As a regular segment of YOWA’s newsletter, we will be interviewing local Health Directors to inform our readers about health departments throughout our region, the challenges they encounter, advice for our profession, and how YOWA helps them do their job.
The Fall 2026 column features an interview with Northbridge, MA Health Director, Erin Hightower.
What is the community you work for like and roughly how many onsite wastewater systems are built in a given year?
Northbridge is somewhat unique in the Blackstone Valley in that most residents and businesses are connected to the public sewer system, which significantly reduces the number of on-site wastewater systems requiring Board of Health oversight. As a result, the Northbridge Health Department typically only reviews about 8 to 10 new septic system installations each year. In addition to new systems, the office processes approximately 20 repair permits annually for existing systems, including D-box repairs, piping, and other system components. This relatively low volume allows us to focus on ensuring that all wastewater systems are properly designed, maintained, and repaired to protect public health and local water resources.
What is the staffing configuration at the health department, and how many people work either full-time or part-time with onsite wastewater?
We currently have 3 individuals involved in onsite wastewater in Northbridge: myself, the Health Director; our Administrator; and our contracted Title 5 Agent.
What are some of the challenges you find with implementing Title 5 in your community?
One challenge we face with Title 5 in Northbridge, and in most communities where I have worked, is that the code tends to be more reactive than proactive. While septic system inspections are required prior to property transfers and under certain other triggering events, these requirements can be difficult to monitor and enforce consistently. Additionally, older systems may appear to be functioning adequately at a given point in time, yet may not perform effectively when site conditions, usage patterns, or occupancy levels change.
In public health, much of our work is focused on preventing problems before they occur, often through efforts that take place behind the scenes. With onsite wastewater systems, however, we are frequently not involved until a complaint is received, a system fails, or another issue comes to light. By then, a problem may have already developed into a significant public health or environmental concern, limiting opportunities for early intervention and prevention.
