When a conventional septic system isn’t suitable for your property, an Advanced Treatment Unit may be required, and installing one correctly takes a certified, experienced contractor who knows San Diego County’s strict environmental regulations. Septic Solutions Inc. is one of a select few certified ATU contractors serving San Diego County and Murrieta, with the hands-on experience to design, install, and maintain advanced treatment systems for residential and commercial properties of all sizes. Looking for conventional septic installation? See our septic system installation services.
What Is an Advanced Treatment Unit?
An Advanced Treatment Unit is a higher-performance onsite wastewater treatment system that goes beyond what a conventional septic tank can do. Where a standard septic system separates solids and allows liquid to drain into a leach field, an ATU actively treats wastewater through a multi-stage process, typically including pretreatment, aeration, and clarification, before the treated effluent is dispersed into the soil.
The result is significantly cleaner effluent that meets stricter environmental standards, making ATUs the required solution in many situations across San Diego County.
When Is an ATU Required in San Diego County?
San Diego County’s Department of Environmental Health (DEH) requires an Advanced Treatment Unit in situations where a conventional system cannot meet current standards. Common scenarios include:
- Properties with limited lot size or inadequate soil conditions for a standard leach field
- Sites near sensitive groundwater areas, watersheds, or environmentally protected zones
- Properties where the existing conventional system has failed and a standard replacement is not feasible
- Parcels subject to nitrogen reduction requirements under county OWTS regulations
- Replacement or upgrade of older systems that no longer meet current DEH compliance standards
If you’ve been told your property requires an ATU, working with a certified installer is not optional, it’s a DEH requirement.
Our ATU Installation Process
Every ATU installation begins with a thorough site evaluation and coordination with San Diego County DEH. Here’s what the process looks like when you work with Septic Solutions Inc.:
- Site & Soil Assessment: We evaluate your property’s topography, soil conditions, setbacks, and existing infrastructure to determine the right ATU system and configuration
- System Design & Permitting: We prepare the necessary documentation and coordinate with DEH on permits and approvals before any work begins
- Excavation & Installation: Our certified crew handles all excavation, tank placement, aeration component installation, and system connections to DEH specifications
- Inspection & Commissioning: The completed system is inspected for compliance and tested to confirm proper operation before the project closes
- Ongoing Maintenance: ATUs require regular servicing to maintain performance and DEH compliance; we offer maintenance programs to keep your system running properly year after year
ATU Installation for Residential & Commercial Properties
We install Advanced Treatment Units for a wide range of property types throughout San Diego County:
- Single-family homes on rural or semi-rural lots
- Multi-family residential properties
- Commercial properties and businesses
- Agricultural and rural parcels
- New construction and system replacements
Whether you’re building new, replacing a failed system, or upgrading to meet current DEH requirements, Septic Solutions Inc. has the certification and experience to get the job done right. Purchasing a property that requires an ATU upgrade? See our septic inspections for real estate.
Why Choose Septic Solutions Inc. for ATU Installation
ATU installation is a specialized service, not every septic contractor in San Diego County is certified to do it. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Certified ATU contractor: one of the few in San Diego County qualified to install all degrees and sizes of advanced treatment systems
- DEH certified: fully licensed and compliant with all San Diego County Department of Environmental Health requirements
- 30+ years of owner experience: deep knowledge of local soil conditions, permitting processes, and county regulations
- Full-service: we handle design, permitting, installation, inspection, and ongoing maintenance under one roof
- Residential & commercial: we work on properties of all types and sizes throughout the county
Serving Communities Throughout San Diego County
We install Advanced Treatment Units across San Diego County’s rural and semi-rural communities where ATUs are most commonly required:
Fallbrook · Murrieta · Ramona · Valley Center · Bonsall · Jamul · Alpine · Julian · Descanso · Pine Valley · Potrero · Campo · Escondido · Lakeside · Santee · El Cajon · Rancho Santa Fe · Warner Springs · Santa Ysabel · Borrego Springs
If your property is in San Diego County and requires an ATU, call us to discuss your project.
Get a Free ATU Installation Consultation
ATU projects vary significantly based on property size, soil conditions, system requirements, and DEH specifications. The best first step is a conversation with our team. We’ll assess your situation, explain your options, and give you a clear picture of what your project involves.
Call 760-203-5523 or use the contact form below to schedule your consultation. Serving Murrieta and all of San Diego County.
Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM -12:00PM
Owner with 30+ years of experience!