Division of Water Quality
Mail Code 401-02B
P.O. Box 420
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0420
(609) 633-7021
The Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Water Quality, in conjunction with the New Jersey REALTORS^®, is providing this Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Inspector Voluntary Registry for the real estate industry, home owners, home sellers and prospective home buyers. The registry provides information regarding professional septic system inspectors that have self-certified that they will adhere to State regulations when conducting a septic system inspection as part of a real property transfer.

New Jersey regulations at N.J.A.C. 7:9A-12.6 govern the protocol by which all onsite wastewater treatment system (commonly referred to as "septics") inspections must be conducted when a real property transfer may occur. However, there are no laws or rules that specifically regulate the septic system inspector, nor is there any mandate that all septic systems be inspected as part of a real property transfer. Home buyers must understand that, when purchasing property served by a septic system, they are solely responsible for their sewage utility. As such, it is in the home buyer's best interest to hire an inspector that can both evaluate the system following the State protocol, and ensure the system is functioning in an appropriate manner. The Department recommends that the person hiring the inspector to get a contract in writing that documents that the inspector will be using the State protocol. Inspections conducted by a professional septic system inspector following the protocol can be used by the potential home buyer in making an informed decision regarding the real property transfer. Additionally, any institution involved in financing the real property transfer may want an inspection conducted in accordance with State rules in order to protect their financial interests.

The Voluntary Registry is for informational purposes only, and is not an endorsement by the Department. The Department does not verify this information, nor does it track changes to the information. Credential information on the list is provided by the inspector at the time of registration.

Prior to hiring an inspector, the consumer should verify the current status of any license or certification obtained by the inspector, and should ensure that the inspector is adequately insured and bonded. Other items that one may consider when hiring a professional for this inspection include the number of years the inspector has been in practice; the number of inspections conducted; and other information regarding training and/or education they have received.

It is advised that those hiring septic inspectors use additional means to research professionals prior to entering into a contract for services. For example, the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety's Division of Consumer Affairs, Office of Consumer Protection and the Better Business Bureau are good resources for information that may be consulted before hiring a professional.

Should an inspector listed on the registry fail to perform a septic inspection in accordance with New Jersey rules at N.J.A.C. 7:9A, a complaint form is available on the next page. Please note that use of the complaint form is limited to issues associated with inspection procedures specified in the rule, and is NOT to be used for issues regarding fees, subjective conclusions, or other interpretations of the rules. Inspections not conducted in accordance with the protocol may result in those individuals being removed from the registry listing, either temporarily or permanently. Any other issues, such as personal damages, may be addressed through a court of competent jurisdiction.

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