Water Wells in Donley County Require a Permit or Registration

The Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District covers Donley County along with several neighboring counties. If you plan to drill a new water well, you must get a drilling permit from the district first. Wells that produce more than 17.5 gallons per minute need a full operating permit. Smaller wells may only need to be registered.

The district also has spacing rules — your well must be a set distance from property lines and other wells. Rules have been in place since 1956 and have been updated many times. If you are buying rural land and plan to rely on a private well, check with the district before you close. Their website at pgcd.us lists current rules and permit applications.