monticello, Canton, and La Grange, many Lewis County homes are not on city water or sewer. Instead, they use a private well for drinking water. They also use an on-site septic system, which is a tank and pipes that handle the home’s wastewater. A well and septic system are the owner’s job, not a utility’s. In Missouri, septic systems are part of a program run by the Department of Natural Resources. Often a local health office helps with septic permits and inspections too. Ask which office handles septic permits in this county. No utility tests a private well, so the owner must test the water from time to time. The Department of Health and Senior Services has tips on private-well water. Before you buy rural land, the age and condition of the well and septic are worth checking. Ask what a new or replacement system would need. The local permitting office is worth confirming before you trust a general rule.