Thinking of buying land, subdividing land, or building a dwelling next year? Get a percolation test (typically called a “perc test’ or “perk test”).
Perc tests are required to receive a development permit from Three Rivers for new dwellings or the creation of new lots.
Traditional septic systems only work if the soil in the leach field area is sufficiently permeable that it can readily absorb the liquid effluent flowing into it. Otherwise, untreated effluent may back up and pool on the ground surface.
Less commonly, a site can fail because the soil is too permeable, allowing the effluent to reach the groundwater before it is fully treated. Very steep slopes are also unsuitable for a conventional leach field.
Any of these characteristics can prohibit the use of a standard gravity-fed septic system. In some cases, a more expensive alternative septic system may be allowed. To determine if a building site is suitable for a septic system, a perc test is required. For new subdivisions, a perc test is required to determine the lot categorization, which determines the size of your lots.
Perc tests will hold up your development permits if they are not completed. Perc tests can be difficult to complete in the rainy/winter months and may result in a failed test.
Note: Properties with access to municipal sewer don’t require a perc test.
