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Austin Water

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Photo collage containing images of Austin Water employees, construction workers, and water infrastructure including pipes and treatment facilities.

On-Site Sewage Facilities

Austin Water regulates on-site sewage facilities (OSSFs), commonly known as septic tanks, within the City of Austin's full jurisdiction and areas annexed for implementing the Health and Safety Code. Properties with water frontage on Lake Austin or its tributaries are in the City's jurisdiction regardless of lot configuration, house location or drainfield location.

To confirm whether your property is within Austin Water's OSSF jurisdiction, use the OSSF Interactive Map. The map also shows whether your property is in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone or the Barton Springs segment.

Regulatory Authority

The City of Austin is authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to administer the OSSF program under 30 TAC Chapter 285. OSSFs within the City's jurisdiction must also comply with City Code Chapter 15-5.

Services

Austin Water's OSSF program provides the following services:

  • Permitting — processing permit applications and fees for new and existing on-site sewage systems
  • Inspections — conducting inspections as part of the permitting or complaint investigation process
  • Complaint investigation — investigating exposed sewage and public complaints related to OSSFs, which may include issuing notices of violation or initiating court action
  • Program information — addressing inquiries about system records, permitting and fees, types of systems and regulatory compliance

Fees

Fees are associated with all services and reviewed annually during the City budget process. Fees are collected when applications are submitted. Additional fees may apply depending on application specifics or when permits have expired and are being reactivated or renewed. See the OSSF fee schedule (PDF) for a complete listing.

Resources

Permits and Applications

Whether you are installing a new OSSF, remodeling a property with an existing OSSF, subdividing a parcel to be served by an OSSF or abandoning an OSSF within Austin Water's jurisdiction, you will need a permit or inspection from our office.

Applications and inspection requests are submitted through the Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) portal. See the Austin Water OSSF AB+C User Guide (PDF) for instructions on creating an account and submitting applications.

New OSSF Installation

Redevelopment or Remodeling of Properties with Existing OSSFs

Subdividing Parcels Served by OSSFs

Amending a License to Operate an Existing OSSF

Abandoning an OSSF

Joining Two Adjacent Lots

When a lot is too small to accommodate an OSSF, two adjacent lots may be joined through a recorded restrictive covenant. Complete the form below and submit it by email for the Assistant City Attorney's approval. The approved form will be returned to the property owner listed on the form. Once approved, file the covenant with the corresponding County Clerk's Office and submit a copy to our office.

Construction Inspections

Austin Water conducts regular construction inspections during OSSF installation. The number of required inspections varies by system type. To schedule an inspection for an active OSSF permit, submit a request through the AB+C portal or email OSSF@AustinTexas.gov.

Inspection schedules by system type:

Maintenance Requirements

For the first two years following construction, secondary (typically aerobic) and higher-level (nitrogen reduction) treatment facilities must be covered by a maintenance contract. Nitrogen-reducing OSSFs and aerobic treatment OSSFs serving commercial properties must maintain a contract in perpetuity. Systems providing primary (anaerobic) treatment do not require a maintenance contract.

Maintenance Affidavit Forms

TCEQ-Licensed Maintenance Providers

Beginning Oct. 1, 2019, TCEQ-licensed maintenance providers working within the City's OSSF jurisdiction must be registered with Austin Water. Registration is free and permanent unless revoked. To register, complete the Maintenance Providers Registration Form (PDF) and submit it by email.

Homeowners Maintaining Their Own System

Homeowners of a single-family owner-occupied residence who have obtained the required training and are registered with Austin Water may maintain their own secondary treatment system after the initial two-year maintenance contract has expired.

To qualify, homeowners must attend TCEQ's training session for licensed maintenance technicians as required by 30 TAC Chapter 30, Section 30.245(b), or obtain equivalent training as determined by the City. To register, complete and submit the Registration Form for Property Owners Maintaining On-Site Sewage Facilities (PDF) for review and approval.

Remodeling and Your OSSF

If you are remodeling a property with an on-site sewage facility, you must receive approval from Austin Water before a building permit can be issued by Austin Development Services. Depending on the project, you may need additional OSSF permits or an amendment to your existing license.

Use the decision flowcharts below to determine what type of review is required based on your remodeling type:

Nitrogen Reduction Systems

Why Nitrogen Reduction Is Required

Nitrogen is a plant nutrient that can reduce oxygen levels in surface waters, particularly lakes. Nitrate, one form of nitrogen found in wastewater effluent, is highly soluble and mobile in groundwater and can migrate easily to surface waters. Excess nitrogen can increase aquatic plant growth, further depleting oxygen available to other aquatic life. Studies by the City's Watershed Protection program indicate that OSSFs could be a source of nitrate in Lake Austin, the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone (EARZ) and the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone (EACZ).

When Nitrogen Reduction Is Required

Austin City Code Chapter 15-5 requires all proposed systems with drainfields in the following areas to provide nitrogen-reducing treatment:

  • Within 75 feet of Lake Austin
  • Within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone
  • Within the Barton Springs segment of the EACZ where certain soil conditions are present

Not all systems within the Barton Springs segment require nitrogen reduction. Sites with soils suitable for a standard absorption system are exempt. Call 512-972-0050 for more information about treatment requirements for properties in the Barton Springs segment.

Approved Treatment Options

A list of City-approved nitrogen reduction treatment options is available in the Nitrogen Reduction Table (PDF). Approved systems have been verified through the EPA/NSF International Environmental Technology Verification Protocol, or have demonstrated to Austin Water the ability to produce average annual concentrations of 20 mg/L or less total nitrogen, or a maximum of 11 pounds of total nitrogen per year. Test reports for all approved technologies are available upon request.

Maintaining a Nitrogen Reduction System

Nitrogen reduction systems must be maintained by manufacturer-trained and certified personnel. Homeowners may not self-maintain these systems.

Approval for New Nitrogen Reduction Technologies

Designers or vendors seeking City approval for a nitrogen reduction system should follow the Guidelines for Obtaining City of Austin Approval for Nitrogen Reduction Systems (PDF).

Non-standard OSSF designs for high-strength, high-flow non-residential facilities are considered on a case-by-case basis and must meet nitrogen limitations in Austin City Code Chapter 15-5.

Contact

Austin Water Utility Development Services, OSSF Program 
6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, TX 78752

Phone:

Email: OSSF@AustinTexas.gov