Electric, water wells, septic, and internet

Electric — Heart of Texas Electric Cooperative (HOTEC)

HOTEC is the rural electric cooperative serving this part of Milam County. Their published process:

1. Obtain a 911 address (required first).
2. Submit a membership application.
3. Submit a new construction application and required specs.
4. Provide deed reference; schedule a staking appointment; pay construction costs.
5. Allow roughly 30 working days for line work after payment (weather permitting), per HOTEC’s FAQ.

Member services: 1-800-840-2957. New-service questions: hotec.coop/new-service-questions. Offices: McGregor and Rosebud (see HOTEC site).

Solar / distributed generation

• Read the Distributed Generation Guidelines Manual.
• Submit the DG application and one-line diagram before installation. Email: Solar@hotec.coop.
• HOTEC must approve, inspect, and grant Permission to Operate before the system interconnects. Do not energize early.
• Overview: Solar Energy Information.

Water — confirm your lot’s source

Highland Branch lots may use a private well, a rural water supply corporation connection, or both. Verify service for your specific lot with the HOA and any water supplier that claims the area before you pay tap fees or drill.

North Milam Water Supply Corporation states it serves northern Milam County along FM 485 and communities including Maysfield. Call them at (254) 697-4016 to ask whether your lot is in their service area. If they do not serve you, plan on a private well through POSGCD.

Private wells — Post Oak Savannah GCD (POSGCD)

POSGCD regulates groundwater in Milam and Burleson Counties. Household/livestock wells that cannot produce more than 25,000 gallons per day (17.36 gpm) are generally exempt from production permits but still must be registered.

• Forms: POSGCD Well Forms & Applications
• Form 1001 — Application to Drill, Alter, and/or Operate an Exempt Well (notarized signature required on most forms)
• Limited Production and non-exempt wells use different forms (2001 / 2002) if you exceed exempt limits or uses
• Spacing (Rule 4.1): a new well generally may not be drilled within 50 ft of an existing well or of an abutting property line you do not own/control (formation-specific rules can add more). Variance form required if closer than 50 ft to a neighboring line — neighbor consent and notarization.
• Driller’s Guidance Tool (public map layer): use it with your driller for recommended depths; it is guidance, not a substitute for district rules. Linked from POSGCD’s forms page.
• Office: 310 E Avenue C, Milano, TX 76556 · (512) 455-9900 · posgcd.org

State well setbacks (TDLR)

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation well completion rules (16 TAC §76.100) include, among other distances: 100 ft from septic absorption fields/spray areas; 50 ft from watertight sewage collection facilities; 50 ft from adjacent property lines (with limited alternatives if pressure-cemented). Local GCD rules and HOA covenants can be stricter.

Septic — Milam County OSSF

There is no municipal sewer in the subdivision. On-site sewage facilities are permitted by the Milam County Health Department (TCEQ authorized agent).

• Page: Septic System Permits
• Designated Representative contact listed by the county: (254) 697-7039 · 908 N Crockett, Suite B, Cameron, TX 76520
• Soil evaluation + planning materials required; Authorization to Construct before install; Notice of Approval after inspection
• Aerobic systems require a maintenance contract on file with the county
• Statewide overview: TCEQ — Getting a Permit for an OSSF

Fee schedules on older county PDF handouts can be years out of date — ask the Health Department for current fees when you apply.

Internet

Coverage changes quickly in rural Milam County. Check current availability at your 911 address with fiber, cable, fixed wireless, and satellite providers. Plan temporary construction internet separately (many owners use mobile or satellite during the build). This site does not endorse a carrier.