Septic & Well Services in Upper Black Eddy, Ottsville & Erwinna, PA
Along the Delaware in upper Bucks County, most homes have their own septic system and well. Tinicum Township says wells are the "sole source" of its water supply. That makes maintenance and testing especially important here. FlowAndTank.com is a free referral service and does not do the work.
Get matched nowAreas covered on this page: Tinicum Township, Nockamixon Township, Upper Black Eddy, Ottsville, Erwinna, Kintnersville, Ferndale, Pipersville (Bucks County).
Nockamixon: pump every three years and send the receipt
Nockamixon Township's Ordinance No. 147 on sewage system maintenance requires every system to be pumped by a licensed hauler at least once every three years. Pumping is due sooner if solids or scum fill more than a third of the tank's liquid depth. For systems that already existed, the clock started on May 16, 2013. For new systems it starts when the Bucks County Health Department approves the system as complete. You must send the Township a receipt within 30 days of pumping, by email or by mail to 589 Lake Warren Road, Upper Black Eddy (Nockamixon Township FAQ).
Tinicum: wells are the only water supply
Tinicum's welcome guide is blunt: the township is "completely dependent on ground water wells." It also notes that the soils and bedrock in most of the township, especially the northern areas, have limited capacity to hold and replenish groundwater. The main water-supply issue is reliability during droughts, and over-pumping a well in summer and autumn can make it fail temporarily (Welcome to Tinicum (2025)). Tinicum runs a sewage management permit program under Ordinance 246, which sets maintenance responsibilities by system type (Tinicum sewage management permit).
USGS research backs this up. In its study of northern Bucks County, about 34 percent of domestic wells drilled in diabase and 30 percent in the Lockatong Formation yielded less than 5 gallons per minute (USGS WRI 94-4109). The same study found the highest radon levels in water from wells in crystalline rock. If your well struggles in late summer, a well provider can check the pump setting and pressure tank and talk through storage options.
Testing your well
PA DEP recommends testing every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrate, total dissolved solids and pH (PA DEP), and again after flooding. That matters for homes near the river and creeks. The Bucks County Health Department sells coliform sampling kits (Bucks County).
Common trouble signs out here
- Sputtering taps or air in the lines during dry spells
- Pump running constantly or cycling on and off rapidly
- Wet spots, odors or lush grass over the drain field
- Slow drains or backups after heavy rain or snowmelt
Who issues permits
In Bucks County, the Bucks County Health Department is the sewage enforcement agency. It permits new and repaired septic systems, holding tanks and alternate systems under PA Code Title 25, Chapter 73, investigates malfunctioning systems, and licenses every sewage pumping truck that works in the county. Its Sewage Program can be reached at 215-345-3318. Since 2007 the department has also set location and construction standards for new and modified private wells through its Residential Well Inspection Program, so a new well needs a county permit before drilling.
Before you call a provider
- Find your last pumping receipt and, if you have it, your septic permit or system drawing. It shows the tank location and size.
- Ask whether the pumper's truck is licensed by the Bucks County Health Department and whether they will file or give you the receipt your township needs.
- For a home sale, ask whether the inspector is PSMA-certified and what the written report covers.
- For a well, note the pump age, the well depth if known, and what you are seeing (pressure, color, odor, no water).
Questions from Tinicum & Nockamixon homeowners
How often must I pump my septic tank in Nockamixon Township?
At least once every three years under Ordinance No. 147, or sooner if solids or scum exceed one-third of the tank's liquid depth. Send the receipt to the Township within 30 days.
Why does my Tinicum well run low in late summer?
Tinicum notes that the soils and bedrock in most of the township, especially the northern areas, have limited capacity to hold and replenish groundwater, and that over-pumping during droughts can make a well fail temporarily. USGS found many domestic wells in diabase and Lockatong rock yield under 5 gallons per minute.
Should I test my well after a flood?
Yes. PA DEP recommends testing after flooding, in addition to yearly tests for total coliform bacteria, nitrate, total dissolved solids and pH.
Who licenses septic pumping trucks in upper Bucks County?
The Bucks County Health Department licenses all sewage pumping vehicles that work in the county.
Does FlowAndTank.com do the work?
No. We're a free referral service that passes your request to up to 3 independent local providers, who quote and do the work.
Sources: rules and figures above are linked to the township, county, state and federal pages they come from (checked October 2026). Rules change, so confirm with your township or county before relying on a date or schedule. Typical septic and well costs are on our septic and well pages.
Nearby areas
Septic or well trouble in Tinicum & Nockamixon?
One quick request. Up to 3 independent local pros. Free, no obligation.