Septic / OSSF
Most Homes Here Use a Septic System, Not City Sewer
Outside of Matador's city limits, most homes in Motley County rely on an on-site sewage system (septic tank), and state rules require a permit to install or repair one.
An on-site sewage facility (OSSF) is usually called a septic system. It treats waste on your own property instead of sending it to a city sewer. In rural Motley County, nearly all homes outside town use one. Texas law requires a permit to build, repair, or expand an OSSF. You apply through the county or the TCEQ regional office — whichever has local authority.
There is one exception to the permit rule. Your property must be 10 acres or larger. The system must serve a single-family home. All parts of the system must be at least 100 feet from the property line, and the effluent must be disposed of on the property. Even so, the exemption still requires a site evaluation conducted by a TCEQ-licensed Site Evaluator or a Professional Engineer before you build. You must also meet all other design and installation standards.
When buying rural property, always ask about the septic system. Find out its condition and whether it was properly permitted. The TCEQ website has the full rules.
Source to confirm: TCEQ — On-Site Sewage Facilities (Septic Systems)