How far must a septic system be from a water well in Texas?

In Texas, a septic tank must be at least 50 feet from a private water well, and a standard soil absorption drainfield must be at least 100 feet away. Texas A&M AgriLife notes the drainfield distance can drop to 50 feet when the private well is pressure-cemented (grouted) to state standards. Public water supply wells get more room: 150 feet from a soil absorption field and 50 feet from a tank. These figures come from Table X of 30 TAC Chapter 285 and also apply to a neighbor's well near your property line. Local programs can be stricter, so confirm with your county's permitting authority before you drill a well or set a 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