Many areas of Galveston County do no have access to public sewer systems. Construction in these areas is dependent on the property owner's ability to safely construct and operate an on-site sewage facility. Failure of one of these systems can contribute to health hazards in the community. The Galveston County United Board of Health adopted the Construction Standards for On-site Sewage Facilities to assist in the enforcement of TECQ regulations.

Permitting, Fees and Inspection

A valid permit and approved plan must be obtained to construct, alter, repair, extend or operate an on-site sewage facility. The On Site Sewage Facility Application and Inspection Report must be filled out and turned in with a completed Site Evaluation Form for every permit issued. If an alternative system is required due to unsuitability for a standard septic system, an Affidavit to the Public will be required. Permitting procedures are done in conjunction with various building officials so that building permits are not issued without the on-site sewage facility plan being approved. Some areas of the county also require cooperation with agencies like the General Land Office, the Corps of Engineers, or the Attorney General's office.

When the on-site sewage facility is installed, the designated representative from Galveston County Health District performs an inspection. The inspection should be scheduled 24 hours in advance. The installation is inspected for compliance with the regulation and the construction is either approved or disapproved. If the inspection is disapproved, corrections must be made and a re-inspection performed. After installation, some alternative systems are required to have on-going maintenance. This maintenance is performed by a maintenance company under contract with the home owner. The home owner shall provide a copy of the contract to the Health District to be kept on file with the site information for the life of the system.

Septic System Permit Application

Additional References for Homeowners

• State of Texas On-site Sewage Rules
• Options for Septic Systems In Galveston County
• Galveston County Health District Homeowner's Septic Tank System Guide and Record keeping folder
• Why Do Septic Systems Fail?
• Alternative Household Cleaning Solutions for Septic System Owners
• Health Consequences of Failing Septic Systems
• Septic System Quiz
• Voluntary Inspection and Information Assistance Program to Reduce Bacterial Pollution Caused by Malfunctioning Septic Systems in Dickinson Bayou 
• On-Site Sewage System Installers for Galveston County Area
• OSSF Requirements for RV’s
• Professional On-Site Wastewater System Designers

Homeowner Maintenance Training- Recent changes to the local on-site sewage facility regulations has allowed homeowners to maintain their own aerobic on-site sewage facility after the initial two-year service agreement if they desire to do so. Eight hour courses that may be taken on Aerobic Treatment Operation and Maintenance can be found at this link. Currently, course codes 0821, 0434, 0656 and 0904 are acceptable for most installations. Course code 1134 is appropriate for drip emitter installations.

If the homeowner chooses to take the more complicated Class D Wastewater Operator license, information on that program is located at this link.

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