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Filing a Complaint Related to an On-Site Sewage Facility

How to file a complaint related to an on-site sewage facility (OSSF) often known as septic systems, how the complaint will be resolved, and what to expect from the process.

Complaints regarding malfunctioning OSSFs need to be filed with the local permitting authority. The local authority shall investigate the complaint within 30 days after receipt of the complaint, notify the complainant of the findings and take appropriate and timely action on all documented violations. If the local permitting authority does not resolve the complaint within the 30 day requirement, notify the permitting authority's supervising authority (county judge, county commissioner, mayor, aldermen, boards, water program manager, etc.). If the complaint is still not resolved within a reasonable time, contact the appropriate TCEQ regional office.

Complaints against installers, maintenance professionals, or someone conducting unlicensed work must be filed with the local permitting authority. If the local authority does not resolve the complaint within the 30 day requirement, notify the permitting authority's supervising authority (county judge, county commissioner, mayor, aldermen, boards, etc.). If the complaint is still not resolved within a reasonable time, contact the appropriate TCEQ regional office.

If your complaint involves theft, fraud, deceit or any other criminal activity, you may seek violations of the Texas Penal Code   and obtain a court conviction. You may also pursue a civil suit (after the criminal suit)  to seek recovery of lost funds. We recommend that you forward copies of any court judgements or convictions involving licenses to TCEQ. Contact the OSSF program at (512) 239-3799 for details.

Complaints against designated representatives need to be filed with the local permitting authority's supervising authority (county judge, county commissioner, mayor, aldermen, boards, water program manager, etc.). If the complaint is still not resolved within a reasonable time, contact the appropriate TCEQ regional office.

Complaints against authorized agents may be filed with the TCEQ regional office for your county.

If your complaint is against a TCEQ regional office, contact the  TCEQ regional office director or the OSSF program in Austin at (512) 239-3799.

Anonymous complaints can be filed in whatever format the permitting authority requires. However, if you remain anonymous, it will prevent permitting authorities from reporting investigation findings and results back to you since your information is not recorded. Whether anonymous or not, potential violators will never be informed of who filed the complaint.

The local permitting authority must investigate the complaint within 30 days after receipt, notify the complainant of findings, and take appropriate and timely action on all documented violations.  Appropriate action may include criminal or civil enforcement action as necessary.

When a complaint is found to be valid (based upon documented evidence), the investigator may:

  • attempt to get the situation resolved by allowing the individual time to correct the alleged violation.
  • file in a local Justice of the Peace Court, municipal court, or a higher court as deemed appropriate.

The links provided below will take you off the TCEQ Web server. These links are provided solely as a courtesy. Because TCEQ has no control over the posting of material to these sites, the agency cannot take responsibility for their continued validity and maintenance.

The On-Site Sewage Facility Program Contacts can provide additional information.