Surface rights and mineral rights can be owned separately in Ward County

The Hendrick oilfield opened here in 1926, oil was found at Grandfalls in 1929, and Monahans grew with the industry. The RRC also lists Ward County as part of the Permian Basin.

That history matters when you read a deed. Texas treats the surface estate and mineral estate as separate rights. If an earlier owner kept the minerals, a later buyer may get the surface only.

The mineral estate is usually dominant. RRC explains that a mineral owner, or a company leasing the minerals, may use the surface as reasonably necessary to explore for and produce oil and gas. That can include wells, roads, pipelines, and entry to the site.

Do not assume every surface owner is stuck with the same result. Deeds and leases can change the details, and the accommodation doctrine may limit a lessee in some cases. For a Ward County land purchase, read the mineral reservation language before closing and get Texas oil-and-gas title help if the wording is not clear.