Public Sewer & Water Service

West Rockhill Township is primarily served by "on-lot" sewage disposal systems (OLDS), although public sewer systems service the southern and eastern portions of the Township. If you are served by public sewer service, you are served by one of these suppliers: Sewer and water service area map.

Sellersville Borough               215-257-5075 

Perkasie Borough Authority    215-257-3654  

Telford Borough Authority       215-723-5000  

East Rockhill Township          215-257-9156

North Penn Water   215-855-3617

Act 537 Plan

In accordance with the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), The Township enacted a Sewage Management Plan on November 1, 2011. The Act 537 Plan provides a comprehensive planning document to identify and resolve existing sewage disposal problems, avoid potential sewage problems resulting from new land development, and to provide for future sewage disposal needs within the community. 

NEW! PennVest and the PA Housing Finance Agency are offering low interest loans for the repair or replacement of on-lot sewage disposal systems through the PennVest Homeowner Septic Program. 

On Lot Disposal Systems (OLDS) Regulations Click Here

The Township enacted an Ordinance to begin a management program for on-lot sewage systems on May 15, 2013, as per PA DEP regulations.

Ordinance 212 requires residents with on-lot septic systems to pump their systems once every three years. The current cycle began January 1, 2017 and ends on December 31, 2019. A copy of a pump out receipt must be submitted to the Township dated January 2013 until December 31, 2016, via mail, email, fax, or can be dropped off at the counter. Please include your Tax Map Parcel number (52- number at the top of the letter sent by the Township, or listed on your tax bill) and check that the correct street address is clearly visible on your receipt. For more information, please read the OLDS article that was published in the Spring 2014 newsletter.

 Do I need a Permit to install a new on-lot sewage system?

Yes. The Bucks County Department of Health requires a permit. Please contact them at: (215) 529-7000

The Township requires a review for any new sewage system as well as the establishment of a Professional  Escrow Account. A Maintenance Fee and Maintenance Agreement are also required to assure that the new system in maintained in proper working order. Please call the Township Manager  at 610-477-5770  for more information.

On-Lot Sewage Disposal Systems  

Every homeowner with an on-lot sewage disposal system should be aware of what type of system they have, understand its operation, and know how to maintain it properly. The best designed and properly installed sewage disposal system will still malfunction if the homeowner does not properly operate and maintain the system. In addition to requiring costly repairs, malfunctioning systems can contaminate surface and groundwaters, cause various health problems, and spread disease, as well as create unsightly messes and foul odors when raw sewage surfaces in the yard or backs up into the home. 

How an Onlot (Septic) System Functions

There are two basic types of anaerobic (without Oxygen) onlot systems; those with gravity distribution systems and those with pressure distribution systems. In both types, there are three major components:

1. the septic tank.

2. the distribution box (gravity system) or dosing tank (pressure system).

3. the absorption area.

Sewage flows to the septic tank, where the primary treatment process takes place. In the tank, the heaviest matter settles to the bottom (forming sludge) and the lighter matter (scum) floats on top of a somewhat clear liquid called effluent. While the sludge and scum must be pumped out regularly, the clear liquid flows out of the tank to a distribution box or dosing tank, and is then directed to the absorption area by gravity flow or through pressurized pipes. Within the absorption area, this effluent exits through pipes into a layer of gravel and then percolates through the soil for additional treatment. The bacteria in the soil neutralizes many of the contaminants in the wastewater.

Signs of an onlot system in trouble include: 

• Toilet runs sluggish

• Sewer odors in the house and/or drinking water

• Illness, often to household visitors

• Sponginess around septic tank, distribution box or dosing tank and absorption area

• Surfacing raw sewage

• Dosing pump runs constantly or not at all

• Dosing tank alarm light is on

• Backup of sewage into laundry tubs or other fixtures

Preventing Malfunctions

Homeowners can help prevent malfunctions and ensure the long-term use of their onlot system by doing the following:

• Conserving water and reducing wasteflow into the septic tank

• Having the septic tank pumped at least every 3 years, depending upon tank size and household size

• Avoiding putting chemicals in the septic system

• Not using the toilet to dispose of bulky, slowly decomposing wastes

• Inspecting the septic tank, pipes and drainage field annually

• Maintaining accurate records of the septic system (design, installation, location, inspections, pumpings, malfunctions, repairs)

• Preventing run-off from downspouts, sump pumps, and paved surfaces from getting into the septic system

• Keeping heavy vehicles, equipment and livestock away form the septic system

• Not planting trees and shrubs over or close to the septic system

Conserving Water and Reducing Wasteflow

Onlot systems not only treat and dispose of domestic sewage from toilets, they also receive wastewater from various other household fixtures, including baths, showers, kitchen sinks, garbage disposals, automatic dishwaters and laundries.

Conserving water and reducing the amount of wasteflow from household activities is an important step to ensuring long-term use. The more water-using devices in a household, the greater the burden is on the onlot system.

Following are some helpful water conservation tips and a comparison of water usage between conventional fixtures versus water-saving fixtures:

1. Use the dishwasher and laundry washer only when they are loaded to capacity.

   • Top Loading Laundry Washer 35-50 gal./load

   • Front Loading Laundry Washer 22-25 gal./load

2. Fix leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures quickly. Install flow control (regulator) devices on faucets.

   • Regular Faucet Aerator 2.5-6 gal./min.

   • Flow regulating Aerator .5-2.5 gal./min.

3. Take short showers instead of baths. Install flow control or water saving devices on showerheads and other plumbing fixtures.

   • Conventional Showerhead 3-15 gal./min.

   • Water Saving Showerhead 2-3 gal./min.

4. Reduce water use each time you flush the toilet. Put a heavy device such as a brick in a plastic bag or a water-filled plastic bottle in the reservoir or install a low flow toilet.

   • Conventional Toilet 4-6 gal./flush

   • Water Saving Toilet 1.6-3 gal./flush

5. Use the garbage disposal sparingly if you have one as they place a greater burden on the septic system. If you have garden space, compost the material instead.

Pumping Your Septic Tank

A septic tank accumulates solids (sludge) and scum which should be pumped out at least every three years. The frequency of pumping depends upon tank size and household size. Larger households generally require more frequent pumpings (every one or two years).

In Pennsylvania, specific tank sizes are generally based on the number of bedrooms in the home because the number of bedrooms is an indicator of household size. For example, a home with three bedrooms must have a 900 gallon or larger septic tank. The more bedrooms, the larger the septic tank.

Your toilet is Not A Trash Can

Trillions of living, beneficial bacteria constantly treat and decompose raw sewage in a septic system. The effectiveness of these bacteria can be impaired if harmful substances and chemicals are put into the septic system. Harmful substances/chemicals include:

• oils and grease

• gasoline

• antifreeze

• varnishes and paints and solvents

• harsh drain and toilet bowl cleaners

• laundry detergents with high sudsing elements

• bleach

• pesticides

• Old drugs & medications

Remember, what goes into your toilet and drains may eventually end up back in your drinking water. So instead of using caustic toilet bowl cleaners or bleach, try mild detergent or baking soda or one half cup of borax per gallon of water.

Also NEVER flush bulky, hard to decompose items such a sanitary napkins, diapers, paper towels, cigarette filters, plastics, eggshells, bones or coffee grounds down the toilet because they can clog the system.