Rockaway Township's Division of Health advises pumping the tank at least once every three years for a family of four, keeping grease and harsh products out of the drains and never driving over the field. The Municipal Utility at 65 Mount Hope Road runs public sewer only in the sewered parts of town. Everywhere else, homes rely on septic and usually a private well.
Who handles what
The Rockaway Township Municipal Utility, at 65 Mount Hope Road, runs both the public drinking water system and the sanitary sewer system in the sewered parts of town, reachable at 973-983-2825. Homes outside those areas rely on septic systems and, often, private wells. The township Division of Health, at 973-983-2848, is the office that fields private well questions and septic concerns.
Septic design and construction in New Jersey follow the state standards at N.J.A.C. 7:9A, which set rules such as the minimum distances between septic components and wells. The Division of Health also reviews septic designs submitted with applications such as new restaurants.
Septic tank pumping and care
The Division of Health advises owners to have a professional septic company pump the tank at least once every three years for a family of four. It also advises keeping grease, fats, toxic products and non-biodegradable items out of the drains, and never driving over the disposal field. Larger families, garbage disposals and older, smaller tanks may need pumping more often.
Keep pumping receipts. They help a buyer's inspector, and they make it easier for a contractor to judge whether a system is filling faster than it should.
Highlands limits on sewer
About 60.6 percent of Rockaway Township lies in the Highlands Preservation Area. There, new or expanded wastewater collection and treatment systems are prohibited unless approved through a Highlands applicability determination or a Preservation Area approval with waiver. In the Planning Area's Existing Community Zone, sewer can expand only for specific purposes. In practice, most septic homes in the northern part of the township will stay on septic.
Highlands septic density in the township is based on nitrate dilution targets of 2 milligrams per liter in the Existing Community Zone and 0.72 in the Protection Zone, which is why new septic lots there must be large.
Lake communities
The township's lake management area includes a Lake Community Sub-Zone covering development within 1,000 feet of lakes of 10 acres or more, and its goals include limiting pollutant loading from septic systems and shoreline development. At Green Pond, the Planning Board has noted that many homes keep their septic systems on lots across the road from the lake and intends to preserve that arrangement where appropriate. Lake owners should expect closer attention to setbacks when a system is replaced.
Common questions
How often does Rockaway Township recommend septic tank pumping?
The Division of Health suggests professional pumping at least once every three years for a family of four, more often for larger households or heavy use.
Can I get sewer extended to my street in northern Rockaway Township?
In the Highlands Preservation Area, new or expanded sewer is prohibited without a special Highlands approval. Most homes there should plan to stay on septic.
Who do I call with septic or well questions?
The Rockaway Township Division of Health at 973-983-2848. For public water or sewer service, call the Municipal Utility at 973-983-2825.
Rules change. Confirm the current requirements with Rockaway Township or the contractor before work starts.