Bexar County Septic Regulations: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026

Bexar County issues septic permits through Environmental Services. Aerobic systems need three inspections per year, and Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone properties face stricter requirements.

Bexar County is home to San Antonio, the seventh-largest city in the United States. According to Bexar County's Environmental Services department, septic systems handle approximately 25% of all wastewater treatment in the county. While most of San Antonio connects to the San Antonio Water System's sewer lines, large portions of unincorporated Bexar County rely on septic systems. The county's location over the Edwards Aquifer, combined with expansive clay soils across much of the area, means aerobic systems are far more common here than in many other Texas counties.

This guide covers permits, fees, aerobic requirements, enforcement, and the Edwards Aquifer rules that affect Bexar County homeowners. Whether you're installing a new system, keeping up with maintenance contracts, or registering an older system that never had a permit, you'll find the details here.

Who Handles Septic Permits in Bexar County?

Bexar County Environmental Services issues all septic permits for unincorporated areas of the county, operating as a TCEQ authorized agent under a Commissioners Court Order.

Bexar County administers its septic program through the Environmental Services department, which handles permits, inspections, complaints, and enforcement. The county operates under a Commissioners Court Order that authorizes it to regulate septic systems as a designated agent of TCEQ, following 30 TAC Chapter 285 and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366.

If your property is within the City of San Antonio, the city may handle certain permitting. For unincorporated areas, Bexar County is your permitting authority. Contact Environmental Services to verify jurisdiction for your specific property.

Contact information:

Detail	Information
Office	Bexar County Environmental Services
Phone	(210) 335-6700
Website	bexar.org/3218
Records requests	Available through the county website

The county processes 80-120 septic system construction permit applications and inspections annually. According to TCEQ's historical permitting data, Texas issued 43,215 OSSF permits statewide in 2024. Contact Bexar County Environmental Services at (210) 335-6700 for current application procedures and forms.

Permit Types and Fees in Bexar County

Bexar County requires permits for new installations, repairs, renewals, and registration of existing unpermitted systems. Standard system renewals cost $30 every 5 years.

Bexar County has four main permit categories:

Permit Type	Details	Fee
New permit	New system installation, approves License to Operate	Contact office for current fee
Repair permit	Repairs or changes to existing system	Contact office for current fee
Renewal (standard systems)	Every 5 years with pump receipt	$30
Renewal (aerobic systems)	Initial 2-year permit, then service contract required	Contact office for current fee
Existing system registration	For unpermitted systems, requires site survey + pump manifest	Contact office for current fee

A unique feature of Bexar County is the existing system registration. If you have a septic system that was never formally permitted (common with older properties), you need to register it. This requires a site survey and septic design completed by a licensed sanitarian or professional engineer, plus a pump manifest no older than one year.

Standard system renewals happen every 5 years. You'll need a pump receipt showing the tank was pumped within the past year, plus the $30 renewal fee. This is one of the most affordable renewal processes in the Austin-San Antonio corridor.

The 10-acre exemption: Under TCEQ's base rules, properties of 10 acres or larger with a single home and proper setbacks may be exempt from local permitting. Bexar County's local order may have different provisions. Contact Environmental Services at (210) 335-6700 to confirm whether this exemption applies to your property.

How Does the Bexar County Septic Permit Process Work?

The permit process involves an application, site evaluation, soil testing, inspections at multiple construction stages, and issuance of a License to Operate.

Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Contact Environmental Services. Call (210) 335-6700 to confirm your property falls under county jurisdiction and get current application forms and fee information.

2. Site evaluation. Hire a Professional Engineer (PE) or Licensed Professional Sanitarian to evaluate your soil conditions, run percolation tests, and design the system. Bexar County's clay soils often require aerobic or advanced treatment designs.

3. Gather documents. You'll need: septic system application, site plan with system design, soil evaluation report, and property information. For aerobic systems, include a maintenance contract with a licensed provider. For existing system registration, provide a site survey and pump manifest from within the past year.

4. Submit application. File your application with Environmental Services and pay the applicable fees.

5. County review. The county's Designated Representative reviews your plans against the Commissioners Court Order and 30 TAC Chapter 285.

6. Authorization to construct. Once approved, you receive authorization to begin installation. Only a TCEQ-licensed installer can do the work.

7. Inspections at multiple stages. County inspectors check the installation at several points during construction. No components can be covered or buried until approved.

8. License to Operate. After the system passes all inspections, you receive your License to Operate. For standard systems, renew every 5 years. For aerobic systems, the initial permit covers 2 years, then you maintain a service contract.

How Do Bexar County Rules Go Beyond State Minimums?

Bexar County requires existing system registration for unpermitted properties, 5-year permit renewals for standard systems, and three inspections per year for aerobic systems.

Here's what sets Bexar County apart:

Existing system registration. Many counties don't actively pursue unpermitted older systems. Bexar County does. If your property has a septic system that was installed before the permitting program or that never received proper authorization, you need to register it. The process requires a licensed sanitarian or engineer to conduct a site survey and design evaluation, plus a recent pump manifest.

5-year renewal cycle for standard systems. Most Texas counties don't require periodic permit renewals for conventional septic systems. Bexar County requires renewal every 5 years with proof of pumping. This keeps the county's records current and catches systems that have fallen into disrepair.

Three inspections per year for aerobic systems. Bexar County requires more frequent inspections than many counties. Licensed wastewater treatment companies must inspect aerobic systems three times per year, with quarterly maintenance reports filed with the county.

Edwards Aquifer protections. Bexar County sits over the Edwards Aquifer, one of the most important groundwater resources in Texas. The Recharge Zone runs through the northwestern portion of the county, covering areas like Helotes, Leon Springs, and parts of the Hill Country northwest of San Antonio. Properties in these areas face heightened scrutiny during permitting, and conventional systems are often not feasible. Aerobic treatment with spray or drip disposal is the standard for Recharge Zone properties.

Clay soil considerations. Much of Bexar County has expansive clay soils that drain poorly. This is why aerobic systems are so common in the San Antonio area, even outside the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. Clay soils can't handle the wastewater load of a conventional drain field, pushing most new installations toward aerobic treatment.

Aerobic System Requirements in Bexar County

Aerobic systems in Bexar County require a service contract with a licensed provider, quarterly reports to the county, and three inspections per year.

Aerobic treatment units are the default system type for much of Bexar County. Here's what the county requires:

Initial 2-year permit. Your aerobic system starts with a permit valid for 2 years from installation. During this period, the licensed installer and maintenance provider handle all service and reporting.

Service contract after initial period. Once the 2-year initial permit expires, you must maintain a service contract with a TCEQ-licensed wastewater treatment company. Submit the contract to Bexar County Environmental Services.

Quarterly maintenance reports. Your service provider must submit maintenance reports to the county's Designated Representative every quarter. Reports cover system operation, component condition, and any repairs performed.

Three inspections per year. A licensed wastewater treatment company must inspect your aerobic system three times annually. This is more frequent than the state minimum and reflects Bexar County's emphasis on protecting the Edwards Aquifer.

What the maintenance provider checks:

• Aerator and blower operation
• Alarm system function
• Disinfection unit (chlorine or UV)
• Spray heads or drip emitter function
• Wastewater quality and clarity
• Tank levels and sludge accumulation

Budget $200-$400 per year for an aerobic maintenance contract in the San Antonio area. Some providers offer packages that bundle inspections with the service contract.

What Happens If You Violate Bexar County Septic Rules?

Bexar County gives property owners 30 days to fix septic violations before filing criminal complaints. Fines for unpermitted work can reach $10,000 per day.

Bexar County takes enforcement seriously, especially in the Edwards Aquifer area.

What triggers enforcement:

• Operating without a permit or with an expired permit
• Installing or modifying a system without authorization
• Failing to maintain an aerobic service contract
• Failing to submit quarterly reports
• Systems causing surface sewage, odors, or contamination
• Unpermitted older systems discovered during real estate transactions

The 30-day window: When the county identifies a violation, the Designated Representative issues a certified notice. You typically get 30 days to correct the problem. Common fixes include getting your system pumped, establishing a maintenance contract, or consulting with the Environmental Services office about bringing your system into compliance.

Penalties for non-compliance: If you don't fix the violation within the correction period, Bexar County can file a criminal complaint. Under Texas law, fines for unpermitted septic work can reach $10,000 per day. Court orders can require system removal or modification, and occupancy of the home can be halted until the system is brought into compliance.

Unpermitted work: All installation, repair, and modification work requires a permit and a TCEQ-licensed installer. Homeowners can perform basic maintenance on conventional systems. For aerobic systems, you need a licensed provider for the three required annual inspections and quarterly reporting.

How Much Does Septic Work Cost in Bexar County?

Conventional systems in the San Antonio area run $6,300-$9,900, while aerobic systems cost $7,800-$12,000. Most Bexar County properties need aerobic due to clay soils.

Here's what homeowners in the San Antonio area should budget:

Item	Cost Range
Conventional system install (3-bedroom)	$6,300-$9,900
Aerobic spray system	$7,800-$9,800
Aerobic drip system	$9,800-$12,000
Site evaluation and soil testing	$600-$1,200
County permit fee (new installation)	Contact county for current fee
Standard system renewal (every 5 years)	$30
Septic pumping (1,000-gallon tank)	$235-$280
Aerobic maintenance contract (annual)	$200-$400
Typical repair (per hour + materials)	$275-$375/hour
Drain field replacement	$5,000-$12,000

The real cost driver in Bexar County is the soil. Clay soils across most of the area push homeowners toward aerobic systems, which cost $2,000-$5,000 more than conventional.

Conventional vs. aerobic in Bexar County: A conventional system at $6,300-$9,900 makes sense for properties with suitable soil and adequate lot size outside the Recharge Zone. But most Bexar County properties end up with aerobic systems at $7,800-$12,000 due to clay soil or Edwards Aquifer restrictions. Aerobic systems also carry ongoing maintenance costs of $200-$400 per year for the required service contract. Properties in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone face the highest costs, since advanced treatment with spray or drip disposal is typically the only option.

Installation typically takes 3-7 days.

For a full breakdown of Texas septic costs, see our septic pumping cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for septic work in Bexar County?

Yes. New installations, repairs, and modifications all require a permit through Bexar County Environmental Services. If you have an older system that was never formally permitted, you also need to register it. This registration requires a site survey by a licensed sanitarian or engineer and a pump manifest from within the past year. Routine pumping does not require a permit.

How much does a septic permit cost in Bexar County?

Standard system renewals cost $30 every 5 years. Fees for new installations and repairs vary. Contact Bexar County Environmental Services at (210) 335-6700 for the current fee schedule. Budget $600-$1,200 for the required site evaluation on top of the permit fee. Your licensed installer often handles the permit application as part of their service.

Who inspects septic systems in Bexar County?

Bexar County's Designated Representative handles permitting inspections during installation. For aerobic systems, a TCEQ-licensed wastewater treatment company must perform three inspections per year and file quarterly reports with the county. Standard systems don't have ongoing county inspection requirements, but you must get pumped and renew your permit every 5 years.

Can I do my own septic work in Bexar County?

Installation and repairs must be done by a TCEQ-licensed installer. For standard (conventional) systems, homeowners can perform basic maintenance. For aerobic systems, you need a licensed wastewater treatment company for the three required annual inspections and quarterly reporting. Self-maintenance of aerobic systems is limited in Bexar County due to the reporting requirements.

How does the Edwards Aquifer affect my septic system in Bexar County?

Properties over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone in northwestern Bexar County typically need aerobic systems, adding $2,000-$5,000 to installation costs. The Recharge Zone covers areas like Helotes, Leon Springs, and the Hill Country northwest of San Antonio. Properties in these areas face stricter permitting review, and conventional drain field systems are typically not allowed because pollutants can reach the aquifer quickly through the porous limestone. As Stuart Birnbaum, associate professor emeritus of Earth sciences at the University of Texas at San Antonio, has noted, "Bexar County has more karst than any other place in the state," making it extremely sensitive to contamination from wastewater systems. Aerobic treatment with spray or drip disposal is the standard for Recharge Zone properties.

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Last updated: February 6, 2026 Reviewed by: Texas Septic Guide Editorial Team, content verified against TCEQ regulations, Bexar County Commissioners Court Order for On-Site Sewage Facilities, and 30 TAC Chapter 285

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Sources: Bexar County Environmental Services; Bexar County Commissioners Court Order for On-Site Sewage Facilities; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), 30 TAC Chapter 285; Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366; Edwards Aquifer Authority.

Serving Bexar County communities: San Antonio | Boerne