Part of the County Has a Groundwater Conservation District

Most of Hidalgo County relies on irrigation canals fed by the Rio Grande for water. However, the Red Sands aquifer lies under the north-central part of the county. The Red Sands Groundwater Conservation District was created to protect it.

If your property is in that district, you will need a well permit before drilling. If you are outside the district, check with TCEQ for any applicable state groundwater rules. The district covers roughly 7 percent of the county's total area.