What health regulatory body oversees septic system regulations in South Carolina?

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing septic system regulations within the state. This agency plays a crucial role in protecting public health and the environment by establishing and enforcing guidelines related to the installation, operation, and maintenance of septic systems. DHEC's involvement ensures that septic systems are managed in a manner that minimizes potential health risks and environmental impacts, aligning with state regulations and public health standards.

While the local health departments do have a role in implementing and enforcing some of these regulations at a community level, the overarching authority and regulatory framework are established by DHEC. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also plays a role in environmental protection but does not regulate septic systems at the state level – that responsibility falls to state agencies like DHEC. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Control primarily focuses on broader environmental issues, including air and water quality, rather than the specific regulations governing septic systems. Thus, DHEC is the correct choice, as it is directly tasked with managing the regulations pertinent to septic systems in South Carolina.