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

Under Texas well construction rules, a water well generally must be at least 50 feet from a septic tank and at least 100 feet from a septic drain field (absorption field) or spray area. The same rules set 50 feet from the adjacent property line and 150 feet from livestock pens, cemeteries and some other contamination sources. These distances can be reduced in some cases if the well is built with enhanced casing and cement seals, for example down to 5 feet from a property line. Local groundwater districts and septic permitting authorities can set stricter distances, so confirm with both before choosing the well and septic locations on your lot.

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

• Well Drilling and Pump Installing Technical GuidanceTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
• 16 Tex. Admin. Code 76.100, Locations and Standards of Completion for WellsLegal Information Institute, Cornell Law School