Start Here: Is My Well Exempt? Do I Need a Permit?

Household or domestic wells are required to be registered with the District but are exempt from permits if used exclusively for household/domestic or livestock purposes and are equipped so that they cannot produce more than 25,000 gallons of groundwater per day or 17.36 gallons per minute, as defined by the Texas Water Code, Chapter 36.117. 

However, domestic or household well owners should contact the District before:

• Drilling a new well
• Replacing, altering, or re-drilling an existing well
• Increasing the well or pump capacity
• Changing the purpose of use
• Transporting groundwater outside the District
• Using the well for anything beyond household/domestic use

If you are unsure whether your well is registered or permitted, contact the District, and staff can help look up your well record.

 

 

Register an Existing Well

Exempt Well Registration Form

• Complete this form to register an existing household or livestock well with the District.

Drill a New Well

Landowners are required to apply to drill, alter, or operate an exempt well (a well for household or livestock use) and pay a $100 deposit, which is returned once the District receives the Well Completion Report from the Driller, issued by the well owner within 60 days of completion. Once the application is approved, a Certificate to Drill is issued, allowing drillers to proceed.