How far must a septic system be from water lines and swimming pools?

Texas requires at least 10 feet between a public water supply line and a septic tank or soil absorption drainfield. For swimming pools, tanks and standard drainfields fall under the general 5-foot separation from structures, but aerobic systems that spray effluent onto the lawn must keep the spray area at least 25 feet from a pool. Local permitting authorities may add stricter rules, and other states use different figures, so check your county's requirements before trenching water service to a new home.

Check your local rule. This varies by state, county or city. Your permitting office has the final word; the official lookup pages below show you who that is.

Sources

• 30 TAC §285.91(10), Table X: Minimum Required Separation Distances for On-Site Sewage FacilitiesTexas Register (via The Portal to Texas History, University of North Texas)
• Maintain Your Septic System to Protect Well Water (ESC-015)Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service