Water wells here draw from the Ogallala Aquifer, which is managed and slowly declining

Roberts County sits over the Ogallala Aquifer. This is the main source of water for the Texas Panhandle, used for drinking, irrigation, and livestock. The Texas Water Development Board notes that water withdrawals from the Ogallala exceed the amount that naturally refills it each year, so water levels in some areas have dropped significantly over decades.

The High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 (HPWD) oversees well drilling in this area. Any well expected to produce 17.5 gallons per minute or more needs a permit before drilling, and the fee is $250. Production from non-exempt wells is limited to 1.5 acre-feet per acre per year. If you are buying land with existing wells or planning to drill, contact HPWD at 806-762-0181 or hpwd.org to confirm permit status and current allowable production rates.