New Property Owners

The Otter Tail Water Management District is a Governmental subdivision who has jurisdiction over all on-site septic systems around and within 1000 feet of these lakes; Blanche, Deer, Long, Otter Tail, Round, Walker, and part of Otter Tail River North.  The Otter Tail County Commissioners formed this governmental body in 1981. In 1984 the Otter Tail Water Management District received a grant from the MPCA and EPA to begin a construction and inspection project. The project targeted failing on-site septic system for upgrades, repairs and inspections.  When the project was completed in 1985 the District became responsible for overseeing the continued upkeep and monitoring of the septic systems within its jurisdiction. There are seven people who form the Otter Tail Water Management District Board of Commissioners. These members are property owners within the district and are appointed by the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners. The District Board meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Ottertail City Fire Hall at 4:00 PM.

The Otter Tail Water Management District enforces the Minnesota state codes relevant to on-site septic systems.  It is required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to keep and file periodic reports on operations and maintenance of all septic systems within its boundaries.  The District has a ground water monitoring program in place. There are over 110 monitor wells located throughout the district. These wells along with some private wells are periodically tested for water quality.  The District is required to inspect all systems on a rotating schedule to ensure they are operating properly. This is done with on-site inspections. Septic tanks are checked for scum and sludge levels and a visual inspection is made of the system to make sure it is not failing or has been illegally modified.  If a tank needs pumping the owner is notified. If the system is failing it is required to be upgraded. The District must inspect all new systems that are being installed and inspect old systems when repairs and upgrades are needed. The District must also locate the components of a septic system when a property owner or utility wants to do any trenching or excavating.  These locates are required by Minnesota law and is implemented by the Gopher One call system. This is a very time consuming and expensive task. The law does not allow the District to recover those expenses from the utilities or property owners.

Depending on the type of system on your property you may have a septic tank and pump station on your property.  The control panel you may see in your yard is for the operation of the pump station. The effluent from the septic tank is pumped to your on-site drain field. Do not plant trees, shrubs or a garden over the drain field, septic tank or lift station. Over watering the grass and excess water usage in your home will cause your drain field to prematurely fail.