If you accidentally dial 9-1-1 PLEASE DO NOT HANG UP.  All you need to do is explain that you have dialed the wrong number.  The Telecommunicator will confirm with you by asking a few questions, to ensure you are safe and that there is no problem.  If you do hang up without talking to a Telecommunicator the following will occur:

• The Telecommunicator will try to re-contact you.
• If the Telecommunicator is unable to re-establish contact, law enforcement will be dispatched to respond.  It is our policy to send police officers when a 9-1-1 caller hangs up, and cannot re-contact the caller.

The following forms are available online or at your local Clerk of Courts office, where they need to be filed:

• Motion to Change Placement, Custody and Support: $50 filing fee o Form FA-4170 and Order for Mediation Form 
• Motion to Change ONLY Support or Maintenance: $30 filing fee  Form FA-4170

If you request a modification in response to the 33-month review notice, the process starts when you make the review request and return the required questionnaire. The child support agency conducts reviews using all available sources, including information from the parties and information the child support agency gathered.  If the review shows no adjustment to the order, notice is sent to the parties.

If a change appears to be warranted, local agencies may have slightly varying approaches.  The agency will either file the motion or follow a pro se approach and instruct the parties on how to prepare the Motion for Modification.  Some agencies will attempt to have the parties sign a Stipulation.  If there is no agreement, the matter will need proceed to hearing.  The length of time varies depending on the circumstances of the case.

Generally, no.  The Bureau of Child Support has issued a policy that incarceration of at least 12 months is considered a "substantial change of circumstances" which allows the local child support agency to bring a motion for modification before the Circuit Court (unless the incarceration resulted from a crime against any child, a crime against a case participant, or is for failure to pay child support.)  A written request needs to be made to your local child support agency.  

Review Request by Incarcerated

Once the motion is filed, the Circuit Court has the discretion to modify the order or not, and incarceration is just one of the factors the Court should consider.  Additionally, release from incarceration is only to be a substantial change if the order was modified due to incarceration.  Some Courts order child support to be reinstated after a period of incarceration ceases, such as 60 days after release.

Your Guide to Changing & Ending Child Support

If you are receiving public assistance such as TANF benefits including W-2 or Care Taker Supplement or Child Care Assistance, the Agency is required to seek a child support obligation to offset the cost of the taxpayers for the public assistance.  If you are receiving medical assistance such as Badgercare, then you have the ability to complete a notarized statement for the Agency indicating that you don't want child support.  The Agency would not pursue a child support obligation but would still need to purse a court order for health insurance coverage.  If you fear that the other parent may harm you or the child, you may file a Good Cause Claim with the Economic Support Division of the county.  If the claim is approved, the Child Support Agency would not pursue an order.

The Economic Support Division of the county who handles public assistance may not be aware that you are residing together.  When a public assistance case is opened and it is determined that one of the parents is absent from the home, there is an automatic referral to the Child Support Agency to pursue a child support obligation.  This is necessary to offset the cost of assistance supported by the taxpayers of the State of Wisconsin.   The Child Support Agency will continue to pursue an obligation for child support until it is reported to Economic Support that you reside together.

OR

The Agency may be involved in instances where the parties reside together if medical assistance paid for the cost of the child's birth.  The Agency is responsible for determining the amount to be repaid and obtaining a court order for repayment of these expenses.

OR

Paternity has not yet been established for the child.  The Child Support Agency is responsible for ensuring that every child receiving public assistance has a father named on his/her birth certificate.

 In order to qualify as a shared placement payer, a paying parent needs to have the child placed in their home at least 15% of the time or 92 overnights annually.  There is a formula that is utilized based on the incomes of the parties, the number of children, and the number of overnights.  You may access the shared placement calculator to calculate your payments.   CHILD SUPPORT CALCULATOR

Your  current order for support will continue until the Court order is modified.  If you and the other parent agree, you can contact the child support agency for an appointment to complete a Stipulation and Order changing placement to file with the Court.    If this is not an agreed upon arrangement you will need to file your own motion before the Court.  (See:  HOW DO I FILE MY OWN MOTION WITH THE COURT?)

No.  Wisconsin family law draws a very definite line between the issues of physical placement and child support.   If you are being denied visitation rights, contact the Family Court Commissioner's Office.   It is important to remember that the Wisconsin Child Support program and its representatives have NO authority to create, change or enforce custody and physical placement provisions.  Even though we can sympathize with your situation we cannot give you legal advice.  No parent can deny court ordered visitations because the other parent is not making court ordered support payments.

No.  Wisconsin family law draws a very definite line between the issues of physical placement and child support.  No parent can withhold court ordered support because they are denied court ordered periods of visitation.    If you are being denied visitation rights, contact the Family Court Commissioner's Office.   It is important to remember that the Wisconsin Child Support program and its representatives have NO authority to create, change or enforce custody and physical placement provisions.  Even though we can sympathize with your situation we cannot give you legal advice.

Child support sends the names of parents who owe past-due support to both the IRS and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. If the IRS and state Department of Revenue process your returns at the same time, both agencies might intercept your refunds. If just one of your refunds pays the entire amount owed, your other refund is immediately returned to you. On the other hand, if the first refund did not pay the entire debt, the rest of your debt will be taken from your second refund. When you pay your support in full, the remaining refund is sent to you immediately.

Yes.  If you file a joint return, you may file an Injured Spouse Claim to recoup your spouse's portion of the refund.  The IRS will pro-rate the refund.    Injured Spouse Form

• the Medicaid or Badger Care Plus program paid for your child’s birth costs, and
• the court orders you to pay these costs, and
• your case meets the requirements listed In the "Federal Tax Refunds" and "State Tax Refunds".

Yes, if your case meets the requirements listed on the "Federal Tax Refunds" at: 

CHILD SUPPORT/FEDERAL TAX INTERCEPT ISSUES

 and "State Tax Refunds" at:   CHILD SUPPORT/STATE TAX INTERCEPT ISSUES

The paying parent receives notice from the IRS or Department of Revenue that his/her tax refund has been intercepted.  The state child support system usually receives the tax intercept monies four to six weeks after the paying parent receives the notice.

You are ultimately responsible for making child support payments.   If you notice that the payments are being deducted by your employer, but they are not being credited to your account, you need to keep copies of your pay stubs to prove the deductions were made by your employer.   Your Case Manager may then take action against the employer for failure to send in the payments.

If the amount withheld does not match the amount on your income withholding notice, you should contact your employer. You are responsible for your court-ordered child support, even if your employer fails to withhold child support, withholds the wrong amount, or does not send the support to the Trust Fund. Employers are required to send withheld support to the Trust Fund within five days of the withholding. An employer who withholds support but does not send the money to the Trust Fund can be found in contempt of court. If you get child support services either through an application for services or from a referral from a public aid or benefit program, contact your child support agency if your employer does not send the withheld support to the Trust Fund.

You should check your payment/account information to make sure your payments are sent to the Trust Fund.   

CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENT RECORDS ONLINE

Income withholding is mandatory in Wisconsin because it is convenient to both parents and greatly reduces the possibility of late payments or arrearages.  Generally, only self-employed paying parents do not participate in immediate income withholding, but still are required to make payments through Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund (WI SCTF) as court ordered.

The child support agency realizes that barriers, such as a criminal history, present difficulties in obtaining employment for child support payers.   Resources such as  local employment agencies and a state employment agency may be able to assist you in how to address these types of concerns with potential employers. 

Only the court can make a determination about ending a support obligation due to injury.  The Agency will not bring a motion to end the support, but you have the ability to bring a motion before the court yourself.   (See:  HOW DO I FILE MY OWN MOTION WITH THE COURT?)

During periods of unemployment you will be expected to conduct five (5) job searches per week and turn them into the Agency monthly to show proof that you are trying to seek work.    You also have the option to request a review of your support obligation.  (See:   HOW DO I CHANGE MY COURT ORDER?)

Your child support order is based on DCF 150, the Percentage of Income Standard, and your gross income at the time the order was entered or earning capacity and does not terminate when you are not employed.    However, this may be considered a significant change in circumstances for which you can request a review.  (See:  HOW DO I CHANGE MY CHILD SUPPORT ORDER?)

Child support is not discharged by a bankruptcy action. A child support order will remain in place and any arrears due cannot be expunged or reduced by the bankruptcy action. However, your Child Support Agency's ability to enforce your child support order will be limited by federal and state law. Not all enforcement actions can be utilized or initiated when a the paying parent files a bankruptcy petition. Only certain types of enforcement are permitted without the need to file for relief from stay, such as: income withholding for child support, drivers, occupational, recreational and professional license suspension, tax refund intercept, consumer credit reporting, and enforcement of medical support obligations. Please contact your local child support agency for more information on how bankruptcy may affect your individual case.

No.  The responsibility for supporting  a child rests with the parents of the child.  Under Wisconsin law a stepparent has no legal responsibility to support the children of his/her new spouse.

Most support obligations end at 18 years of age unless the child is pursuing a high school diploma and its equivalent but not later than 19 years old.  The Child Support Agency will request that the payee provide documentation of high school status just before the child's 18th birthday.  Notices are sent to both parents several months prior to the child's 18th birthday.

If a payer has more than one family to support or more than one support related obligation, the payments will be pro-rated across the payer's cases.  Payments are distributed first to families with minor children for current support and additional amounts are distributed to child support arrears or other support-related debts.   Therefore payees may notice a difference in the amount they receive or the timing of these payments.

The money the other parent spends on housing, utilities, and food is money that is shared with your children. If you believe your children are not being adequately fed, clothed, or housed, you should contact the social/human services agency where your children live. Neither the state nor the federal government has jurisdiction (control) over how a parent spends child support payments.

The Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund (WI SCTF) will process the support payments the same day they are received Monday through Saturday.  KIDS will issue payments to be mailed or direct deposited in your bank account on the next working day.

Participants inquiring about payments received by WI SCTF and subsequently disbursed by WI SCTF are to be referred to call the Customer Service line (1-800-991-5530).  Participants may also register for on-line services to monitor payment activity.  You can access your information ANYTIME with an on-line account.  The account displays payments and account balances.  This account also allows payer's to print payment coupons.  Ask the Child Support Agency for more information on setting up an on-line account.

CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENT RECORDS ONLINE

Payment of child support is made to the Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund (WI SCTF), unless your order states otherwise.   Following a hearing the court order is processed and entered into the child support system.  If the payer is employed and employer information was made available to the child support agency an income withholding order is sent to employer.  Depending on payroll cycle, payments can take several weeks to begin.  Do not request other parent to make direct payments to you as this would violate the court order.

The court may order you to repay the birth costs even if you and the mother get married before (or after) your child’s birth.

The child support agency’s lawyer may bring a court action to establish legal fatherhood. However, the child support lawyer does not represent either parent.   If a man is named as a possible father, he might want legal representation. If he is under 18 and named as a possible father, the court will appoint a lawyer for him unless he has his own. If he is 18 or over, he may hire a lawyer.

If a man believes he is the child's father, it is his right and responsibility to establish legal fatherhood. That is true even if the mother or her family does not want him around. His local child support agency may be able to help him with establishing paternity, or he may hire an attorney.

If the man or the mother is not sure, they should NOT sign the Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment form. Once this form is filed, it has the same effect as a court ruling. The man will be considered the legal father, and a court can order the man to pay child support.

If no legal process has been started, the man or the mother should contact the local child support agency and ask for genetic tests. Child support agencies offer genetic testing at a reduced price.

If a legal process has been started, the man and the mother should appear at the hearing at the scheduled time. During the legal process, the child support agency or the court will order genetic tests.

 If a man believes he is the father, what should he do?  Even if the man plans to help his baby and the mother, it is important to legally establish fatherhood. If the mother does not agree, the man can go to court to establish paternity. The man’s local child support agency may be able to help with this. By establishing legal fatherhood, the father’s rights and the child's rights are protected.

A father can build a positive relationship with his child even if he is not in a relationship with the mother. There may be parenting or fatherhood classes and support groups in the area for dads.

Paternity means the establishment of a legal father for a child born to unmarried parents.  It is in the best interest of the child to have paternity established, as this creates the legal relationship between a child and the father.   Paternity establishment gives the child inheritance rights and access to future benefits through the father (such as social security and veteran's benefits).

If a child is born outside of marriage, there is no legal father until paternity is established.  To establish paternity, a State of Wisconsin Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment form can be completed and filed, or paternity can be established through a court action.  The man's name will not be put on the birth certificate until he becomes the legal father.

STATE OF WISCONSIN/PATERNITY

Federal regulations (Deficit Reduction Act of 2005) requires states to collect an annual fee from the court ordered payee in each federal case that has not received TANF cash assistance or AFDC and that has received at least $500.00 in the federal fiscal year.  This fee was effective October 1, 2008, and is deducted from the child support payment once the $500.00 has been collected. 

Past-due or unpaid child support, accumulates as arrears.  Wisconsin Statutes state that a party ordered to pay child support shall pay simple interest per month on any amount in arrears that is equal to or greater than the amount of child support due in one month.  For example, if the current order is for $200.00 per month, and the payer does not pay for 2 months, the total arrears would be $400.00 and interest would be charged each month on the arrears balance.

If your name is placed on the lien docket regarding child support because of payments missed in the amount of $250 or greater, you will be sent a one  time Notice of Lien Docket and Credit Bureau Reporting.  The notice will tell you the amount of the lien on the date that it was placed on the docket.  This notice also describes your rights and procedures for disputing the lien amount.  You may contact your Case Manager in the Child Support Agency  or search the lien website.

LIEN DOCKET

Yes. You are still responsible for supporting your children and making payments as ordered. However, you might want to ask the court to name the grandparents as the ones who get your support payments.

If a child is placed with someone other than a parent or in a place like a group home, both parents are expected to pay child support. Unless your children’s caretakers are getting help from an aid/benefit program, the caretakers would have to apply for services from their local child support agency before getting child support services.

All parents have a duty and obligation to support their children no matter where the children reside.  The law requires that both parents are individually liable for supporting a child placed in substitute care.

The Child Support Agency brought this motion before court because it deems that there has been a willful disregard in following your court order.   The court will determine if there has been a willful disregard and may find you in contempt of court.   Generally the court will assign a number of days of jail time, but stay or suspend that sentence and allow the opportunity to purge yourself of the jail time if you follow the purge conditions.  All the purge conditions will be outlined in an order from the court that you will receive.  The most common purge conditions include:

a.  Pay your support obligation as ordered.

b.  Keep the child support agency informed of any changes in address and/or employment within 72 hours of the change.

c.  Complete five (5) job searches per week  during  periods of unemployment and turn them into the child support agency monthly.

d.  Provide copies of medical documentation or tax returns upon request of the child support agency.

There are many possible steps taken to enforce child support court orders.  The Child Support Agency will first send out two enforcement warning letters.   If there is no response from the payer, your case will be assessed for the next appropriate action.  Before any payer can be arrested he/she must first be either found in contempt of court or unable to be located to be served.  The Child Support Agency cannot just arrest someone without going through due process and obtaining an order of the court.

If you have a warrant for your arrest and you start making child support payments, the warrant will not be vacated automatically.  This is a matter that will need to be ordered by the court.  If you are in this situation you should contact the Child Support Agency immediately to talk with your Case Manager to negotiate an agreement to have the commitment vacated.

When a court rules on a case, the child support agency cannot change the ruling. As with any court decision, you may appeal the decision to a higher court or hire an attorney to appeal. You may ask your caseworker if there are other options you or the agency can use.

Your  current order for support will continue until the Court order is modified.  If you and the other parent agree, you can contact the child support agency for an appointment to complete a Stipulation and Order changing placement to file with the Court.    If this is not an agreed upon arrangement you will need to file your own motion before the Court.  (See:  HOW DO I FILE MY OWN MOTION WITH THE COURT?)

You may hire an attorney, consult with a pro se organization to help you prepare the paperwork or file your own motion with the court.  You may download Wisconsin Circuit Court forms online (select "forms" and from that drop down menu select "Circuit Court", then "family" and "post judgment") for the Notice of Motion and Motion to change:   legal custody, physical placement, child support or spousal maintenance.     Wisconsin Circuit Court Family Law Forms

In order to change an existing order, a new court order must be entered.  The following are a few options:

 a.  If it has been over three years since your order was entered or last reviewed or if there is a significant change in circumstances, you can request that the Child Support Agency review your case to see if it warrants a financial adjustment. 

 A review is a procedure to look at an existing child support order.  The review is done by the county child support agency upon request of either parent.  A review can be requested by any party to the case at any time.  Every three years, the child support agency will notify both parents of their right to ask for a review of their child support order.

 An adjustment will be pursued IF the review shows a substantial change in circumstances (for example, the paying parent's employer closes down, or the paying parent has a new job and is making more money).  The change in the child support amount must be greater than 15% of the current order, or the difference must be more than $50.00 each month, to be deemed substantial by our agency.

 b.  You may file your own motion with the court to modify your court order.  (See:  HOW DO I FILE MY OWN MOTION WITH THE COURT?)

c.  You and the other parent can file a Stipulation and Order agreeing to modify the current child support order.   The Stipulation and Order can be found in the "forms" available online.

Modification information is also available online, including a video, "Changing Your Child Support Order Video".  Also there is a guide available "Your Guide to Changing & Ending Child Support" as well as information on reviewing or modifying an order "Reviewing a Court Order for Change" or "Modifying a Child Support Order."

If you live in Chippewa County, you must complete an application for services and mail it to the Child Support Agency, CHIPPEWA COUNTY COURT HOUSE, 711 N Bridge Street, Room 225, Chippewa Falls, WI   54729.  You may also pick up an application in person at the Child Support Agency or request an application be mailed to you by phoning 715-726-7750.   

APPLICATION FOR CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES

No

Up to the landlord/lease

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources contracts with an independent contractor for removal of deer carcasses on the State & Federal Highway systems.  When Highway Department staff spot a deer carcass on these highways, the independent contractor is notified.  The carcasses are removed and transported by the contractor to an approved disposal site.

For all County Highways, the Chippewa County Highway Department does not remove deer carcasses unless they are a hazard to the traveling public.

In accordance with Section 86.04 of the Wisconsin Statutes, it is the land owner's or occupant's obligation to repair or replace damaged mailboxes.  More information on this can be found on our Mailbox Standards link.

Please follow the below link to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) website:

WisDOT Snowplowing FAQ's 

• http://www.wicourts.gov/services/juror/services.htm

As a juror, you will be performing one of the highest duties in our democratic system.

• You must be a United States citizen
• You must be a Chippewa County Resident
• You must be at least 18 years of age
• You have not been summoned for jury duty for at least 4 years
• You must understand the English language
• If convicted of a felony, your civil rights must be restored

• Notify your employer.  Employers must grant employees a leave of absence for jury service per Wisconsin Statute 756.255
• Call or check the website juror.wicourts.gov the night before the trial you are assigned to.
• Report promptly at the time stated on the message.
• Dress – avoid halter/tank tops, offensive slogans -  no hats
• Bring reading material if you wish.  There is a break between orientation and the trial.
• If you have special dietary needs you may bring your own meal, otherwise lunch will be provided.

• Contact the Jury Clerk as soon as possible
• A letter to the Judge may be necessary
• If it’s a day of trial emergency, call the jury clerk and leave a message with your phone number and name.

• Listen and observe
• Be open-minded
• Don’t discuss the case
• Report problems to the court

• This is rare. Listen to WAXX 104.5 FM or WAYY 790 AM after 7:00 am.
• Only if a trial cancels will we call these two stations and air the cancellation.

• Jurors are paid $12.50 for half day of service/$25.00 for a full day and .51 per mile
• Juror checks are mailed within the first week or two of the following month.

• We will accommodate individuals with qualified disabilities
• Hearing devices are available – just let us know.

Estimate the value of the decedent’s solely-owned assets. There are different types of probate actions and which one you use usually is determined by the value of the estate:

• Transfer by Affidavit Under $50,000 – used for gross estates valued under $50,000;
• Summary Settlement & Summary Assignment– usually these types of probate proceedings will be used for estates valued between $20,000 and $50,000;
• Formal & Informal Administration – usually these proceedings will be used for estates valued at more than $50,000.

1. The Department of Planning & Zoning has determined the failure of the POWTS prior to replacement or rehabilitation.
2. The failed POWTS is not located in an area served by a public sewer system.
3. The failed POWTS was installed prior July 1, 1978, and:
4. Discharges sewage into surface or groundwater.
5. Introduces sewage into zones of saturation which adversely affects the operation of the POWTS
6. Discharges sewage to a drain tile or into zoned of bedrock
7. Discharges sewage to the surface of the ground
8. The failure of the POWTS to accept sewage, which in turn causes sewage to back up into the structure.
9. The POWTS services a principal residence and is occupied at least 51% of the year
   • The family income does not exceed $45,000.
10. The POWTS services a small commercial establishment with a maximum daily waste water flow rate of less than 5,000 gallons per day.
    • The annual gross revenue for the business that owns the small commercial establishment does not exceed $362,500.
11. Per 2017 Wisconsin Act 59, the POWTS Replacement or Rehabilitation Program will be eliminated as of June 30, 2021.

1. It is expected that the Department will find POWTS that are failing, but an absolute number is hard to determine.
2. POWTS that are observed to have sewage on the ground surface will be reported as failing and will most likely need to be replaced.
3. Other counties that have already initiated the program have not found a large problem with failing systems.

1. A late fee of $25 is proposed for failure to submit the required inspection report after a second notice is sent.
2. Citations of up $200 can be issued for not submitting required inspection report.
3. Citations of up to $500 can be issued for pumping sewage to the ground surface.

1. Between the years of 2013-2016, the response rate of the Holding Tank pumping hovered between 22-33%.
2. The response rate for the POWTS (non-holding tank) is estimated to be around 50-60%.
3. The Department would expect the response rate to significantly increase once the program is running efficiently.

1. Economic benefit from regular maintenance by reducing risk of premature failure
2. Regular maintenance will help in real estate transactions
3. Preventing development of health hazards
4. Preventing groundwater, drinking water and surface water contamination    

1. All POWTS, including holding tanks in the County regardless of location. (i.e. Towns and Municipalities)
2. Applies to homeowners, businesses, institutions and non-taxable organizations
3. Privies are excluded from the requirement.

The POWTS Maintenance Program is an “unfunded mandate” from the State of Wisconsin.  Chippewa County, like other counties, was challenged with the question of “How should we fund the program?”  The Department explored three (3) options to fund the program:

Option #1: Request Additional Tax Levy.

• Spreads the cost out amongst all property owners in the County, including those without a POWTS.

• Difficult to secure additional tax levy dollars for programs within Chippewa County.

Option #2: Maintenance fee billed to individual property owners.

• Notices and bills mailed out to each POWTS owner on the year of their required maintenance schedule.

• The collection of the notices and the associated bill would be time consuming.  Other counties indicated that some property owners either sent in the pumping record without the fee or the fee without the pumping record causing additional correspondence to be sent.

• Some property owners elect to pump their POWTS every two (2) years vs. every three (3) years.

Option #3: Maintenance fee attached to the yearly property tax bills.

• Collection of maintenance fee is associated with the payment of the individual property tax bills.

• This mechanism will require some notices to be sent out to those property owners who do have property tax bills such as churches or governmental entities.

• The maintenance program has a targeted audience (i.e. POWTS owners) that is identifiable.

The Department presented these options to the County Planning & Zoning Committee.  The Committee asked the Department to prepare an ordinance amendment to Chapter 62 of the Chippewa County Code of Ordinances that would allow the county to apply a $5.00 special assessment/charge on the property tax bill of each POWTS owner.

People who have confirmed COVID-19 infections have a range of symptoms, from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely sick and dying. Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Not everyone with COVID-19 has all of these symptoms. For many, symptoms are mild, with no fever. It is important to know that you can still spread (transmit) the virus to others even if you have mild or no symptoms.

1. Additional staff will be needed within the Department to assist with the program (estimated at 65% to 75% of a FTE)
2. Oversee maintenance program for notifications and follow-up.
3. Develop and provide public information on POWTS Maintenance and proper use.
4. Provide consultation to property owners on POWTS.
5. Investigate problems caused from reported failures.
6. Work with individuals licensed to inspect POWTS to assure proper inspections and completing of required reports.
7. Mailing of notices, entering system records and inspection data.
8. Assist with administration and enforcement of other Land Use or Building Ordinances.

The Department of Planning & Zoning, per Wisconsin State Statute 145.20(5), administers a POWTS maintenance program in accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 383.  Beginning in 1985, the property owners where a new or replacement POWTS was installed were placed on a maintenance list maintained by the Department. Maintenance notices were and are sent out to all POWTS owners on a 3-year basis for all POWTS, except for holding tanks which receive a notice once a year. Depending on the size of a septic tank, most POWTS are to be inspected and/or pumped at least once every 3 years. Under certain situations, an unusual POWTS might require maintenance once every 3 months.  However, no matter the time frame, a septic tank is required to be pumped when the combined depth of sludge and scum is greater than 1/3^rd the entire tank volume.

The Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code, as of October 1, 2019, will require the County to have a comprehensive program that includes notification of required maintenance for all POWTS regardless of the year of installation.  The Department will also be required to send out delinquent notices and develop processes that ensure the required inspections, evaluations, maintenance and servicing is performed at the appropriate intervals.

As noted above, the Department mails maintenance notices each calendar year to POWTS owners who meet the notification requirements. The notified owners are required to return the maintenance reports to the Department after filling out the date of inspection or pumping and the name of the pumper or inspector. Holding tank owners also need to include the dates of the pumping and the total gallons for each pumping.

The Department’s current list contains approximately 11,400 POWTS. Using the County’s GIS, the Department has estimated that there are approximately 15,000 – 17,500 POWTS in the county.  Thus, there could be approximately 3,600 to 6,100 POWTS that are missing from our current electronic records that will need to be added over the next year.

A Private On-site Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) means a sewage treatment and disposal system serving structures with a septic tank and soil absorption field (Conventional, Mound, At-Grade, etc) or a holding tank.  POWTS are commonly referred to as a “septic” or “septic system”.