These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of OWTS Designer (the “Service”), operated by [Operator — legal entity, address] (“we”, “us”). By accessing or using the Service, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Service.
OWTS Designer is a software tool that assists with on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS / septic) planning in New York: it helps locate a parcel, gather public site data, run preliminary code-screening calculations, produce draft drawings, and connect homeowners with a design professional. It also includes an informational AI assistant (“Septic Sam”).
2. Not professional engineering — a licensed PE must review and seal.
The Service, its calculations, drawings, compliance checks, and any AI output are decision-support and drafting aids only. They do not constitute professional engineering, land surveying, architectural, or legal services, and do not create a professional or engineer-of-record relationship. No output of the Service is valid for permitting, construction, or any regulatory submission unless it has been independently reviewed, approved, signed, and sealed by a Professional Engineer (or other design professional) licensed in the applicable jurisdiction. The Service never applies a professional seal. You are solely responsible for verifying all inputs, outputs, and code citations against the current NYSDOH Residential OWTS Design Handbook / 10 NYCRR Appendix 75-A and all applicable state and local requirements, and for engaging a licensed professional.
3. AI assistant — informational only.
“Septic Sam” is an automated assistant powered by a third-party large language model. Its responses may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect, are provided for general information only, and are not professional, engineering, or legal advice. Do not rely on it for design, compliance, or permitting decisions. Always verify against the governing code and a licensed professional.
You must be at least 18. Administrative features are protected by a credential; you are responsible for keeping it confidential and for activity under your account. Notify us of any unauthorized use.
You retain ownership of the information and files you submit (“User Content”). You grant us a limited, non-exclusive license to host, process, and use User Content to operate and improve the Service and to prepare your requested proposal or design. You represent that you have the rights to submit it.
The Service, including its software, templates, and detail libraries, is owned by us or our licensors and is protected by law. Except for User Content and your generated deliverables, no rights are granted other than to use the Service under these Terms.
Some features (e.g. a design engagement or proposal) may be subject to separate fees described at the time. Public preliminary tools are currently provided without charge during beta and may change.
The Service is provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, and non-infringement. We do not warrant that the Service, its data, or AI output is accurate, complete, current, or error-free, or that it will be uninterrupted or secure.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we and our providers will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or for any loss of profits, data, or goodwill, arising from your use of (or inability to use) the Service or reliance on its output. Our total liability for any claim will not exceed the greater of the amount you paid us for the Service in the prior twelve months or USD $100.
You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from claims arising out of your use of the Service, your User Content, or your violation of these Terms or applicable law.
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. The exclusive venue for disputes is the state and federal courts located in [County], New York.
We may modify these Terms (with a new version/date) or suspend or discontinue the Service at any time. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
Questions: [contact email], [Operator mailing address].