Onsite septic systems are among the top contamination sources for local and regional water, including the Chesapeake Bay. An average of 40 percent of wells tested across Clarke County in the 1990s had coliform levels that exceeded water quality standards. Recent studies of Clarke County wells indicate 57 percent of samples have coliform levels exceeding water quality standards, indicating a worsening problem for the groundwater, which is the source of well water. 

Clarke County’s septic pump-out ordinance aims to protect groundwater from coliform contamination caused by inadequate or failing septic systems. All septic tanks in Clarke County should be pumped out at least every five years. The county’s Water Resources Plan, adopted September 2018, outlines all measures to protect groundwater resources from contamination and reduce contamination.

A typical homeowner can expect to pay between $250 and $600 per pump-out depending on the size of the tank. The average cost is $400. Compared with the cost of replacing a failed system —between $7,000 for conventional systems and up to $50,000 for alternative systems — scheduling a pump-out every five years is a better option, and with proper maintenance a system can last for up to 50 years.

If you do not know what kind of system you have or where it is located, contact the Virginia Department of Health Clarke County office at (540) 955-1033. Provide your Tax Map number, so the Health Department can find permits associated with your septic system.

The companies listed below are licensed to pump out septic tanks in Clarke County. This list is here as a courtesy and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or any relationship with Clarke County government.

• Green’s Septic Service, 171 Stone Hill Lane, Berryville (540) 955-2960
• Johnny Blue Inc., 255 Lenoir Drive, Winchester (540) 665-0968
• Martins Pumping Service LLC, 11865 Harry Byrd Hwy., Berryville (540) 952-0358
• Merritt Sanitation, 5335 Crooked Lane, Stephens City (540) 662-8828
• Powell’s Plumbing, 152 Windy Hill Lane, Winchester (540) 665-8196

For more information about septic pump-outs, contact the Natural Resource Department located in the Berryville-Clarke County Government Center (second floor) located at 101 Chalmers Ct., in Berryville, Va.

Hours
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Lorien Lemmon
Conservation Planner & GIS Coordinator
(540) 955-5134
llemmon@clarkecounty.gov