Homeowner’s Checklist
Here’s what you can expect from the Indian Health Service (IHS) as we install your water or
wastewater facilities and a few things we will need from you to keep your project moving
forward.
Follow the outline, below, of the tasks involved and timelines for completing each phase. All
timelines are approximations and begin after you provide your portion. If, at anytime, through
this process you have questions, please feel free to call the IHS at (206) 615-2794.
Check when completed
Phase 1: Getting Started
What you give us:
A complete IHS application
A copy of your deed or lease to your land
A clear idea of your property’s boundaries
What we do for you – within about 3 weeks after all
documents are received:
Call you to outline the process
Visit your home site to look it over with you and
discuss the plan
Phase 2: Drawing It Up
What you give us:
Any specific information you have regarding the
composition of your land: soils, surveys, well
logs, etc.
Prompt feedback if/when we need it
What we do for you – within about 1 month after all
information is received:
Gather technical information about your property
Plan out your water and wastewater facilities
based on your feedback
Design the facilities and estimate the cost
Apply for septic installation permits
Phase 3: Getting It Done
What you give us:
Access to your nearly completed new or existing
home
What we do for you – within about 1 month after
foundation is complete and power is available:
Solicit bids for and award the contract
Organize the construction schedule
Oversee and inspect construction
Phase 4: Finishing It Off
What you do:
Call the contractor (who is under warranty) to
service your system
Call IHS if the contractor doesn’t respond
Provide feedback--How can we improve?
What we do for you – within about 1 month after
construction is complete:
Provide a “Homeowner’s Information Packet” with
everything to help you understand about caring
for your water or wastewater system
Act as an ongoing resource for questions about
your water or wastewater system
Department of Health & Human Services
INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE
Office of Environmental Health and Engineering (OEHE)
Seattle District Office; 2201 6
th
Avenue, Rm. 925; Seattle, WA 98121; (206) 615-2794