The Department of Heath (DOH) launched an innovative reporting ArcGIS dashboard to improve oversight of on-site septic systems (OSS) in the Puget Sound region. These systems are essential for managing wastewater in areas not connected to public sewers. They serve single households, small communities, and small commercial establishments and are overseen by local health jurisdictions (LHJ). With public health and environmental safety as priorities, the dashboard (Fig. 1) enables data-driven decision-making and progress-tracking for septic system management.
Prior to the dashboard’s release, LHJs emailed their performance information through email where it had to be manually tracked and consolidated. Now LHJs enter their information directly in a webform (built in ArcGIS Survey123) and the data is immediately available and summarized on the dashboard. Once the form is submitted, DOH’s program staff and LHJs also receive a notification and summary email automatically set up through a Power Automate Flow.
Collaboration Across Agencies
The Puget Sound Partnership, under the National Estuary Program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), uses the indictors highlighted on the new dashboard to assist in the development of its strategic Action Agenda for 2026-2030. The partnership consists of 12 LHJs (Fig. 2), who create local management plans that include septic system inventories, maintenance programs, and homeowner education. As shown in the dashboard, these LHJs report semi-annually to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Safeguarding Water Resources
The primary goal of local management plans is to protect groundwater and surface water from contamination by pathogens such as E. coli. Issues such as cracked tanks and failed drain fields can threaten public health, particularly in Marine Recovery Areas and other sensitive areas.
A Tool for Change
Launched in January 2025, the ArcGIS dashboard helps LHJs measure progress, compare performance across counties, and may help secure funding. Larger counties use the dashboard to highlight success stories, while smaller counties can use it as a benchmark to advocate for resources.
By maintaining up-to-date, accurate data, Washington is ensuring accountability in septic management while empowering partners —from local agencies to residents—to safeguard the region's precious water resources.
Contact Heather Watts-Goodfellow if you have questions about the Wastewater Management program or the On-Site Septic dashboard.