FAQs

The OTWMD is a government entity responsible for the septic systems within 1000 feet of Ottertail, Blanche, Deer, Round, Walker, Pelican Bay and the south half of Long lake. Also, a part of the Ottertail River North. (Link to the history of the Otter Tail Water Management District History)

The OTWMD is managed by an administrator to run the day to day operations. The administrator reports to a Board of Commissioners made up of members that live within the district boundaries. Meetings are the second Wednesday of each month at 4:00 P.M. at the Ottertail City Fire Hall. The public is welcome to attend […]

Call the OTWMD phone number, 218-548-7400. There is someone on call everyday between the hours of 7:30 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. They will assist in any service calls.

Starting in 2020 the user fees for the OTWMD will be on the property taxes for each property in the district. They will be paid along with the property taxes and the OTWMD will collect their fees from Otter Tail County. 

The OTWMD jurisdiction starts at the inlet of the tank. The homeowner is responsible for the sewer line from the tank to the house. This would include the homeowner being responsible for freeze-ups in the sewer line or clogs in the sewer line between the house and tank. 

Once a property is on active maintenance it will stay on active maintenance. This way the OTWMD knows what has happened with that system and any and all repairs/pumping are documented with the district office.  Passive maintenance properties trying to go onto active maintenance must update their septic system. All new systems installed automatically go […]

Active Maintenance are properties that the OTWMD is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep on the septic system. The OTWMD is responsible for the pumping, pump replacement and replacement of the system when it fails. This does not include adding on for bedroom additions or replacement of broken systems due to homeowner negligence.  Passive Maintenance […]