Frequently Asked Questions

The Carlisle Board of Health is a five member elected Board responsible for assessing, maintaining and protecting the public health, safety and environment of the Town of Carlisle. The Board of Health enforces Massachusetts General Laws pertaining to public health, control of disease, promotion of sanitary living conditions, and protection of the environment from damage and pollution. The Board of Health promulgates local regulations and policies, and ensures that needed health services are available.

In addition to setting health policy initiatives for the community, the Board of Health issues permits for septic systems and wells, reviews building permit applications for Title 5 compliance, maintains property files and as-builts, investigates nuisance and sanitary code complaints, monitors animal bites and quarantines, inspects and licenses local food establishments, tracks communicable diseases in the community, arranges household hazardous waste collections, rabies and flu clinics, and organizes outreach programs. The Board and its staff look forward to helping Carlisle residents maintain a healthy lifestyle and environment.

A Title 5 inspection must be completed in order to sell your home in Carlisle. All Title 5 inspectors are state-certified. A copy of the Title 5 will be mailed to the Carlisle Board of Health and kept on file. Title 5's are good for two years from the date of inspection. An extension may be granted if the system has been pumped once a year from the Title 5 date.

A Title 5 is not required if the system has been recently installed (up to 2 years), or up to 3 years with a pump out.

A standard water test confirming the absence of coliform is required prior to sale of your home. Other requirements are in Carlisle's Supplemental Water Supply Regulations, on the website.

The Board of Health recommends a pump-out at least once every two years. It is also recommended that garbage grinders not be used as they shorten the life of the system.