Drilling a Water Well Requires a Permit in Most Cases

Most rural properties in Blanco County rely on private water wells. The Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District (BPGCD) regulates those wells. State law requires all wells, regardless of use, to be registered with the district. Registration is separate from an operating permit.

Wells equipped with a pump rated above 17.36 gallons per minute (roughly 25,000 gallons per day) are classified as non-exempt and must obtain a Well Operating Permit before drilling. The application fee for a new non-exempt well is $1,000. Exempt (lower-volume) wells still must follow spacing rules: 50 feet from property lines and septic tanks, and 100 feet from septic disposal fields and existing wells.

A water quality test is wise after any new well is drilled, since groundwater chemistry can vary across the county. Contact BPGCD at (830) 868-9196 or visit blancogroundwatertx.gov before drilling, modifying, or increasing production from any well. The district office is at 601 W. Main St., Johnson City.