Water Well Permitting Forms
EXEMPT WELLS
A well meeting the requirements below is considered an exempt well. These wells are exempt from the permitting requirements but must be registered with the District. Refer to District Rule 8.3 for a complete description of exemptions.
1. A well used for domestic purposes or for watering livestock or poultry; and
2. drilled, equipped or completed so it is incapable of producing more than 25,000 gpd (17 gpm); and
3. Located on a tract of land 10 acres or larger in size.
4. A well that meets the requirements above but is located on less than 10 acres may still be considered exempt if the tract existed in this configuration prior to March 1, 2004.
5. The following types of wells are also exempt: dewatering well, leachate well, test well, monitoring well, and certain wells used for oil and gas production permitted by the Texas Railroad Commission.
Registration forms should include a copy of the property deed, tax receipt or other documentation to confirm the acreage. If #4 above is applicable, the documentation must be dated prior to March 1, 2004.
Wells must be located 50 feet from property lines and 100 feet from other wells. A drawing/map must be submitted showing these distances. Distance from septic systems should also be shown.
Identify on registration form the aquifer from which the well will be producing (Edwards, Trinity, or other).
Provide a latitude and longitude if available.
Staff will review information and inform applicant/driller when approval is granted. Click here for the application to register existing and exempt wells.
DRILLING IS NOT AUTHORIZED UNTIL STAFF APPROVAL IS GIVEN.
NON-EXEMPT WELLS
Non-exempt wells must obtain a drilling permit and an operating permit and are divided into Classification 1 and Classification 2 as follows:
CLASSIFICATION 1
1. A well used for domestic purposes or for watering livestock or poultry; and
2. drilled, equipped or completed so it is incapable of producing more than 25,000 gpd (17 gpm); and
3. Located on a tract of land less than 10 acres, but greater than 2 acres in size, created after March 1, 2004.
A minimum tract size of 2 acres is required. Application forms should include a copy of the property deed, tax receipt or other documentation to confirm the acreage.
Wells must be located a minimum distance of 50 feet from property lines and 100 feet from other wells. Acreage and setbacks increase with a column pipe size greater than 2 inches.
Identify on application form the aquifer from which the well will be producing (Edwards, Trinity, or other).
Drilling permit applications are subject to Board approval. After the well is drilled, the applicant must apply for an operating permit, which is also subject to Board approval. A combination drilling/operating permit may be requested. Provide details on well completion (ie. casing size, column pipe size, pump capacity). Provide latitude and longitude and a site plan showing distances from property lines.
Classification 1 wells are not required to report monthly production to the District (well is incapable of producing more than 25,000 gpd). Operating permits for Classification 1 wells may be renewed by staff annually unless notified otherwise. Click here for the Permit Application for Non-Exempt Class 1 Wells.
CLASSIFICATION 2
1. A well used for purposes other than domestic, livestock or poultry, regardless of production amount; or
2. A well drilled, equipped or completed so that it is capable of producing more than 25,000 gpd (17 gpm), regardless of the use.
A minimum tract size of 2 acres is required. Application forms should include a copy of the property deed, tax receipt or other documentation to confirm the acreage. A minimum tract size of 2 acres is required, but acreage may increase based upon size of column pipe. The setback from property lines and other wells will also vary based upon the size of the column pipe. (See District Rule 11.5 Spacing Requirements.)
Identify on application form the aquifer from which the well will be producing (Edwards, Trinity, or other). Provide details on how the well will be completed (ie. casing size, column pipe size, pump capacity). Provide a latitude and longitude of the well and a site plan showing distances from property lines.
Drilling permit applications are subject to Board approval. After the well is drilled, the applicant must apply for an operating permit, which is also subject to Board approval. A combination drilling/operating permit can be submitted if requested production is less than 37 ac-ft per year. For permits over 37 ac-ft or for operating permit increases that place a well over the 37 ac-ft per year threshold, the applicant will be responsible for providing a hydrogelogic study. Guidelines for the study are available by request from the District.
New Classification 2 wells must install a meter and are required to report monthly production figures to the District. The owner of a Classification 2 well must apply for renewal of the operating permit annually. Click here for the Permit Application for Non-Exempt Class 2 Wells.
