Clermont County Public Health can take action on two types of drainage complaints: if pooled water has impacted a septic system or if stagnant water has become a breeding site for mosquitoes.
Public Health does not regulate stormwater runoff, discharge from swimming pools, or discharge from sump pumps.
Pooled water that covers a leach field or a portion of it can severely reduce the capacity of the system to absorb wastewater. Likewise, pooled water covering the discharge pipe could cause a system malfunction or cause sewage to back up into a house.
If a drainage way is blocked and affects a household septic system, Public Health can order the property owner to unblock the drainage way or provide an alternative way for the water to drain.
Standing water that provides a breeding site for mosquitoes can be a valid complaint. It takes approximately 10 days for mosquito eggs to hatch. Therefore, standing water may not be considered a health nuisance until it has pooled for at least 10 days. The health inspector must observe mosquito larvae before we can take action.
If mosquito larvae are found, the property owner must treat or eliminate the standing water, regardless of the source of the water. Clermont County Public Health cannot order someone other than the property owner to treat or eliminate standing water on the property.
Standing water can be treated with a mosquito larvicide. Mosquito dunks are a home version of this larvicide that you can purchase at hardware or garden stores. These dunks are non-toxic to humans but contain bacteria lethal to mosquitoes and black fly larvae. One cake will treat up to 100 square feet of surface area and last up to 30 days if a rainstorm doesn’t wash it out.
If pooled water is present in a drainage ditch on a county road, the Clermont County Engineer may be able to clear the ditch. If there is a problem with a drainage ditch on a township road, contact your local township.
