Are other types of buildings allowed to be connected to a septic system?
Are other types of buildings allowed to be connected to a septic system?
Within the aquifer (as defined by the GPZ), the only building types that may be served with a septic system are single family dwellings and duplexes, based on the combined requirements of the Guam Water Quality Standards (22 GAR Chapter 5) and the Individual Wastewater Disposal System Regulations (22 Gar Chapter 12).
Outside the aquifer, other building types may be served with septic systems, but in no case may anything other than “domestic wastewater” be disposed of on-site. Domestic wastewater refers to wastes coming only domestic-type sources such as toilets and sinks. Guam’s Water Quality Standards effectively prevent the disposal of wastewaters generated by industrial or other commercial uses, all of which could reasonably be expected to exceed groundwater quality criteria for land disposal, which are based on drinking water standards, even outside the aquifer.
In addition, the Guam Regulations provide design criteria only for septic tanks associated with single family dwellings, duplexes, and apartments up to a maximum of four units. The design of onsite wastewater disposal systems any other type of building must be based on engineering methods approved by GEPA on a case-by-case basis, and effluent from such systems must meet Guam Water Quality Standards criteria.
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Waste System Permit Application Update
Notice to the Public: Pursuant to Public Law 37-105, GEPA’s interim authority to issue construction and operating permits for Type 4 facilities and holding tanks expired on July 31, 2025. GEPA is unable to proceed with the review or approval of Waste Disposal System permit applications until regulations have been adopted.
UPDATED AS OF JULY 18, 2024: Requirements for Septic Systems
Please be advised that the Toilet Facilities and Sewage Disposal Chapter codified in 10 GCA Chapter 48 has been amended through the enactment of Guam Public Law 37-105.
On July 18, 2024, Bill 175-37(COR) as substituted and amended on the floor was signed into law as Guam Public Law 37-105 and is effective upon enactment. As a result of this enactment, certain conditional environmental clearances issued by the Guam Environmental Protection Agency for building permits issued by the Department of Public Works have changed and will now be performed in accordance to this new law and its amended provisions.
Permitting Tips Presentations: Contractors, Home Builders and Property Buyers
In case you missed our Construction & Industry Forum on March 29, 2023, you can click on the links below to access presentations about Guam EPA’s construction permitting process:
In Guam, the use of onsite wastewater disposal systems commonly referred to as ”septic systems,” is regulated through a number of laws and regulations. These laws and regulations cover specific requirements for the permitting, design and construction of septic systems in Guam. Guam EPA has developed this FAQ to help you understand the application of various requirements to the design, permitting, and construction of a septic system for a single family dwelling.
Guam Business License & Permit Center Window Hours
Guam Business License and Permit Center Agency Window Hours:
