Who is responsible for ensuring that the operation and maintenance of a POWTS occurs in accordance with this chapter and approved management plans under SPS 383.54(1)?

• A. The local health department
• B. The owner of the POWTS
• C. The installer
• D. The property manager

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that the responsibility for operating and maintaining a POWTS according to the approved plan rests with the owner of the system. The owner must arrange and oversee ongoing maintenance, inspections, and any required servicing to ensure the system functions as designed and in compliance with SPS 383.54(1) and the approved management plan. Local health departments enforce these requirements and can compel action if maintenance is neglected, but the legal duty to ensure O&M lies with the owner. The installer’s role is limited to design and installation, not ongoing management, and a property manager, while it may oversee daily tasks, does not carry the formal obligation unless acting as the owner’s agent.