By Matt Leingang
Enquirer staff writer

PUBLIC DISCUSSION

What: Hamilton County Board of Health public meeting to discuss changes to the county's sewer code. When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Where: Hamilton County General Health District offices, 250 William Howard Taft Road, Corryville

Proposed changes to Hamilton County's sewer code may require future homeowners to take better care of their private septic systems.

The revisions would primarily affect people who buy homes in yet-to-be developed subdivisions without access to public sewer lines.

Most of the undeveloped land in Hamilton County is on the West Side, particularly in Whitewater, Crosby and Harrison townships.

Under the proposal, new septic systems would have to be maintained by a county-approved private contractor twice a year, costing a homeowner $75 to $200 annually.

A septic system can last 10 to 30 years, depending on how well it's maintained, said county Health Commissioner Tim Ingram.

"We're doing this to avoid future problems and to prevent the risk of disease associated with failing septic tanks," Ingram said.

If approved by the county Board of Health, the regulations could go into effect as early as January.

The proposed changes would not affect the 19,000 county residents with existing septic systems, Ingram said. These homeowners pay $35 a year for visual inspections by county health officials. If malfunctions are spotted, homeowners must a call a service contractor.

"In a way, what we want to do with future systems is privatize their inspection and maintenance," Ingram said.

E-mail mleingang@enquirer.com