What does “level of service” refer to in OSSF management?

“Level of service” in On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) management primarily refers to the amount of maintenance and oversight provided to a sewage treatment system. This concept encompasses the regularity and thoroughness of maintenance activities such as inspections, repairs, and servicing, which are crucial for ensuring the proper function and longevity of the system. A higher level of service indicates comprehensive oversight, which can reduce the risk of failures, environmental impacts, and health hazards associated with inadequate wastewater treatment.

While factors such as cost, frequency of inspections, and technical specifications are indeed important aspects of OSSF management, they do not capture the full scope of what "level of service" entails. For instance, cost might influence decisions but does not define the quality or thoroughness of maintenance. Similarly, frequency of inspections is just one component of the overall maintenance and oversight strategy and technical specifications pertain more to the design and operation rather than the ongoing management practices represented by "level of service."