Glossary

Words used in this book, defined plainly, with the chapters where they matter most.

Action stage

The river level at which the National Weather Service says people near the river should start watching and preparing. At the Wharton gauge it is 20 ft. See ch. 1.

Aerobic treatment unit

A septic system that pumps air into the wastewater to treat it before it goes to the field. It needs electricity, so it stops treating when the power is off. See ch. 7, ch. 23.

Backfeed

Power flowing from a generator back through house wiring into the utility lines. It happens when a generator is plugged into a house outlet without a transfer switch, and it can kill line workers. See ch. 5.

Backwater valve

A valve on a building sewer line that lets wastewater leave the house and closes when sewage tries to flow back in. Installation is plumbing work that needs a licensed plumber and, in most places, a permit. See ch. 10, ch. 9.

Base flood elevation (BFE)

The height the 1-percent-annual-chance flood is expected to reach, shown on a FEMA flood map. Floodplain rules for building and repairs are measured against it. See ch. 2.

Boil-water notice

A notice from a public water system telling customers to boil tap water before drinking or cooking with it, because pressure, disinfection or test results fell short. See ch. 8, ch. 20.

Cleanout

A capped opening on a drain or sewer line that gives a plumber access to clear a blockage. A missing or broken cap can let floodwater into the line. See ch. 10.

Crest

The highest level a river reaches during a flood at a given gauge. The record crest at Wharton is 50.47 ft, on 31 August 2017. See ch. 1.

Drainfield

The part of a septic system where treated wastewater soaks into the soil through buried pipes or beds. When the ground is saturated, it cannot take water. See ch. 7, ch. 23.

E. coli

A bacterium that points to fecal contamination. A well sample that tests positive for it should not be used for drinking until the well is treated and retested. See ch. 22, ch. 21.

Elevation certificate

A form prepared by a licensed surveyor, engineer or architect that records a building's elevations against the flood map. It is used for flood insurance rating and map changes. See ch. 2, ch. 25.

Flood insurance rate map (FIRM)

FEMA's official map of flood zones for a community. The Wharton County and City of Wharton maps took effect on 21 December 2017. See ch. 2.

Flood stage

The river level at a gauge where water begins to cause flooding. At Wharton, minor flood stage is 39 ft and major flood stage is 43 ft above the gauge's zero. See ch. 1.

Gauge zero

The reference level a river gauge measures from. A stage of 43 ft means 43 ft above that point, not 43 ft of water on anyone's lot. See ch. 1.

Increased Cost of Compliance

Flood insurance coverage that helps pay to elevate, floodproof, move or demolish a flood-damaged building that must meet local floodplain rules. See ch. 25.

Licensed water well pump installer

A person licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to install and repair well pumps and related equipment. See ch. 18, ch. 21.

NFIP

The National Flood Insurance Program, run by FEMA, which writes most flood policies for houses. Homeowner's policies do not cover flood. See ch. 25.

On-site sewage facility (OSSF)

The Texas rule-book name for a septic system. Permits in unincorporated Wharton County come from the county's Permit & Inspection Department. See ch. 23, ch. 7.

Pier-and-beam house

A house whose floor sits on beams carried by piers above the ground, with a crawl space underneath where pipes often run. See ch. 12.

Pressure tank

The tank on a well system that holds water under pressure so the pump does not start every time a tap opens. See ch. 18.

Responsible Master Plumber

The licensed master plumber who answers for a plumbing company's work in Texas, pulls permits and carries the required insurance. See ch. 26.

Sanitary well cap

A sealed, vented cap on top of a well casing that keeps out insects, small animals and surface water. See ch. 6.

Shock chlorination

Disinfecting a well and the house plumbing with a strong dose of chlorine, then flushing it out, as Texas A&M AgriLife and the CDC describe. See ch. 21.

Shrink-swell

The way some clay soils swell when wet and shrink when dry. USDA soil data rates Wharton County's main soils high for it under slab houses. See ch. 31.

Slab-on-grade

A house built on a concrete slab poured on the ground, with drain lines and often water lines running in or under the slab. See ch. 11, ch. 31.

Special flood hazard area

The area on a FEMA map with a 1-percent chance of flooding in any year, shown as zones that begin with A or V. See ch. 2.

Surcharged sewer

A sewer running full and under pressure, so water can be pushed back up into houses through the lowest drains. See ch. 9.

Total coliform

A group of bacteria used as an indicator in water tests. A positive result means something is getting into the water and the well needs attention. See ch. 22.

Transfer switch

A switch, installed by a licensed electrician, that disconnects the house from the utility before a generator powers it. It prevents backfeed. See ch. 5.

Turn Around Don't Drown

The National Weather Service's rule for flooded roads and water: do not walk, swim or drive through it. See ch. 14, ch. 1.