Texas Water Well Drilling Permits: Rules by County (2026)

Texas water well permitting is unlike any other state. There is no single statewide permit — instead, a patchwork of groundwater conservation districts (GCDs), county regulations, and special authorities govern where and how you can drill. Some counties require no permit at all for domestic wells, while others have extensive applications, fees, and spacing requirements.

This guide explains exactly what permits and registrations you need based on where your property is located, how much they cost, and what happens if you skip them.

Texas Well Regulation: The Big Picture

Texas follows the “rule of capture” — landowners have the right to pump groundwater beneath their property. However, that right is increasingly regulated through local groundwater conservation districts. Here is the framework:

• TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) requires all water wells to be drilled by a licensed driller who submits a State Well Report within 60 days of completion
• Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs) regulate well spacing, production limits, and permitting at the local level — but only in counties that have a GCD
• Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) has special jurisdiction over wells in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone (central Texas)
• City/municipality rules may apply if your property is within city limits

State Well Report (Required Everywhere)

Regardless of your county, every well drilled in Texas must have a State Well Report filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Your licensed driller handles this filing. The report documents the well’s location, depth, construction, and initial yield. There is no fee for the well report itself, but the driller must hold a valid TDLR license.

GCD vs Non-GCD Counties

This is the most important distinction for Texas property owners. Whether your county has a groundwater conservation district determines your entire permitting process.

Counties WITH a Groundwater Conservation District

Approximately 100 of Texas’s 254 counties have an active GCD. In these counties, you will typically need:

• Drilling permit application — Filed before drilling begins
• Permit fee — $50-$500 depending on the district
• Well spacing requirements — Minimum distance from property lines and other wells (often 50-300 feet)
• Production limits — Some GCDs limit daily or annual pumping for non-exempt wells
• Well completion report — Filed with the GCD after drilling

Domestic well exemptions: Most GCDs exempt domestic wells (used for household purposes on a tract of 10 acres or more) from production permits. However, you still need a drilling permit and must comply with spacing rules. Some GCDs have reduced the acreage exemption threshold to 5 acres or less.

Counties WITHOUT a Groundwater Conservation District

In non-GCD counties, the only requirement is the State Well Report filed by your driller. There are no local drilling permits, no spacing requirements beyond basic setbacks, and no production limits.

Notable East Texas counties with no GCD:

County	Major City	Permit Required?
Angelina	Lufkin	No (State Well Report only)
Nacogdoches	Nacogdoches	No (State Well Report only)
Smith	Tyler	No (State Well Report only)
Gregg	Longview	No (State Well Report only)
Cherokee	Jacksonville	No (State Well Report only)
Rusk	Henderson	No (State Well Report only)
Anderson	Palestine	No (State Well Report only)

This is one reason East Texas is the most affordable and straightforward region for well drilling. Cities like Lufkin, Tyler, Nacogdoches, and Longview have minimal regulatory hurdles for domestic wells.

For information about drilling outside city limits specifically, see our guide on drilling a well outside city limits.

Permit Costs by Region

Region	GCD Coverage	Typical Permit Cost	Processing Time
East Texas (Piney Woods)	Partial — many counties have no GCD	$0-$100	1-2 weeks
Gulf Coast	Most counties have GCDs	$100-$300	2-4 weeks
Hill Country	Full GCD + Edwards Aquifer Authority	$150-$500	2-6 weeks
North Texas (DFW)	Most counties have GCDs	$100-$350	2-4 weeks
Panhandle	Ogallala GCDs cover most counties	$100-$300	2-4 weeks
West Texas	Variable — some GCDs, some unregulated	$0-$300	1-4 weeks

These fees are for domestic/residential well permits. Commercial, industrial, and large irrigation well permits cost significantly more and involve a longer review process.

Drilling Inside vs Outside City Limits

Where your property sits relative to city limits has major implications for well drilling:

Inside City Limits

• Most Texas cities do not allow new private water wells if municipal water service is available
• Some cities allow wells for irrigation only (not potable use)
• If allowed, city building permits and inspections may be required ($100-$500 additional)
• Must comply with city setback requirements, which are often more restrictive than county or GCD rules
• Connection to city sewer is usually still required even with a private well

Outside City Limits (ETJ)

Properties in a city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) have more flexibility:

• Wells are generally allowed for all purposes
• City water main extensions may not reach the property
• GCD rules (if applicable) are the primary regulatory authority
• Septic system setback requirements apply (minimum 50 feet in most cases)

Outside City Limits (Unincorporated)

• Maximum flexibility for well drilling
• Only GCD rules (if in a GCD county) and state well report requirements apply
• No city permits or inspections needed
• Must still comply with septic setback rules

For a deeper dive on this topic, read our full guide on drilling a well outside city limits.

Setback Requirements

Texas has minimum distance requirements between wells and potential contamination sources:

Feature	Minimum Setback
Septic tank	50 feet
Septic drain field	50 feet
Property line	Varies by GCD (0-100 feet)
Existing well	Varies by GCD (50-300 feet)
Livestock pen or feedlot	50 feet
Petroleum storage tank	150 feet
Public road or highway	10-50 feet
Building foundation	5-10 feet

In counties without a GCD, only the TCEQ-mandated setbacks from contamination sources apply. GCDs may impose additional spacing requirements, particularly from property lines and other wells.

Edwards Aquifer Authority Special Rules

The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) governs groundwater use in portions of eight counties across the San Antonio and Austin metro areas: Bexar, Comal, Hays, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Medina, Uvalde, and Kinney.

Key EAA Rules

• All wells in the EAA jurisdiction must be registered, including exempt domestic wells
• Exempt domestic wells (under 25,000 gallons per day for household use) do not need a withdrawal permit but must comply with construction standards
• Non-exempt wells require a water-use permit, which is capped — new permits are extremely difficult to obtain
• Enhanced casing and grouting standards apply in the recharge zone to protect aquifer water quality
• Water quality monitoring may be required for wells near sensitive recharge features
• Registration fee: $25-$50 for exempt wells

The EAA’s jurisdiction overlaps with local GCDs, meaning some properties must comply with both EAA rules and GCD rules. Check with both agencies before drilling.

For cost details in EAA territory, see our Hill Country well drilling cost guide.

Ogallala Aquifer / Panhandle GCD Rules

The High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 and several other Panhandle GCDs manage the Ogallala Aquifer, which is declining due to heavy agricultural pumping.

Key Panhandle GCD Rules

• All wells require a drilling permit, including domestic wells
• Permit fees: $100-$250 for domestic wells
• Well spacing: Domestic wells must be at least 100-200 feet from property lines and other wells
• Metering: Some GCDs now require water meters on all new wells, including domestic
• Production limits: Non-exempt wells (primarily irrigation) face annual production caps
• Decline mitigation: GCDs are increasingly restricting new irrigation wells in areas of rapid aquifer decline

Properties near Amarillo and Abilene should check with the local GCD before planning a well.

TCEQ Registration Requirements

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires:

1. All wells must be drilled by a TDLR-licensed water well driller
2. State Well Report must be filed within 60 days of well completion
3. Plugging report must be filed if a well is abandoned or replaced
4. Minimum construction standards apply to all wells statewide, including casing depth, grouting, and sanitary seal requirements
5. Water quality testing is recommended but not required for domestic wells (TCEQ recommends annual testing for bacteria and nitrates)

There is no TCEQ permit fee for domestic wells. The State Well Report is filed by the driller at no charge to the property owner.

How to Find Your County’s Rules

Follow these steps to determine what permits you need:

1. Check if your county has a GCD: Visit the Texas Water Development Board’s GCD map or call your county clerk
2. Contact the GCD (if applicable) for a drilling permit application and fee schedule
3. Check Edwards Aquifer Authority jurisdiction if you are in the San Antonio-Austin corridor
4. Contact your city if the property is within city limits to verify wells are allowed
5. Hire a TDLR-licensed driller who knows local regulations and will handle the State Well Report

Your driller should be familiar with local permitting requirements and can often handle the GCD permit application on your behalf. Find licensed drillers in your area or request free quotes.

Penalties for Drilling Without a Permit

Drilling without required permits can result in:

• GCD enforcement action: Fines of $100-$10,000 per day of violation
• Well plugging order: The GCD can require you to plug (permanently seal) an unpermitted well at your expense ($2,000-$5,000)
• No legal protection: If a neighboring landowner or the GCD challenges your water use, an unpermitted well has no legal standing
• Property sale complications: Title companies may flag unpermitted wells during real estate transactions

The risk is not worth it. Permit fees are a tiny fraction of total well drilling costs and protect your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to drill a water well in Texas?

It depends on your county. If your property is in a county with a groundwater conservation district (GCD), you will need a drilling permit. If there is no GCD, the only requirement is a State Well Report filed by your licensed driller. About 100 of Texas’s 254 counties have GCDs. Check the Texas Water Development Board website to see if your county has one.

How much does a well drilling permit cost in Texas?

Permit fees range from $0 (in non-GCD counties) to $500 for domestic wells in heavily regulated districts like the Edwards Aquifer Authority area. Most GCD domestic well permits cost $100-$300. Commercial and irrigation well permits can cost $500-$2,000 or more.

Can I drill a well inside city limits in Texas?

Most Texas cities do not allow new private water wells for potable use if municipal water service is available. Some cities allow irrigation-only wells. You will need to check with your city’s building department. Properties outside city limits have fewer restrictions. See our guide to drilling outside city limits.

Do I need a permit in Angelina County (Lufkin)?

No. Angelina County does not have a groundwater conservation district, so there is no local drilling permit required. Your licensed driller will file the required State Well Report with the TDLR. This makes Lufkin and surrounding areas some of the easiest places in Texas to drill a well.

What are the setback requirements for a well in Texas?

All Texas wells must be at least 50 feet from septic systems, 150 feet from petroleum storage, and appropriate distances from other contamination sources. GCDs may impose additional setbacks from property lines (often 50-100 feet) and existing wells (often 100-300 feet). In non-GCD counties, only the state minimum setbacks apply.

How long does it take to get a well drilling permit in Texas?

In non-GCD counties, no wait — your driller can start immediately. GCD permits typically take 2-4 weeks for domestic wells. Edwards Aquifer Authority registration takes 2-6 weeks. Some GCDs offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Plan to apply at least 4-6 weeks before your desired drilling date.

Do I need a permit for a well on my ranch in Texas?

If your ranch is in a GCD county, you likely need a drilling permit even for a domestic well. However, most GCDs exempt domestic and livestock wells from production permits if the tract is 10 acres or larger. If the ranch is in a non-GCD county, only the State Well Report is required. Irrigation wells for agricultural use are subject to different (often stricter) rules in GCD counties.

What happens if I drill a well without a permit in Texas?

In a GCD county, drilling without a permit can result in fines up to $10,000 per day, a mandatory well plugging order (at your expense), and legal complications if you try to sell the property. In non-GCD counties, there is no local permit to violate, but your driller must still be licensed and file the State Well Report with the state.

Additional Resources

• Texas Well Drilling Cost Guide — Complete cost overview
• Cost Per Foot in Texas — Detailed per-foot pricing
• Hill Country Well Drilling Costs — Edwards Aquifer region costs
• Drilling Outside City Limits — City vs rural well rules
• Texas Well Drilling Contractors — Find licensed drillers
• View Texas Cost Data — Average costs and trends