What should inspectors do if a system requires further evaluation?

When a septic system requires further evaluation, notifying the local health department is the appropriate course of action. This step ensures that local regulatory authorities are made aware of potential issues that may pose health or environmental risks. The local health department is equipped to take the necessary steps, which might include conducting follow-up inspections, investigations, or coordinating with other agencies to address the concerns identified by the inspector.

Taking immediate action in collaboration with local health authorities helps ensure that any underlying problems can be assessed and resolved in a timely manner, safeguarding public health and the environment. This approach is aligned with the responsibilities of inspectors to promote compliance with regulations that protect community resources.

In contrast, simply leaving it unreported would neglect potential risks, while scheduling a subsequent inspection without notifying the health department might delay necessary interventions. Documenting findings without taking further action could also lead to unresolved issues, which may threaten the system's integrity and public safety.