EPA Septic Systems Guidance, Policy, and Regulations, TX Department of Licensing and Regulations Sanitarian Registration Program, Site Help | Disclaimer | Site Policies | Accessibility | Website Archive | Our Compact with Texans | TCEQ Homeland Security 2, eff. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Once authorization is received by the builder, construction of the system can begin. Patio Contractors Bvgq0- @J)!x |2M April 2, 2015. September 1, 2011. 968), Sec. Sec. (2) comply with and adopt by reference a version of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, as defined by Section 214.103, Local Government Code, that is not older than the version in effect on May 1, 2019, regarding all construction, alteration, renovation, enlargement, and repair of commercial swimming pools and spas. | Texas Veterans Portal The population under this subsection shall be determined according to the most recent federal census or other population-determining methods if a federal census is not taken for the area served by the water supply system. (3) The slope of the pipe shall be no less than 1/8 inch fall per foot of pipe. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. (b-5) A municipality or the owner or operator of a public water supply system may not be held liable for any adverse health effects allegedly caused by the consumption of water collected by a rainwater harvesting system that uses a public water supply system or an auxiliary water source and is used for potable purposes if the municipality or the public water supply system is in compliance with the sanitary standards for drinking water adopted by the commission and applicable to the municipality or public water supply system. 341.049. 33, eff. Septic Systems. (11) "Water supply" means a source or reservoir of water distributed and used for human consumption. (2) the plans and specifications for the system. 341.011. However, these additives are not necessary for a septic system to function properly when treating domestic wastewater. The construction after September 4, 1945, of a public swimming pool or the construction after September 1, 2017, of an artificial swimming lagoon must conform to good public health engineering practices. 219), Sec. (B) the county or municipality refunds the permit holders any revenue determined by the auditor to exceed the cost of the program. Other rules may allow a system to be abandoned in place where there is little potential for environmental, health, or safety impacts. If you have not pumped your septic tank in several years, but do not seem to be having any problems, it may mean one of several things: There is minimal water use in the home, and/or the size of the septic tank and the biological activity maintains the solids at sustainable levels. 1, eff. Do not pour grease (such as fats, butter, wax, cheese, heavy cream), liquid wastes (such as pesticides, drain cleaners, household chemicals, paints, paint thinners), oils or coffee grounds down the drain. 1, eff. All penalties accruing under this subchapter are cumulative of all other remedies, and a suit for recovery of any penalty does not bar or affect the recovery of any other penalty or bar any criminal prosecution against a person or any officer, director, agent, or employee of that person. (b) A school building must be properly ventilated and provided with an adequate supply of drinking water, an approved sewage disposal system, hand-washing facilities, a heating system, and lighting facilities that conform to established standards of good public health engineering practices. . 1, eff. 828 (S.B. (2) acquires after the effective date of the ordinance if the hydrants and infrastructure comply with the standards adopted by the ordinance at the time the hydrants and infrastructure are acquired. (e) The distribution system of a public drinking water supply and that of any other water supply may not be physically connected unless the other water is of a safe and sanitary quality and the commission approves the connection. The owner may place a black tarp over the device instead of painting the device black as required under this section if the device is temporarily nonfunctioning, or temporarily unavailable for use in a fire emergency, for a period not to exceed seven days. June 9, 2015. The site and its soil are evaluated by an engineer or licensed site evaluator. 219), Sec. installed by an Installer Class I or Installer Class II. (B) a minimum sufficient water pressure of at least 20 pounds per square inch; (2) must require a utility to maintain at least the minimum sufficient water flow and pressure described by Subdivision (1) in fire hydrants in a residential area located within the municipality or the municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction; (3) must be based on the density of connections, service demands, and other relevant factors; (4) notwithstanding Subdivisions (1) and (2), if the municipality owns a municipal utility, may not require another utility located in the municipality or the municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction to provide water flow and pressure in a fire hydrant greater than that provided by the municipal utility as determined by the commission; and. This section does not apply to a desalination facility used to produce nonpotable water. Sec. The term does not include a water or other beverage receptacle that is properly washed and sterilized after each use. WATER UTILITY IMPROVEMENT ACCOUNT. 1010, Sec. (c) The bacterial content of the water in an interactive water feature or fountain may not exceed the safe limits prescribed by the standards adopted under this chapter. (2) a municipality, including any industrial district within the municipality or its extraterritorial jurisdiction, with a population of more than 11,000 and less than 18,000 located in a county with a population of more than 125,000 and less than 230,000. The drinking water shall be kept and dispensed in a sanitary manner. Sec. (f) The executive commissioner may by rule adopt methods other than chlorination for the purpose of disinfecting interactive water features and fountains. (d) A person is not required to file a business plan under Subsection (a)(1) or (b) if the person: (2) is a retail public utility as defined by Section 13.002, Water Code, unless that person is a utility as defined by that section; (3) has executed an agreement with a political subdivision to transfer the ownership and operation of the water supply system to the political subdivision; (4) is a Class A utility, as defined by Section 13.002, Water Code, that has applied for or been granted an amendment of a certificate of convenience and necessity under Section 13.258, Water Code, for the area in which the construction of the public drinking water supply system will operate; or. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. Aug. 12, 1991; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 1073), Sec. (c) The commission may not require a permit for the domestic use of less than 400 gallons of graywater or alternative onsite water each day if the water: (1) originates from a private residence; (2) is used by the occupants of that residence for gardening, composting, landscaping, or indoor use as allowed by rule, including toilet or urinal flushing, at the residence; (3) is collected using a system that may be diverted into a sewage collection or on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system; (4) is, if required by rule, stored in surge tanks that: (A) are clearly labeled as nonpotable water; (B) restrict access, especially to children; and. is sized and constructed in accordance with 285.33(d)(2). To ensure that the law is met regarding septic systems, the responsibility in most parts of Texas falls on the local authorities. 648, Sec. If an individual drinking water well is used, then a minimum lot size of acre is required for . September 1, 2013. (c) The department shall make available to the state's citizens: (1) current information concerning minimum allowable concentrations of toxic gases; and. Sec. Renovating vs. New Construction: Which Is Better For Your Project? A good number of the local authorities in Texas have become authorized agents of the (h) Civil penalties recovered in a suit brought under this section by a county or municipality shall be equally divided between: (2) the county or municipality that first brought the suit. FEES. (3) a municipality, including any industrial district within the municipality or its extraterritorial jurisdiction, with a population of more than 11,000 and less than 18,000 located in a county with a population of more than 125,000 and less than 230,000. Oxygen is critical to the healthy bacteria in your septic system and the proper breakdown of sewage by soil microorganisms. (2) provide adequate financial assurance of the ability to operate the system in accordance with applicable laws and rules in the form of a bond or as specified by the commission. These situations could cause an odor inside or outside of your home. (b) The commission by rule shall provide that if a structure has a rainwater harvesting system and uses a public water supply for an auxiliary water source, the structure must have appropriate cross-connection safeguards. Any septic tank system should be designed and constructed in accordance with the Texas Department of Health Resources' publication "A Guide to the Disposal of Household Sewage.' The system shall also comply with local ordinances or with orders issued by local licensing authorities. (9) "Toilet" means the hopper device for the deposit and discharge of human excreta into a water carriage system. Water treatment plants, including aeration, coagulation, mixing, settling, filtration, and chlorinating units, shall be of a size and type prescribed by good public health engineering practices. You can learn more about fines for illegal septic system in texas. (3) impose and collect a reasonable fee in connection with a permit or inspection required under this subsection provided the following are met: (A) the auditor for the county shall review the program every two years to ensure that the fees imposed do not exceed the cost of the program; and. 219), Sec. (a) In this section, "direct potable reuse" means the introduction of treated reclaimed municipal wastewater either: (1) directly into a public water system; or. These qualifications usually require taking a class on the safe and hygienic handling of a septic pump and other equipment. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.. The term includes water supplied for human consumption or used by an institution catering to the public. 76, Sec. 341.040. Our services are demolition hauling, debris removal, landscaping, excavation, pool removal, and many more. are constructed similar to an absorptive drainfield with the exception that a 24 inch thick Class Ib and II soil buffer is placed below and all sides of the drainfield excavation to an elevation equal to the top of the porous media. (g) Notwithstanding Subsection (b)(2), this section does not affect the authority of the executive commissioner to adopt rules regarding pool operation and management, water quality, safety standards unrelated to design and construction, signage, and enclosures. To aid you in determining which tank you need, please consult with your local health department. 2781), Sec. CODEWORD - Floodplain Easement Clarification. (c) The commission shall assess residential areas in a municipality with a population of 1,000,000 or more to ensure that: (1) the regulatory authority for the area has adopted the standards required by this section; and. 1010, Sec. A copy of the specification sheet for all septic tanks showing the size, manufacturer, and dimensions of septic tank certified by a Professional Engineer. Minimum Required Separation Distances for On-Site Sewage Facilities. Soft, wet, or spongy soil (especially when there have been no significant rainfall events) around your drainfield is a good indication of a system failure. hb```l cb2xI.y! EPAs. (b) The commission by rule may assess penalties and interest for late payment of fees owed by persons who own, operate, or maintain public drinking water supply systems. Section 300f et seq.). June 15, 2017. Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Sec. Sec. OnSite Sewage Facilities (OSSF) are wastewater disposal systems designed to treat and dispose of effluent (wastewater from kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry) on the same property that produces it. (b) Effluent from septic tanks constructed after September 4, 1945, shall be disposed of through: (1) a subsurface drainage field designed in accordance with good public health engineering practices; or. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. Following Texas, septic system laws will help to ensure that we continue to have good water quality for all our residents. Once a system owner has been served with a complaint, they are 2205), Sec. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Venue for an action brought under this subsection is Travis County. PENALTIES CUMULATIVE. 2781), Sec. June 19, 2009. The material and human excreta may not be deposited within 300 feet of a highway unless buried or treated in accordance with the instructions of the local health authority or the department. EPA's Quick Tip Videoexplains which items to put or not put down the drain. They typically can assist you with locating a septic system professional in your area. Excavation Services 34, eff. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 10.03 Some links provided below will take you off the TCEQ Web server. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. This subsection does not waive a municipality's immunity under Subchapter I, Chapter 271, Local Government Code, or any other law and does not create any liability on the part of a municipality under a joint enterprise theory of liability. (b) In determining the amount of the penalty, the commission shall consider: (1) the nature of the circumstances and the extent, duration, and gravity of the prohibited acts or omissions; (2) with respect to the alleged violator: (A) the history and extent of previous violations; (B) the degree of culpability, including whether the violation was attributable to mechanical or electrical failures and whether the violation could have been reasonably anticipated and avoided; (C) the person's demonstrated good faith, including actions taken by the person to correct the cause of the violation; (D) any economic benefit gained through the violation; and, (E) the amount necessary to deter future violation; and. 3. 1086), Sec. 3.07, eff. (f) Water from a surface public drinking water supply may not be made accessible or delivered to a consumer for drinking purposes unless the water has been treated to make it safe for human consumption. 341.033. The local authorities, who have been assigned that role of ensuring compliance, also delegate Aug. 30, 1993; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. If you or others have been exposed to untreated wastewater, contact your health professional. (i) A tourist court, hotel, inn, or rooming house that does not conform to this chapter is a public health nuisance. September 1, 2009. 1717), Sec. Sec. must be designed by a professional engineer or professional sanitarian. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 6.32, eff. Septic maintenance includes inspecting the entire system every 1 to3 years and pumping the tank every 3 to5 years. Let's talk about aerobic septic system laws in Texas. Bastrop County is the "authorized" agent for the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality (TCEQ). (c) Suction wells or suction pipes used in a public drinking water supply system must be constantly protected by practical safeguards against surface and subsurface pollution. 11.14, eff. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. This person will complete a report on the condition of the soil and also mark any features on the property that the system will need to be separated from. These links are provided solely as a courtesy. 2, eff. The state of Texas requires a permit (With some exceptions though) for the majority of the septic tank installations. IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN FIRE HYDRANTS AND FLUSH VALVES IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. (c) If, after examination of a possible violation and the facts surrounding that possible violation, the executive director of the commission concludes that a violation has occurred, the executive director may issue a preliminary report stating the facts on which that conclusion is based, recommending that a penalty under this section be imposed on the person, and recommending the amount of that proposed penalty. (a) A fairground, public park, or amusement center of any kind shall be maintained in a sanitary condition. 341.065. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. An automatic reminder provided under this subsection is a courtesy. CIVIL ENFORCEMENT. Flushing only human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. POOL SAFETY. (f) Food offered for sale at a tourist court, hotel, inn, or rooming house shall be: (1) adequately protected from flies, dust, vermin, and spoilage; and. It is important to maintain your wastewater treatment system and use it wisely whether you have a holding tank or septic tank followed by a mound, sand filter or other alternative on-site treatment . PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. (b) The bacterial content of the water in a public swimming pool or in an artificial swimming lagoon may not exceed the safe limits prescribed by department standards. On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) are wastewater systems designed to treat and dispose of effluent on the same property that produces the wastewater. (1) The minimum working capacity of a septic tank shall be the greater of 3 600 L and, (a) in residential occupancies, twice the daily design sanitary sewage flow, or. Check with your local municipality in the event they also require additional permits to install your system. Be certain you understand those requirements. (3) is within 200 miles of the Gulf of Mexico. endstream endobj 239 0 obj <>/Metadata 20 0 R/Pages 236 0 R/StructTreeRoot 43 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 240 0 obj <>/MediaBox[0 0 612 792]/Parent 236 0 R/Resources<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 241 0 obj <>stream 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. This person or department then reviews the soil evaluations, system size, and chosen type, ensuring that all necessary documents have been filed. 341.0356. As per Texas state law, a permit is not going to be required if the following requirements are met: -You dispose of the effluent on your property -The septic tank is situated 100 feet or more from the property -The tank will not pollute groundwater or cause any sort of nuisance Septic tanks have been in use since the late 1800s. 1969), Sec. (b-2) A person who installs and maintains rainwater harvesting systems that are connected to a public water supply system and are used for potable purposes must be licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners as a master plumber or journeyman plumber and hold an endorsement issued by the board as a water supply protection specialist. 6.20, eff. examines every aspect of this very complex natural resource. 11.13, eff. 6.21, eff. An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $100. May 27, 2003. 1, eff. JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. Not later than the 45th day after the date a hydrant is concealed as provided by this subsection, the public water system responsible for the hydrant shall: (1) if the hydrant is available for the provision of fire suppression services, remove the tarp or other means of concealment; or. DEFINITIONS. 11.14, eff. However, there are several steps you will need to take first to comply with Texas septic system regulations. (2) "Watering point" means a place where drinking water is placed aboard a vehicle operated as a common carrier. (e) The public water supply system may not resume operations until the commission, the executive director, or a court authorizes the resumption. To find your permitting authority, search by the county the OSSF is to be located. 5Requires disinfection before disposal. SANITATION FACILITIES FOR RAILROAD MAINTENANCE-OF-WAY EMPLOYEES. 519 (S.B. (e) An owner, operator, or manager of a tourist court, hotel, inn, or rooming house shall maintain sanitary appliances located in the facility in good repair. 3.1639(72), eff. Contact your local permitting authority (i.e., local health or environmental department) for a list of professional inspectors in your area. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. Your local zoning regulations may also include setbacks to various features like buildings and property lines. Sealy, Texas 77474 Phone: 979 . If you have a septic system, you will see a $0.00 charge for wastewater or sewer services on your utility bill (or you will not receive a utility bill). Any sewage treatment method has two components: a pre-treatment option, such as a septic tank or sand filter, and a dispersal system, such as a leach field or low-pressure distribution setup. See the manufacturer for projected lifespan estimates as well as strength, design, installation, and warranty information. Very few permitting agencies conduct regular inspections of septic systems after they are installed. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 341.035(c) by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 122 (H.B. (b) The regulatory authority for a public utility shall by rule or ordinance adopt standards for installing fire hydrants and maintaining sufficient water pressure for service to fire hydrants adequate to protect public safety in residential areas in a municipality with a population of 1,000,000 or more. (A) an area designated as a residential zoning district by a governing ordinance or code or an area in which the principal land use is for private residences; (B) a subdivision for which a plat is recorded in the real property records of the county and that contains or is bounded by public streets or parts of public streets that are abutted by residential property occupying at least 75 percent of the front footage along the block face; or. Sept. 1, 1989. In some cases, there may be visual signs you have a septic system. (a) In this section: (1) "Municipal utility" means a retail public utility, as defined by Section 13.002, Water Code, that is owned by a municipality.