We administer on-site sewage facility (septic system) permitting throughout Washington County.
All new, altered, repaired, or enlarged septic systems require a permit before work begins, regardless of acreage. Routine maintenance such as tank pumping does not require a permit.
Permit applications are available below or may be completed at our office or requested by email.
Single-Family Residential or Accessory Structure Septic Permit
Multi-Unit Residential or Non-Residential Septic Permit
Please contact our office if you are unsure about which permit to use.
If you are having an aerobic system installed, the following two documents are required from you in addition to the permit application:
1. The Information for the Owner of an ATU should be read, completed and signed, and returned to our office. This page does NOT need to be notarized or filed.
2. The Affidavit to the Public should be read, completed and NOTARIZED, and then filed in the County Clerk's Office under deed records. You DO NOT need to return a copy of this affidavit to our office, the County Clerk's Office will provide it to us.
If the septic system and the structure it is connected to are on or partially on two different lots or tracts of land, a Joined Properties Affidavit is also required from you. The Joined Properties Affidavit should be read, completed and NOTARIZED, and then filed in the County Clerk's Office under deed records. You DO NOT need to return a copy of this affidavit to our office, the County Clerk's Office will provide it to us.
Please contact our office if you have any questions or need assistance.
Completed permit applications and information for the owner of an ATU may be submitted by email or delivered to our office.
After submitting the permit application, the fee may be paid (see Fees - Payments).
The permit application, fee, site evaluation, design, and any other required documents must be submitted to this office for review and approval before work on the septic system begins.
Septic systems are designed based on water usage rates and wastewater strength. If you are on a public water system, providing
a copy of your water records for the previous twelve months to your septic
designer/installer and our office will help insure that the system is sized correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions about OSSFs
Septic System Services Directory
To help keep your septic system working properly or if it does not appear to be working well, see our Septic System Troubleshooting Guide.
Septic system components must be installed certain distances from other features, such as water wells. For a complete list, see Minimum Required Separation Distances.
Septic System Maintenance Providers working in Washington County are required to register with Washington County Environmental Health. Maintenance contracts are only accepted from maintenance providers whose registration is current and in good standing. See Aerobic Maintenance Directory
Maintenance Providers: registration is free of charge, please complete our Maintenance Provider Registration Form and email it to rhamilton@washingtoncountytx.gov or otherwise deliver it to our office.
Homeowner Maintenance of Aerobic System Training. Successful completion of this course satisfies Washington County training requirement for homeowners wanting to maintain their own aerobic septic system, rather than hiring a maintenance provider.
The TCEQ compiles a list of court judgements against OSSF licensees that may be viewed here: List of OSSF Licensing Court Judgements
Funding assistance with the cost of septic system installation or repair for low income and indigent persons click here for information.
For additional information and assistance contact Renee Hamilton by email at rhamilton@washingtoncountytx.gov, or by phone at 979-277-6290 x 2.