Sewer and Septic Info and Resources

The PUD manages and maintains several community drain fields and Large Onsite Septic Systems (LOSS) in East Jefferson County. The PUD regularly monitors its systems to meet or exceed all local and state public health rules. Some of the septic systems and drainfields the PUD manages and maintains include:

List of PUD Community Drain Fields/Septic Service

Jefferson County Permitted Systems

Portage Canal (Port Hadlock)
Rockard (Gardiner)
Quilcene (Port of Port Townsend)
Kala Point (multiple)
Mas View Terrace (Port Ludlow)
Levine (Gardiner)
House & Roose (Shine)
Squamish View (Shine)
Schoenfeld’s (Bridgehaven)

DOH – Large On-Site Septic Systems (LOSS)

Discovery Ridge (Port Townsend)
Ocean Grove (Port Townsend
Beckett Point (Port Townsend)
South Point – Trails End ( Bridgehaven)
Senior Seven (Port Hadlock)

Jefferson County & Jefferson PUD

Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area (PHUGA) Sewer System (Port Hadlock)

Jefferson PUD operates, maintains, and provides billing support through an interlocal agreement with Jefferson County for the Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area (PHUGA) Sewer System. Officially online in September 2025, with the connection of 33 customers.

Developing new wastewater systems—from concept to completion—is a major undertaking. In the case of the Port Hadlock system, planning discussions have spanned decades. By combining multiple funding sources—including the American Rescue Plan Act, Washington State legislative appropriations, and support from the Department of Ecology—the project secured approximately $35.6 million to move forward.

For PHUGA Sewer System capital project funding, cost, and project timelines, please visit the Jefferson County Port Hadlock Sewer website at HERE.

Port Hadlock Wastewater System FAQ

How do I find out if I am eligible for sewer connection?
- Please contact the Jefferson County sewer team at: porthadlocksewer@co.jefferson.wa.us
How much will be added to my bill?
- - Monthly Charge: $80 for a single-family residence
  - Billing: Appears as “Sewer Charge” on your PUD statement alongside power/water bills
  - Discounts: Income-qualified customers may receive assistance. Please visit jeffpud.org/assistance to learn more.
Will the treatment plant smell bad?
- No. A well-managed wastewater facility smells earthy, similar to potting soil, and odors are only noticeable close to treatment equipment.
  - Incoming odors are neutralized by a biofilter with algae that “eat” odor particles.
  - Surrounding areas should have minimal to no noticeable odor.
What actually is wastewater?
- Over 99.7% is clean water! The rest contains dissolved or suspended materials such as:
  - Dirt from handwashing
  - Food particles from rinsing dishes
  - Laundry detergent
  - Human waste
  It’s important to remember that all wastewater is treated equally and thoroughly.
How is wastewater treated?
- 1. Grit Removal: Air is bubbled into incoming water to settle dirt, sand, and grit.
  2. Biological Treatment: Microscopic organisms (“activated sludge”) break down organic material and convert smelly gases into harmless nitrogen and oxygen.
  3. Separation: Organisms are separated and reused; clear water (effluent) is ready for final treatment.
What happens to the treated water (effluent)?
- - Disinfected with UV light until it meets drinking water standards.
  - Pumped into an infiltration basin for further natural filtration.
  - Slowly replenishes the aquifer.
What about the bugs?
- - The microorganisms reproduce constantly and are reused in treatment.
  - Surplus “sludge” is removed daily and processed further.
  - Eventually repurposed as fertilizer or compost.

Find a Septic Permit or Inspection

Due to the number of requests we receive regarding septic permits and inspections, we have provided a primer below on how septic records can be accessed through the county website or via a short-cuts listed at the bottom of this page. Jefferson county septic permits can be found at www.co.jefferson.wa.us using the link to their Property Tax Parcel Search Tool below.

At the Parcel Search Tool web page enter either your Parcel Number or House Number AND Street Name or Street Name. Do not use dr, ln, rd, etc.
Click on the parcel number corresponding to the street address.
At the bottom left you will see “Permit Data” and “Septic Monitoring Info”

Jeff Co Parcel Search

For septic permit and older style inspections click on permit data. Find the septic permit number. Example (sep 00-0000} The first 2 numbers represent the year it was permitted. The second numbers represent the permit number for that year

For septic permit and older style inspections click on “Permit Data”. Find the septic permit number. Example (sep 00-0000} The first 2 numbers represent the year it was permitted. The second numbers represent the permit number for that year. Click on the bottom sep#. It should link you to laserfiche showing you the septic permit, design, asbuilt drawings and old style inspections.

Clickable Links:
Jefferson County Website
Jefferson County Parcel Search Tool
OnlineRME (Septic Inspection Search)

For more information regarding wastewater services, contact our Wastewater Team HERE