Septic Services in The Colony, TX
The Colony homeowners pay $275-$400 for septic pumping, with 1,000-gallon tanks averaging $285-$375. Emergency service runs $400-$600.
The Colony sits on the eastern shore of Lake Lewisville in Denton County, with a population of about 46,000 residents. The city has a unique history. It was developed as a planned lakeside community in the mid-1970s by Fox and Jacobs, a Dallas homebuilder. In 1987, the nearby lakefront community of Eastvale voted to consolidate with The Colony, bringing older properties and established neighborhoods into the city.
That history matters for septic. Many lakefront homes in The Colony were built before municipal sewer infrastructure reached the area. These older neighborhoods still rely on septic systems, and replacing or repairing them comes with challenges: high water tables near the lake, clay and sandy loam soils that vary by location, and strict setback requirements from Lake Lewisville's shoreline.
What Septic Services Are Available in The Colony?
The Colony providers offer pumping ($275-$400), installation ($6,500-$20,000), repair ($200-$12,000), inspection ($275-$500), and aerobic maintenance ($250-$375/year).
The Colony's mix of lakefront properties, established neighborhoods, and newer developments means local septic companies handle both standard maintenance and challenging lakeside installations.
Septic Pumping
Most The Colony households should pump every 3-5 years, with larger families closer to every 2-3 years. Properties near Lake Lewisville may experience seasonal water table fluctuations that affect system performance during wet periods. Keeping your tank pumped on schedule prevents solids from reaching the drain field, which is especially important in areas with high groundwater.
New System Installation
New septic installations in The Colony face significant constraints due to Lake Lewisville's presence. TCEQ requires a 75-foot minimum setback from the lake's water surface at spillway elevation. Combined with smaller lakefront lot sizes, this often means conventional systems aren't feasible. A conventional system runs $6,500-$8,500 where soil conditions allow. Aerobic systems, common near the lake, run $12,000-$20,000. Mound systems for high water table properties cost $12,000-$20,000.
Septic Repair
Older lakefront neighborhoods from the 1970s and 1980s have systems approaching 40-50 years old. Common repairs include failing drain fields saturated by high water tables, root-damaged lines from mature trees, and tanks showing their age. Drain field replacement runs $5,000-$12,000, tank repairs $1,500-$3,500, and clearing clogged lines $200-$500.
Septic Inspection
Buying or selling a The Colony-area home? Get an inspection before closing. Full inspections run $275-$500, with combined pumping-and-inspection packages at $450-$700. Lakefront properties get closer scrutiny because of water table issues and proximity to Lake Lewisville, which serves as a drinking water source for multiple municipalities.
Aerobic System Maintenance
Aerobic systems are common in The Colony, especially on lakefront properties where conventional drain fields can't meet setback requirements or soil conditions. TCEQ requires a maintenance contract for the life of the system, with inspections every four months. Denton County requires you to submit a copy of your maintenance contract at least 30 days before the previous contract expires. Budget $250-$375 per year.
What Local Factors Affect Septic Systems in The Colony?
Lake Lewisville's proximity creates unique septic challenges for The Colony: strict 75-foot setbacks, high water tables, and clay-heavy soils limiting conventional systems.
Lake Lewisville Setback Requirements
Lake Lewisville is a major drinking water reservoir managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, serving as a drinking water source for over 2 million North Texas residents. Properties near the lake face strict regulatory requirements that directly affect septic system placement and design.
Key requirements:
- TCEQ mandates a 75-foot minimum setback from the lake's water surface at spillway elevation
- The Corps of Engineers reviews septic systems on flowage easement lands (below 537.0 feet elevation) on a case-by-case basis
- Written approval from both the County Environmental Health Department and TCEQ Region 4 in Arlington may be required for lakefront properties
- Older systems installed before current regulations may not meet today's setback requirements
If you're buying lakefront property, verify that adequate space exists for a compliant septic system before closing. Small lakefront lots may not have room for a system that meets current 75-foot setback rules.
High Water Table Challenges
The Colony's location along Lake Lewisville creates seasonal high water table conditions that complicate septic system design and performance. Texas requires at least 48 inches of separation between drain field bottoms and groundwater for adequate treatment. As Nathan Glavy, Extension Program Specialist at Texas A&M's Texas Water Resources Institute, notes, "failing septic systems have been identified as a source of increased bacteria and nutrient loading" in nearby watersheds, making proper system design near reservoirs critical.
During wet seasons, groundwater levels rise substantially near the lake. Properties in these areas commonly experience:
- Slow drains and backup issues during heavy rain
- Saturated drain fields that can't accept additional wastewater
- System performance that varies dramatically between wet and dry seasons
For properties with persistent water table challenges, alternative systems like sand mound systems, aerobic treatment units, or recirculating sand filters provide solutions, though at higher cost.
Soil Conditions Near Lake Lewisville
Soils in The Colony area include Denton series clay and Lewisville series silty clay loam, typical of Denton County's North Central Texas landscape. According to the USDA Soil Survey, the Denton series contains 35-56% clay with slow permeability, while the Lewisville series has moderate permeability but still contains significant clay content.
These soil types create challenges for conventional septic systems:
- Clay-heavy soils drain slowly, limiting how much wastewater the drain field can accept
- Larger drain fields are required compared to areas with sandy soils
- Many properties need alternative treatment systems because conventional designs won't meet LTAR (Long-Term Application Rate) requirements
The EPA estimates that up to 10% of septic systems fail annually, and soil clogging from clay-heavy conditions is a leading cause. A licensed site evaluator can test your soil and determine what system type will work on your property.
What Are Denton County's Septic Permitting Rules?
Denton County's Environmental Health Division handles all septic permits for unincorporated areas. The Colony has municipal sewer in newer developments, but older neighborhoods and properties outside city sewer service areas fall under county jurisdiction.
Here's how the permitting process works:
- Submit a completed OSSF application with all documentation in person to Denton County
- Permits can often be issued same-day if all materials are complete
- A Floodplain Development Permit may be required depending on property characteristics
- Site evaluation by a Licensed Professional Engineer or Licensed Site Evaluator is required
- Final inspection by Denton County Environmental Health before system operation
Permit fees are $310 for new installations and $100 for repairs or alterations. For aerobic systems, you must maintain a signed maintenance contract and submit copies to the county.
How Much Do Septic Services Cost in The Colony?
Most The Colony homeowners pay $275-$400 for standard septic pumping, with 1,000-gallon tanks averaging around $325.
| Service | The Colony Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard pumping (1,000 gal) | $285 - $375 |
| Large tank (1,500+ gal) | $375 - $550 |
| Pumping + inspection | $450 - $700 |
| Emergency/after-hours | $400 - $600 |
| Locating buried tank lid | +$50 - $100 |
| Aerobic maintenance (annual) | $250 - $375 |
| New installation (conventional) | $6,500 - $8,500 |
| New installation (aerobic) | $12,000 - $20,000 |
The Colony pricing reflects DFW metro area labor rates. Costs increase for lakefront properties with access constraints, high water table issues requiring specialized equipment, or systems in older neighborhoods with buried or difficult-to-locate tanks.
Prices based on February 2026 provider surveys and market data for The Colony/Denton County area. Your actual cost depends on tank size, accessibility, and system condition.
How It Works
1. Tell Us About Your Needs
Fill out our short form with your septic service needs and The Colony-area address. Let us know if it's routine pumping, an inspection for a home sale, a new construction installation, or an emergency.
2. Get Matched with a Local Pro
We connect you with a licensed, insured septic professional who works in Denton County. Every provider in our network holds a current TCEQ license and has been vetted for quality.
3. Get Your Quote
Your matched provider contacts you within a few hours with clear pricing. No obligation. For emergencies, expect faster response from providers offering same-day service in The Colony area.
Why Choose a Local The Colony Septic Professional?
- They know the lake. A provider who works near Lake Lewisville understands the 75-foot setback requirements, high water tables, and regulatory coordination needed for lakefront properties.
- Denton County permitting experience. Local providers handle county permits regularly and know what the Environmental Health Division requires for approval.
- High water table expertise. Properties near the lake need providers experienced with alternative systems that handle seasonal groundwater fluctuations.
- Older neighborhood knowledge. Many The Colony septic systems date to the 1970s and 1980s. Local providers understand the issues these aging systems present.
Serving The Colony and Surrounding Areas
We connect homeowners with septic professionals throughout The Colony area, including:
- Lewisville
- Frisco
- Carrollton
- Plano
- Little Elm
- Highland Village
- Lake Dallas
- Hackberry
- Hebron
- Flower Mound
- Castle Hills
- Corinth
Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Services in The Colony
How much does septic pumping cost in The Colony?
Most The Colony homeowners pay $285-$375 for a standard 1,000-gallon tank pumping. Larger 1,500-gallon tanks run $375-$550. Emergency and after-hours calls add $100-$200 to the base price. Homes with buried lids or lakefront access challenges may cost more. These prices reflect DFW metro area rates as of February 2026.
Can I install a conventional septic system on my lakefront property?
Most lakefront lots in The Colony can't support conventional systems due to TCEQ's 75-foot setback from Lake Lewisville. Smaller lots don't have enough room for a conventional drain field that meets this requirement. High water tables near the lake also limit conventional system effectiveness. Aerobic or alternative systems provide higher treatment levels in smaller footprints, making them the standard choice for lakefront properties.
Who handles septic permits near Lake Lewisville?
Denton County Environmental Health Division issues all OSSF permits for unincorporated areas near the lake. Permit fees are $310 for new installations and $100 for repairs (Denton County, 2026). For lakefront properties on flowage easement lands, you may also need approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and TCEQ Region 4 in Arlington. The multi-agency process takes longer than standard permits, so start early if you're planning septic work on lakefront property. Contact Denton County Environmental Health at 940-349-2920.
Why do older lakefront homes have septic issues?
Many lakefront neighborhoods were built in the 1970s-1980s before current 75-foot setback rules existed. Systems installed decades ago may sit closer to the lake than today's TCEQ regulations allow. When these systems need replacement, meeting current requirements on existing lots can be difficult or impossible without connecting to municipal sewer or installing more expensive alternative systems. If you're buying an older lakefront home, get a thorough inspection before closing.
Should I repair or replace an aging septic system near Lake Lewisville?
If your system is 30+ years old and near the lake, replacement usually makes more financial sense than repeated repairs. A $3,000-$5,000 repair on a system approaching 40-50 years old often buys only a few more years. A full replacement ($12,000-$20,000 for an aerobic system) lasts another 25-30 years and meets current TCEQ setback and treatment requirements. For lakefront properties, replacement also gives you an opportunity to upgrade to an aerobic system that better protects Lake Lewisville's water quality.
Ready to find a The Colony septic professional? Get free quotes from licensed Denton County providers
Last updated: February 10, 2026 Pricing based on The Colony/Denton County-area provider surveys and market data Sources: Denton County Environmental Health Division, TCEQ, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, EPA, USDA Soil Survey
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