Rationale
According to New Hampshire State Law, the purpose behind septic licensure is as follows:
485:1 Statement of Purpose.
I. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive drinking water protection program for the citizens of New Hampshire. It shall be consistent with and at least as stringent as the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
Env-Wq 1001.01 Purpose.
In addition to the purposes stated in RSA 485-A:1, the purpose of these rules shall be to prevent pollution of all public or private water supplies, whether underground or surface sources.
To fulfill the requirements of RSA 485:1 and Environmental Regulation 1001.01, the state of New Hampshire has required licenses for those engaged in either designing or installing septic systems for others since the early 1990s. While a homeowner may still design and/or install a septic system for his own single-family, owner-occupied house, he must be in compliance with all applicable laws and codes. As the regulations have become more complex, the NH Department of Environmental Services has increasingly encouraged homeowners to seek assistance from a licensed professional in the septic field. In the state of New Hampshire, there are currently over 700 licensed septic designers and over 1700 licensed septic installers. One achieves licensure by taking a state-written test in the applicable discipline (installation or design). As of July 2010, every septic license holder must complete six hours of continuing education per biennium for license renewal. At this time there is no formalized training to prepare for the licensing examinations, and continuing education lacks clear goals and direction.