Groundwater wells and permits in Brazos County

BVGCD covers Brazos and Robertson counties. Before a driller starts, have the district classify the proposed well. A well can be exempt from an operating permit and still need registration and district approval to drill.

Under rules amended July 15, 2026, a domestic, livestock, or poultry well can fit the capacity exemption only if it cannot produce more than 50,000 gallons a day or 35 gallons a minute. Other beneficial-use wells use a lower limit of 25,000 gallons a day or 17 gallons a minute.

New exempt wells drilled after October 9, 2025, also face tract and subdivision tests. The general rule calls for at least ten acres, no more than one exempt well per ten acres, and no subdivision well that required plat approval. Registration has no fee.

A nonexempt well needs drilling and operating permits. Fees are tied mainly to the amount of production the permit authorizes, not just the water later pumped. Use the current rules and fee page because the well's use, pump size, tract history, plat status, and permit type can change the answer.