Water wells in Gaines County draw from the Ogallala Aquifer

A rural well here usually points down to the Ogallala. It is the county's main fresh water source. Homes, towns, farms, and local industry have long leaned on it.

That supply is under pressure. Across the Texas Ogallala, farms use most pumped water. In much of the aquifer, pumping is higher than refill.

Before you order a well, take the parcel number to Llano Estacado Water Conservation District. A licensed Texas well driller can help with depth, yield, past water levels, and permit steps.