Water / Groundwater Practical

Bandera County has its own groundwater district — wells need a permit

BCRAGD is Bandera County's local water district. It is both a river authority and a groundwater district under Texas law.

For wells, the basic split is permits and registrations. Non-exempt wells get permits. Exempt wells are still registered. The district also records and inspects drilling.

That matters on rural land. Ask for the well number and status before closing. BCRAGD monitors groundwater, samples water in the Medina and Sabinal river basins, and has a program for old or failing wells.

Content last revised 2026-07-11

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More stories and useful context near Bandera County

A balanced next shelf: local character first, with practical context close by.

Stories & local character

Hill Country State Natural Area Still Feels Like Old Ranch Country

The primitive feel at Hill Country State Natural Area comes from the old Merrick Bar-O Ranch and the terms of the gift that helped create it.

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Practical

Hill Country State Natural Area offers rugged trails and horse camping near Bandera

Hill Country State Natural Area is a 5,000-plus-acre primitive park in Bandera County open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, with camping available year-round.

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Stories & local character

Lost Maples Puts Bandera County Into the Sabinal Canyon

Lost Maples is not just a fall-leaf stop; it is Bandera County's high canyon country on the upper Sabinal River.

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Practical

Ag valuation can sharply cut property taxes on rural land in Bandera County

In Bandera County, land used for farming, ranching, or wildlife management can be taxed on what it produces instead of what it would sell for, which can mean a much lower tax bill on Hill Country acreage.

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Place pages in Bandera County

Bandera

Nearby county shelves

Kerr (30) Medina (27) Real (6) Kendall (11) Uvalde (11) Gillespie (10)