During an initial inspection, what is an REHS looking for?

• A. Location of disposal area
• B. Location of wells
• C. Location of anything that may impact system (limiting zones), or anything the system could impact (streams, neighbors)
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

A thorough site evaluation for an onsite wastewater system begins with identifying factors that influence safe design and operation. During an initial inspection, an REHS checks where the disposal area will be located, where wells are or will be located, and any features that could affect the system or could be affected by it—such as limiting zones in soil or groundwater, slopes, proximity to streams or neighbors, and property boundaries. This broad look lets you protect drinking water, surface water, and public health by choosing a site and design that meets setbacks and avoids contamination pathways. Because all these elements matter, the best choice is to consider disposal area, wells, and potential impacts together rather than in isolation.