Homes outside city limits in Bowie County likely need a septic permit

Many homes in Bowie County outside Texarkana and other cities use a septic system. In Texas, a septic system is called an On-Site Sewage Facility, or OSSF. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) sets the rules for these systems.

You need a permit before you put in a new system. You also need one before you do major repairs to an old one. The permit usually comes from a local office — not from TCEQ directly. That local office is often the county health or environmental office. TCEQ has a search tool on its website. Use it to find the right office for your address. A licensed site evaluator must check your land before you can apply.

A bad septic system can pollute groundwater and nearby creeks. That is a real concern near the Red River and Sulphur River. If you are buying rural land, check that the septic system was permitted and is working. The TCEQ homeowner page walks you through every step.