Yes, Texas State Law requires a ½-acre lot with a public water supply connection as a minimum. ANRA can issue a variance to this rule if all setbacks on the septic system design have been met. Requirements may vary by county.
What are the requirements to install a septic tank in Texas?
- Texas Septic Tank Requirements 1 Permits. Before installing a new septic tank or upgrading an old one, the first requirement is to make sure you have the proper permits in place. 2 Grandfathered Systems. 3 Site Evaluation. 4 Septic Systems. 5 DIY Installation.
How many septic tanks can you have per acre in Texas?
(Q) How many houses can I put on my property with septic? (A) You may have one single family dwelling per acre that utilize public water supply and on-site sewage facilities. Where a private water supply is used and on-site sewage facilities, you must maintain one single family dwelling per one and a half acres.
How far does a septic tank have to be from a property line in Texas?
A well shall be located a minimum horizontal distance of one hundred (100) feet from an existing or proposed septic system absorption field, septic system spray area, a dry litter poultry facility and fifty (50) feet from any adjacent property line provided the well is located at the minimum horizontal distance from
How far from a property should a septic tank be?
Most importantly, a septic tank must be at least seven metres from a house, defined as a ‘habitable property’. Septic tanks are built underground and release wastewater slowly into the surrounding environment. For this reason, they must be a set distance away from a home.
Can a septic tank be too big?
A septic tank that is too big will not run well without the proper volume of wastewater running through it. If your septic tank is too big for your house, there wouldn’t be sufficient collected liquid required to produce the bacteria, which helps break down the solid waste in the septic tank.
Can a homeowner install a septic system in Texas?
It is legal under Texas law to install your own septic tank. However, certain systems cannot be sold to property owners individually and must be sold to factory representatives. Exceptions to this rule are licensed electricians and the person who delivers the tank or septic system to the installation site.
How much does a septic system cost in Texas?
Installation of a septic system costs between $2,800 and $8,000 with an average of $5,000. Between $5,000 and $22,500 is the range for total expenses for well and septic system drilling and installation.
What are the new rules on septic tanks?
According to new regulations passed in 2015, if your septic tank discharges to surface water such as a ditch, stream, canal or river, you will have to upgrade your system to a sewage treatment plant or install a soakaway system by 1 January 2020.
Are septic tanks still legal?
Septic Tanks Explained… Septic tanks cannot discharge to surface water drains, rivers, canals, ditches, streams or any other type of waterway. you are required to upgrade or replace your septic tank treatment system to a full sewage treatment plant by 2020, or when you sell a property, if it’s prior to this date.
How do I maintain my septic tank in Texas?
Take Care of Your Drainfield
- Maintain plants and vegetation that are near your system to ensure roots do not block drains.
- Park cars and heavy vehicles away from your drainfield and tank.
- Keep roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage systems away from your drainfield area.
How do I get a septic permit in Texas?
How do I obtain a permit? Applications and planning materials must be submitted to the permitting authority. To find your permitting authority, search by the county the OSSF is to be located. The TCEQ regional office will be the permitting authority in locations where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.
Can you build next to septic tank?
It is never recommended to build a structure over any portion of your septic system. The most common problem we see is when someone wants to pump out their septic tank but doesn’t know where their tank is located.
Do you need planning permission for a septic tank?
The short answer is yes. You will need planning permission from a local authority in order to have a septic tank installed, no matter if it’s at your own home or on a business site.
Basics for Septic Systems
On-site sewage facilities, also known as OSSFs, must be developed on the basis of a site evaluation that takes into consideration the specific requirements of the location. The system of choice for around 20% of new homes being built in Texas is the radon mitigation system. An On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF), sometimes known as a “septic system,” is a sewage treatment system that is located on a property. As a result of the unexpected surge in new housing construction in suburban and rural regions, more Texas families are reliant on an OSSF for the treatment and disposal of their domestic sewage.
Systems that accomplish their jobs well while also protecting the environment are made possible by new methods to design and oversight of OSSFs.
A number of soil tests are ruling out traditional systems, which separate liquids from solid waste in a holding tank and then distribute them throughout a drainfield using underground pipes or other proprietary items in many regions of the state.
However, because the majority of Texas soils are incapable of adequately absorbing contaminants, different treatment procedures are necessary.
Any work on an OSSF must be done by a licensed installer or, in the case of a single-family property, by the homeowner himself or herself.
Who checks to make sure the requirements are followed?
Local governments in most parts of the state have taken on the obligation of ensuring that OSSFs in their jurisdictions comply with all applicable state regulations and procedures. There are several local governments that serve as “authorized agents” (AA) of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which is in charge of managing the OSSF Program. A “designated representative” (DR) assists the AA in carrying out their tasks, which include examining plans for constructing, changing, extending, or repairing each OSSF; granting permits; and checking the system’s installation, among others.
The OSSF’s authorized agents and representatives also investigate and respond to complaints to verify that the OSSF is in compliance with minimal requirements.
After that, the agent can file a criminal complaint with the local judge of the peace, who will then investigate the matter.
Industrial or hazardous waste cannot be introduced into an OSSF; instead, this waste will be handled in the soil, destroying the OSSF by actually killing the microorganisms that break down the biosolids and causing it to fail.
Keep in mind that septic systems are intended to manage human waste rather than chemicals.
Maintenance
All OSSFs will require maintenance at some point in their lives. Conventional anaerobic systems require the septic tank to be pumped out on a regular basis in order to remove sediments and prevent the system from backing up. It is advised that you pump your septic tank once every three to five years in order to avoid short circuiting the treatment process and causing damage. To acquire a list of registered sludge transporters in your region, go to theSludge Transporter Queryonline. Aerobic systems are more complicated and require more upkeep than anaerobic ones do.
- A number of regulatory authorities have enacted more strict rules, which may include homeowner training or even prohibiting homeowners from performing upkeep on their properties.
- In order to guarantee that the system runs appropriately, it is recommended that you contract with a licensed maintenance provider to verify, debug, and test the system as required by 30 TAC 285.91(4).
- Once every six months if the system employs an electronic monitor, automated radio, or telephone to alert the maintenance provider of system or component failure as well as to monitor the quantity of disinfection remaining in the system, reporting might be lowered to once every six months.
- If any needed repairs are not completed, the permitting authority will be notified of the failure.
- The pills are extremely reactive, and within 10 minutes, they will have killed 99 percent of the germs present in the effluent.
- AVOID USING TABLETS DESIGNED FOR SWIMMING POOL USE DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT THEY MAY RELEASE A HIGHLY EXPLOSIVE GAS KNOWN AS NITROGEN CHLORIDE.
- Please contact us at (800) 447-2827.
Where can I find more information and assistance?
The Small Business and Local Government Assistance Section of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) provides free, confidential assistance to small enterprises and local governments seeking to comply with state environmental requirements.
Call us at (800) 447-2827 or visit our website at TexasEnviroHelp.org for more information.
Getting a Permit for an On-Site Sewage Facility – Such as a Septic System
A permit is necessary for the construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an On-site Sewage Facility, with a few exceptions as mentioned below (OSSF). Always double-check with your local permitting authority before proceeding. Local permitting programs may be more strict than those mandated by state law in some cases. Texas law provides allow for an OSSF to be excluded from permitting requirements if the OSSF meets the following criteria:
- If the OSSF serves a single family residence on a tract of land that is 10 acres or larger, it is not a nuisance or a groundwater contaminant
- All parts of the OSSF are at least 100 feet from the property line
- The effluent is disposed of on the property
- And, the single family residence is the only dwelling on the tract of land
The OSSF serves a single family residence on a tract of land that is 10 acres or larger; it is not a nuisance or a source of groundwater contamination; all parts of the OSSF are at least 100 feet from the property line; the effluent is disposed of on the property; and the single family residence is the only dwelling on the tract of land.
Texas Septic Tank Requirements
The OSSF serves a single family residence on a tract of land that is at least 10 acres in size; it does not create a nuisance or pollute groundwater; all parts of the OSSF are at least 100 feet from the property line; the effluent is disposed of on the property; and the single family residence is the only dwelling on the tract of land.
In This Article
- Site evaluation for a septic tank
- Types of septic systems
- Do-it-yourself (DIY) septic tank installation
- Septic Tank Permits
In Texas, they say that everything is larger, and this is certainly true in terms of septic tank standards. To have an aseptic tank constructed in the Lone Star State, you’ll have to go through a number of hoops, including site inspections, permits, and permitted installation processes, to name just a few of them. If you’re building a home on the range, here are some things to bear in mind while establishing a septic system: Making sure you have the right permits in place before constructing a new septic tank or updating an existing one is the first step to taking care of business.
There are, however, certain exceptions to this rule.
- In order to qualify, the tank must serve a single-family dwelling located on a property with a minimum of 10 acres in size (and this residence might be the sole residence on the site)
- The tank must not be a source of public nuisance or harm groundwater. Neither the tank nor the property can be more than 100 feet apart from each other. The tank is unable to dispose of the wastewater on the land
- As a result,
Emergency septic tank repairs are another exemption, and they are not required to get a permit in this case. Even if you complete the repairs within 72 hours after starting them, you must still submit them to the appropriate permitting authorities. In addition to the state criteria, licenses issued by local authorities may be subject to more strict regulations.
Grandfathered Septic Tank Systems
If the following conditions are satisfied, a house septic tank in Texas may be grandfathered and exempt from some regulatory procedures, depending on the circumstances:
- The system must have been installed before to September 1, 1989, or prior to the establishment of an authorized installation program by a local dealer The tank must be equipped with a treatment and disposal system. The tank is not being utilized to treat a bigger volume of sewage than it was when it was initially constructed.
Septic Tank Site Evaluation
Since September 2002, the state of Texas has mandated a site review of any place where a septic tank system will be constructed before it will allow the system to be implemented. The suitable evaluation may only be carried out by a licensed site evaluator or a qualified professional engineer who are both licensed. A septic system evaluation is performed to evaluate the soil quality, including percolation rates, groundwater levels, and other characteristics that will be used to identify which septic system is most appropriate for the site’s conditions.
Evaporative-transpiration (E-T) systems, for example, are acceptable for the vast majority of installations, provided that the slope of the field does not exceed 30 percent.
Mound systems, low-pressure dosing, absorptive drain fields, and leaching chambers are all subject to the same limits and criteria as the others.
Consider the results of your site evaluation to determine groundwater levels, rock horizons, and minimum depths, which will aid you in selecting the appropriate system.
DIY Septic Tank Installation
Under Texas law, it is permissible to construct your own septic system. Certain systems, on the other hand, cannot be marketed to individual property owners and must instead be sold through manufacturing representatives. Additional requirements include that if you pay for any work done by contractors while installing the tank yourself, the contractors must be licensed to do so by the State of Texas. One such instance would be the hire of a contractor to dig a hole for the installation of the septic tank.
Heres a look at texas septic system regulations
Take a look at the regulations for septic systems in Texas. If you’re intending to build a home on the outskirts of San Antonio or elsewhere in east Texas, a septic system is likely to be the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for wastewater treatment. Ultimate Construction have the equipment and knowledge necessary to complete all of the excavation work required. Contact us now to learn more. The following are some of our services: demolition hauling, waste removal, landscaping, excavation, pool removal, and more.
- Here’s a peek at the entire procedure from start to finish.
- An engineer or a professional site assessor evaluates the site and its soil to determine its suitability for development.
- For example, an on-site sewage system must be at least 10 feet away from a private water line and 50 feet away from streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes in order to be considered safe to use.
- The soil conditions of your property are taken into consideration while selecting a system.
- 3.
- Homeowners can occasionally complete this task on their own; but, more often than not, the services of a qualified sanitarian or professional engineer are required.
- The design, as well as an application for a permission, are submitted to the appropriate authorities.
To guarantee that proper hygienic and environmental procedures have been followed, this procedure must be performed.
5.
The installer is responsible for notifying the appropriate authorities of the date on which work will commence.
6.
For example, if the incorrect soil type was reported, the procedure will have to be repeated from the very start.
During the course of the building process, an officially approved inspector must be permitted to check the work at various stages.
Overall, the goal of these Texas septic system rules is to safeguard the general public from environmental risks.
8. Once the construction has been finished in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations, the authority will provide a final permission to the construction project. After that, the system can be utilized in the manner intended.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
According to Texas septic system legislation, a homeowner who deviates from the approved plan may face legal consequences. He or she may also be subject to legal consequences if they use an insufficient septic system. Site evaluators, installers, and apprentices may have their licenses revoked if they are found guilty of any of the following violations: Information or paperwork that has been falsified. Not exercising sound, professional judgment when carrying out their responsibilities Contravening the provisions of applicable rules or state legislation.
It is possible to find out who is responsible for providing permits, completing inspections, and granting final approval of on-site sewage systems in your region by consulting your local health department or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality office in your area.
How much land do you need to put a septic system in Texas? – Restaurantnorman.com
Yes, according to Texas State Law, a 12-acre site with a public water supply connection is required as a bare minimum. In the event that all setbacks on the septic system design have been satisfied, the ANRA may provide a deviation to this rule. The requirements may differ from one county to the next.
Who can design a septic system in Texas?
If you have a non-discharge permit, this procedure can take between 11 and 14 months to complete. The Texas Board of Professional Engineers requires that most systems be developed by a Registered Professional Engineer (often known as a PE), who is registered by the State of Texas and must work for a Registered Engineering Firm, which is regulated by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers.
Can you build your own septic system in Texas?
Do It Yourself Installation According to Texas law, it is permissible to install your own septic tank. Additional requirements include that if you pay for any work done by contractors while installing the tank yourself, the contractors must be licensed to do so by the State of Texas.
What is the maximum design flow of sewage in a septic tank?
4. What is the maximum design flow of sewage that may be accommodated in a sewage treatment system? Explanation: The design flow of sewage in a septic tank is between 40 and 70 liters per person per day, depending on the size of the tank.
How do I maintain my septic tank in Texas?
How much sewage may be designed to run through a septic tank at its maximum design flow? Explanation: Generally speaking, the design flow of waste water in a septic tank is between 40 and 70 liters per person per day (per capita).
- Maintenance of plants and vegetation near your system is essential in order for the roots to not clog drains. Make sure to keep automobiles and heavy equipment away from your drainfield or tank. Roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems should be kept away from your drainfield to prevent flooding.
Can I inspect my own septic system in Texas?
Occupational safety and health regulations require that aerobic septic systems be evaluated three to four times a year by a qualified specialist. According to recent changes in state legislation, it is now legal for a homeowner to attend a certification course on their specific brand of septic system and to do the necessary maintenance on their own.
Who designs a septic system?
Septic System Designer is the SecondSpecialist2.
Two steps later, a design is finalized by a certified sanitarian or a professionally trained engineer on the basis of the data obtained from the on-site assessment. Some designers work as site assessors as well as designers.
How do I become a certified septic system installed in Texas?
License Requirements for the OSSF Installer I Submit an application and a fee of $111 to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. In order to retest or register for a computer-based test (CBT), applicants who have an approved Installer I application or those who need to retest must do one of the following: Sign up to take a paper-based test in person.
Can I use a plastic septic tank in Texas?
Septic Tanks in Texas Septic tanks made of plastic may be purchased for up to 50% less. These septic tanks have been authorized for use in the state of Texas by the state government.
What is the minimum width of a septic tank?
Section 1 of the Estimating and Costing Exercise is titled
23. | The minimum width of a septic tank is taken |
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A. 70 cm B. 75 cm C. 80 cm D. 90 cm Answer: Option B Explanation: No answer description available for this question. Let us discuss. Workspace Report errors Name: Email: View Answer Discuss |
Which of the following are correct design consideration for septic tank?
With an ambient temperature of 25°C and a peak flow rate of 10 litres per minute, the surface area of the tank required for Indian circumstances will be 0.92 m2 per 10 litres per minute. The depth of sedimentation should be 25 to 30 cm at the very least. In order to calculate the amount of suspended particles entering the tank, 70 gram per day per capita should be used as a guide.
How long do septic tanks last in Texas?
A traditional septic system has a lifetime of 20 to 30 years on average, according to the EPA. Typical life spans in the business are 20 to 30 years for systems that have been adequately planned and built, have been well-maintained, and have not been overburdened with data.
Can you put in your own septic system in Texas?
Do It Yourself Installation Under Texas law, it is permissible to construct your own septic tank. Certain systems, on the other hand, cannot be marketed to individual property owners and must instead be sold through manufacturing representatives. An aseptic tank is a mechanism that is used to dispose of sewage in a safe manner. Installing a septic tank often necessitates the acquisition of a permit, and most jurisdictions require that septic tank installers obtain a license or certification. In the same vein, how much acreage is required to install a septic system in Texas?
In the same vein, how much does it cost to install a septic system in Houston, Texas?
A typical septic tank installation in Texas will cost $4,872 dollars.
In the state of Texas, aerobic septic systems are required to be examined three to four times a year by a qualified septic technician.
Frequently Asked Questions about Septic Systems
To read more about the many types of septic systems, including: click here.
- System types that are conventional include passive systems with drainfields, gravelled or stone systems, chambered system leachfields, low-pressure dosing systems, evapotranspiration systems, and aerobic wastewater treatment systems.
Questions Applicable to All Types of Septic Systems
Is it necessary for me to seek a permit in order to repair my septic system? Yes. Repairing any form of septic system in Texas requires a permit that has been granted by the state, with limited exceptions. In order to ensure that the individual performing the repairs has sufficient expertise and knows the proper methods and protocols for fixing the system, this law was enacted. Environmental protection, as well as the protection of the homeowner and his neighbors, are the goals of the law. What is the procedure for getting a permit for a repair or an installation?
- The kind of soil, the location of the system in relation to creeks, rivers, lakes, and property lines, as well as the type of septic system to be repaired or rebuilt, as well as the installation or repair plan, are all taken into consideration in the permit application.
- In light of the possible problems associated with acquiring permits, the majority of service providers ask that the homeowner complete and submit the application on their behalf.
- Is it safe to flush toilet paper down the toilet?
- Based on the number of bedrooms in the house, the size of the holding tank is determined.
- Because of this, using toilet paper should not pose an issue as long as the system is not needed to process more wastewater than it was designed to manage.
In what intervals do I require pumping of my system? This answer is dependent on the size of the system as well as the amount of individuals that are utilizing the system to provide it. For the average household, the answer is every three to five years, depending on the circumstances.
Household size (number of people) | |||||||||
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9+ | |
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Tank Size (gallons) | Duration (in years) Between Pumpings or Inspections | ||||||||
1, 750 | 19.1 | 14.2 | 12.6 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.4 |
1,000 | 12.4 | 15.9 | 13.7 | 2.6 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.8 |
1,250 | 15.6 | 17.5 | 14.8 | 3.4 | 2.6 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.2 |
1,500 | 18.9 | 19.1 | 15.9 | 4.2 | 3.3 | 2.6 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 1.5 |
1,750 | 22.1 | 10.7 | 16.9 | 5.0 | 3.9 | 3.1 | 2.6 | 2.2 | 1.9 |
2,000 | 25.4 | 12.4 | 18.1 | 5.9 | 4.5 | 3.7 | 3.1 | 2.6 | 2.2 |
2,250 | 28.6 | 14.0 | 19.1 | 6.7 | 5.2 | 4.2 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6 |
2,500 | 31.9 | 15.6 | 10.2 | 7.5 | 5.9 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 3.0 |
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality contributed the information in the table above. Is it necessary for me to add any supplements to my system? The majority of the time, additives are not required to keep a well functioning septic system running. However, there are occasions when a system becomes overwhelmed with organic material, and the enzymes and bacteria found in additives might actually be beneficial. The possibility of this occurring arises when a system is temporarily forced to process more garbage than it was designed to handle, as in the case of repeated big parties or an influx of guests for a prolonged period of time.
Flooding Related Questions Applicable to All Types of Septic Systems
Water overflowing from a traditional drain field might cause a septic system to flood if the field has been saturated by rain or rising stream, creek, or river water. Flooding happens in an aerobic system when the aerobic tanks become overflowing with runoff rain water and the system ceases to operate. In any instance, the first indicator that there is a problem is generally the fact that the toilets are no longer flushing correctly. In addition, because shower and bath drains are typically positioned at the lowest gravity point in the home, raw sewage may back up into these drains first.
- If at all possible, avoid using the system when the drain field or tanks are completely submerged in water. It is unlikely that the wastewater will be cleansed, and it will instead become a source of pollution. Conserve water to the greatest extent feasible while the system strives to recover itself and the water table drops. Make every effort to keep silt from entering the pump chamber if you have an aerobic septic system (with electric pumps). The presence of silt in the pump chamber after flooding causes it to settle, which might block the drainfield or harm the pump if it is not removed before flooding occurs. When opening the septic tank for pumping when the earth is still damp, proceed with caution and extreme caution. Mud and silt may find their way into the tank and end up in the drain field. In addition, pumping out a tank that is resting in moist soil may cause the tank to “jump out” of the earth as it is being removed. Because the earth may not have entirely settled and compacted, newer systems are more prone to pop out than older systems. While the land is still wet or flooded, it is not recommended to dig into the tank or drainfield area. Try to avoid operating any heavy gear near the drainfield or tanks while they are wet, since they are particularly prone to harm while they are flooded. This type of action has the potential to permanently impair the soil’s capacity to transmit fluids. When the septic tank is flooded, it frequently removes the floating crust of fats and oils that has formed on top of the tank. Some of this muck may float to the surface and plug the outflow tee partly. First and foremost, if your septic system is backing up into your home, check for blockages in the tank’s outflow. Clean up any floodwater that has accumulated in the house without dumping it into the sink or toilet, and give the water time to recede before continuing. Floodwaters in a house that are later pushed through or pumped through the septic tank will generate greater than typical flow rates through the system as a result of the flooding. As a result, the likelihood of an outlet tee being clogged increases considerably. Avoid coming into contact with any electric pump or equipment that may have been submerged during the flood unless the device has been thoroughly cleaned and dried. Mud and silt may have blocked aerobic systems, upflow filters, trickling filters, and other media filters, causing them to get clogged. Prior to restarting the system, these systems will need to be washed, scraped, and otherwise cleaned
- And
What should I do once the floodwaters have receded from my home?
- If you have an in-ground well, wait until the water has been tested by your county health agency before drinking it. Please refrain from making use of your sewer system until the water level in your soil absorption field is lower than any water level everywhere else in your home. If you feel that your septic tank has been damaged, you should get it professionally inspected and maintained. Damage can be detected by the presence of apparent settling or settlement of the ground above the tank, as well as the incapacity of the system to absorb extra water. Because most septic systems are below ground and entirely protected, flooding does not do significant harm to them. Septic tanks and pump chambers, on the other hand, can get clogged with silt and dirt, necessitating their cleaning. A new system may be required if the soil absorption field becomes clogged with silt due to the fact that there is no practical means to clear up the buried lines in an absorption field. In order to avoid the risk of harmful gases and germs being released into the environment, get your tanks fixed or cleaned by skilled professionals. Cleaning and disinfecting the basement floor should be done if sewage has backed up into the space. A chlorine solution containing half a cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of water should be used.
Questions Specific to Aerobic Wastewater Treatement Systems
What is the process for renewing my Aerobic System maintenance contract? Upon installation, each aerobic system is accompanied with a complimentary two-year maintenance contract, which begins the day after the installation procedure is complete. The installation business is first responsible for providing this service. Because most systems are reasonably simple to maintain during their first two years of operation, several installers do not provide maintenance services after that initial two-year period.
- Every year after you sign a maintenance contract with Septic Solutions, your agreement will be automatically renewed.
- The homeowner is responsible for all costs related with maintenance, chlorine, and pumping (as needed) of the pool.
- Our customers may select the contract that is most appropriate for their needs.
- The following activities are carried out during a normal maintenance visit: This will differ depending on the service provider.
- Aside from that, we also examine the amount of sludge in your holding tank.
- What role do the air and water pumps play in an aerobic system, and how significant are they?
- The air pump is used to aerate the wastewater and speed up the breakdown processes in the wastewater treatment plant.
If one of these systems fails to function correctly, the wastewater will become septic.
Is the water that is released from an aerobic system safe to consume?
Before the water is sprayed via the spray field, it is treated to destroy or eradicate germs, and then it is discharged again.
How much does chlorine cost on an annual basis?
We give our clients the option of installing a Smart=Chlor Liquid Chlorinator, which may be run at a far lower cost of chlorine than a traditional liquid chlorinator.
The most common causes of aerobic system odors are: 1) an excessive amount of chemicals being introduced into the system, 2) the presence of a restriction in the air supply, 3) more wastewater being introduced into the system than the system was designed to handle, and 4) an insufficient supply of disinfectant.
When should I add chlorine to my water?
You should keep an eye on your system to ensure that there are always a minimum of 2-3 chlorine pills in the tube at any one moment.
According to Texas law, homeowners are permitted to maintain their own wastewater systems if they have completed a 6-hour, state-approved Basic Wastewater Operations Course, passed the state test, obtained a Class D Wastewater Certificate, and obtained a certification from the manufacturer of their specific wastewater system.
Given the time commitments required to obtain a certificate, the inherent unpleasantness of checking sludge levels, and the requirement that only licensed septic providers perform all necessary repairs, the majority of customers prefer to have their system’s maintenance performed under contract with a certified sewer contractor.
Questions Specific to Non-Aerobic Wastewater Systems
What is the best way to determine the source of a problem with my non-aerobic septic system? On our website, we provide a diagnostic tool that will assist you in identifying the portion of your system that is causing the problem. Septic Solutions of Texas retains ownership of the copyright and reserves all rights.
On-Site Sewage Facilities Program
The On-Site Sewage Facilities Program of the Louisiana Clean Water Authority covers the inspection and licensing of OSSF systems in the Highland Lakes area. Under Chapter 341 and Chapter 366 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recognized LCRA as an authorized agency to administer its on-site sewage facility regulations and requirements under LCRA’s authority. The laws serve to keep pollution to a minimum and water quality in the Highland Lakes protected.
The OSSF program was the first water quality initiative implemented by the LCRA.
The upper Highland Lakes are monitored by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Contact Us
Local Combined Refuse Authority’s On-Site Sewage Facilities Program encompasses the inspection and licensing of OSSF systems in the Highland Lakes area, as well as other parts of Louisiana. According to Chapter 341 and Chapter 366 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recognized LCRA as an authorized agency to administer its on-site sewage facility regulations and requirements under LCRA’s authority. Water quality in the Highland Lakes is improved as a result of these regulations, which assist to reduce pollution.
This was LCRA’s very first water quality initiative, and it was known as the OSSF program.
The higher Highland Lakes are a 2,200-foot zone around Lake Travis.
OSSF Program
We Provide a Variety of Services With the exception of those areas that are situated inside the City of Austin, the On-Site Sewage Facilities (also known as septic tanks) in Williamson County are regulated by the On-Site Sewage Facilities (also known as septic tanks) Board of Directors.
- Application and fee processing for new and/or existing on-site sewage systems
- Inspections: Inspections are carried out as part of the permitting or complaint investigation processes, respectively. Investigation of Concerns: Examine complaints about open sewage and complaints from the general population about OSSFs. Legal notices of violation and/or prospective judicial action(s) are inherently associated with this behavior. Information about the program: Respond to general customer enquiries, such as requests for records information, questions about the permitting and fee procedure, technical questions about different types of systems, and concerns about regulatory compliance.
Regulations are enforced by the Regulatory Authority.
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has allowed the Williamson County Engineer’s Office to operate the On-site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) Program, which is administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The program is primarily governed by TCEQ rules contained in 30 TAC Ch.285 On-Site Sewage Facilities
- OSSFs installed and operated within Williamson County’s jurisdiction must adhere to the requirements established in the Williamson County Engineer’s On-Site Sewage Facility Rules
- And the Williamson County Engineer’s On-Site Sewage Facility Rules.
Open Records Requests from the OSSF Open Records Requests can be filed by email to the address shown below.
Visit us in person and hand in a completed Open Records Requestform at the front desk when you arrive. Open Records Requests sent through email must contain the following information:
- The complete name, email address, and phone number of the person making the request
- The whole address of the property
- A description of the information that is being sought
- Include any legal information about the property that is known (for example, subdivision name, block number, and lot number)
How to Submit an Application for a Permit Williamson County is currently accepting OSSF applications through its website, in an effort to improve communication, document management, and project tracking throughout the county. Applications sent through email or paper will no longer be accepted by our office. For OSSF modifications (e.g., repair or expansion), as well as for new OSSF installations, an application is required. Please choose from one of the categories listed below for further information: Is it necessary to have a sewage treatment facility on my property?
If the city named is marked as “Unincorporated” or if an ETJ is marked, it is probable that an OSSF will be necessary.
Septic
If your house or business was destroyed in the 2013 Halloween Floods, you may be able to obtain a buyout from the insurance company. Please complete and submit the Travis County Buyout Information Form, and a member of our team will contact you.NEW! It is possible to receive a refund for permit fees if you repair or replace your On-Site Sewage Facility (septic tank) if your home or business is located within the Gilleland and Walnut Creek Watershed areas, as shown on the map. For more information about this permit refund, please visit the following website.
To Obtain a Septic Permit
A permit from Travis County is necessary prior to the installation and/or operation of an on-site sewage plant on the property (septic system).
Disclaimer
According to the Travis County Code, court orders that embody the policies and practices of Travis County are codified and made available to the public. All of the papers shown on this page are offered solely for the convenience of Code users and do not constitute an official version of the Travis County Code. Please take notice of the following: There are several orders of the Travis County Commissioners Court that have approved and altered this section of the Travis County Code over the years, and here is a compilation of those orders.
Furthermore, in the case of a discrepancy between the language of any real order of the Travis County Commissioners Court contained in the records of the Travis County Clerk and the text of this compilation, the latter shall take precedence over the former.
PLEASE BE ADVISED that our offices have just relocated.
Thank you very much.
- Onsite Sewage Facilities
- General Information and Terminology
- Professionally Designed (Engineered) Checklist
- Chapter 448: Travis County Rules for Onsite Sewage Facilities
- Affidavit for the OSSF indicating that maintenance is required
- Information about the inspection
- A soil analysis form
We strongly urge candidates to submit their applications online through MyPermitNow.org. For further information, please contact us through email or by phone at (512) 854-4215. Our physical and mailing addresses are as follows: Travis County TNR700 Lavaca Street, 5th Floor, Suite 540P.O.
Box 1748Austin, Texas 78701 Travis County TNR700 Lavaca Street, 5th Floor, Suite 540 Attn: PermitsPermits is an abbreviation for Permits. The counter is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.