If your Pomona home runs on a private well and septic system, you are essentially your own water and wastewater utility. You want safe drinking water, a septic system that just works, and no surprise repairs. This guide gives you a simple, seasonal plan for testing, inspections, pumping, and recordkeeping so you can protect your health, budget, and property value. Let’s dive in.
Why a plan matters in Pomona
Private wells in Texas are not monitored like public water systems, so you are responsible for regular testing and maintenance. The EPA recommends annual bacteriological testing, nitrate checks, and immediate testing after floods or service work. See the EPA’s private well guidance for a quick overview of best practices and testing triggers. EPA private well guidance
For septic systems, Texas rules are administered through the TCEQ On-Site Sewage Facility program. Routine inspections, timely pumping, and licensed providers are essential, and aerobic systems usually require a maintenance contract with reporting. Review TCEQ’s homeowner guidance to understand responsibilities and maintenance basics. TCEQ OSSF maintenance guidance
If you are unsure who permits septic work for your property, confirm whether Cherokee County or the TCEQ regional office is your local authority. The county’s AgriLife Extension office is also a helpful first stop for local education and screening events.
Your annual plan at a glance
Keep this plan on your fridge or in your phone and set reminders.
Late winter to spring
- Well
- Schedule your annual bacteria test (total coliform and E. coli) and nitrate test. Spring to early summer is ideal since nitrates often peak then. If you use treatment equipment, service filters and UV bulbs now. EPA well testing basics
- Septic
- Walk your yard and look for soggy spots, odors, or unusual grass growth over the tank or drainfield. If your last inspection was over a year ago, book one. If you have a large household or use a garbage disposal often, plan to pump on the early side of the 3 to 5 year window. EPA septic care
Late spring to summer
- Well
- If you did not test earlier, test now. Test anytime you notice a change in taste, color, or odor, or after heavy rains or flooding. EPA private well guidance
- Septic
- Be SepticSmart. Spread out laundry loads, fix leaky fixtures, and keep vehicles off the drainfield. Call a pro if you notice slow drains or sewage odors. EPA SepticSmart tips
Fall
- Well
- Check the well cap, casing, and pressure system. Clear chemicals and fuels from the well area. If contamination is suspected, consider shock disinfection and retest after. EPA well protection tips
- Septic
- If you are due for pumping based on your last service date, schedule it before wet weather. Aerobic systems should have maintenance visits recorded per contract. TCEQ OSSF maintenance guidance
Winter
- Well
- Protect exposed pipes and the well house from freezing. Plan bigger repairs for milder months when contractors are more available.
- Septic
- Inspect risers and lids and keep heavy traffic off the drainfield. East Texas rarely stays frozen for long, but it pays to be ready. EPA septic care
What to test and when
- Every year
- Total coliform bacteria with E. coli confirmation if positive, plus nitrates. Consider pH and total dissolved solids as a baseline.
- Every 3 years
- Radionuclides where geologic risk exists. Ask your lab or Extension office about regional considerations. EPA well testing basics
- Any time after
- Flooding, well service, a change in taste, odor, or color, or nearby contamination events, test immediately. The Texas Well Owner Network offers education and screening events that align with these best practices. TWON testing guidance
Use a state-certified lab for drinking water analyses and keep every test report on file.
Septic inspections and pumping
- Conventional systems
- Inspect every 1 to 3 years. Pump every 3 to 5 years, sooner with heavy use or smaller tanks. EPA septic care
- Aerobic or advanced systems
- Expect a maintenance contract with scheduled visits and reporting to the permitting authority. Confirm visit frequency, alarm response times, and what is covered in writing. TCEQ OSSF maintenance guidance
Day to day, protect your system by keeping wipes, grease, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals out of drains, and by managing water use. EPA SepticSmart tips
Who to hire and verify
- Water wells
- Hire a licensed water well driller or pump installer. Verify licenses and complaint history through TDLR before work begins. TDLR well driller and pump installer licensing
- Septic systems
- For installation, repair, or maintenance, hire TCEQ-licensed OSSF professionals. For aerobic systems, confirm contract and reporting requirements. TCEQ OSSF maintenance guidance
Ask for proof of insurance, written scope, references, and clear pricing for any service.
Typical costs to budget
- Well testing
- Basic bacteria and nitrate panels often run about 25 to 150 dollars depending on the lab and panel size.
- Septic service
- Inspections commonly range about 200 to 600 dollars depending on depth of inspection. Pumping typically ranges around 250 to 700 dollars based on tank size, access, and travel.
Get multiple quotes and keep receipts. Regular maintenance almost always costs less than emergency repairs.
Troubleshooting red flags
- Septic warning signs
- Slow drains, gurgling, sewage odors, backups, or mushy ground over the drainfield are common red flags. Reduce water use and call a licensed pro promptly. EPA resolving septic malfunctions
- Well warning signs
- Sudden changes in taste, odor, or color, cloudy water, low or variable pressure, or repeated positive bacteria tests signal trouble. Use bottled water for drinking and cooking and test immediately. EPA private well guidance
- After flooding
- Do not use the water until the well is disinfected and tested. Do not run electrical pump equipment that was submerged until inspected. If the septic tank or field was underwater, contact a pro for cleaning and guidance. EPA well flood guidance
Records for resale
Good records protect your health today and your equity when you sell. Keep permits, system diagrams, pump-out dates, maintenance contracts, lab results, and service receipts for both well and septic.
In Texas, most sellers provide a Seller’s Disclosure Notice that asks about water and sewer service and whether the property has or is approved for a septic system. Sharing complete maintenance records helps buyers and lenders during due diligence. TREC Seller’s Disclosure Notice
Local resources
- Cherokee County AgriLife Extension office in Rusk for education and screening events. Cherokee County AgriLife Extension contact
- TCEQ OSSF homeowner guidance for maintenance rules and licensed providers. TCEQ OSSF maintenance guidance
- TDLR license lookup for water well drillers and pump installers. TDLR well driller and pump installer licensing
- EPA private well owner steps for testing and protection. EPA private well guidance
- Texas Well Owner Network for Texas-specific testing education. TWON testing guidance
A consistent plan keeps your water safe, your septic reliable, and your home value strong. If you are planning a purchase or sale of rural property and want to make sure your well and septic records are market-ready, connect with the Wise Living Group for high-touch guidance that protects your timeline and your bottom line.
FAQs
How often should Pomona homeowners test a private well?
- Test for total coliform bacteria and nitrates every year, and test immediately after flooding, well service, or any change in taste, odor, or color. EPA private well guidance
What maintenance schedule should I follow for a septic system?
- Inspect every 1 to 3 years and pump every 3 to 5 years for conventional systems, with more frequent checks for aerobic systems under a maintenance contract. EPA septic care
Who licenses well and septic professionals in Texas?
- TDLR licenses water well drillers and pump installers, and TCEQ licenses OSSF installers and maintenance providers. Verify licenses before hiring. TDLR licensing | TCEQ OSSF guidance
What should I do if my well floods?
- Do not drink the water, disinfect the well after waters recede, and retest before use. Have any submerged electrical components inspected first. EPA well flood guidance
What records help during a home sale with well and septic?
- Keep permits, as-built diagrams, inspection and pump-out receipts, water test results, and any maintenance contracts to share with buyers and lenders. TREC disclosure form
