Topic · Page 9
Home & Property
Local Notes
Home & Property notes
Nueces County · ETJ and City Limits
Corpus Christi has land-use authority beyond its city limits
Corpus Christi controls development in an area outside its official city limits called the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), which can affect what you can build on nearby rural land.
Nueces County · Flood Zones
FEMA flood maps for Nueces County were recently revised
Revised flood maps covering Corpus Christi, Bishop, and unincorporated Nueces County show which areas face the highest flood risk.
Nueces County · Septic Systems
Rural properties outside city sewer service need a permitted septic system
Homes in unincorporated Nueces County that are not connected to a city sewer system must have an on-site sewage facility (OSSF), commonly called a septic system, permitted under state rules.
Ochiltree County · Agriculture
Ochiltree County Is a Major Wheat-Farming Area
If you are buying rural land in Ochiltree County, knowing the local farm economy and ag-use tax rules matters as much as the price.
Ochiltree County · Water Wells
The Ogallala Aquifer Is Deep Here — and You Need a Permit to Drill
Ochiltree County sits over one of the thickest parts of the Ogallala Aquifer, but anyone who wants to drill a water well must get a permit first.
Oldham County · Groundwater
Your Well Draws from a Shrinking Aquifer
Oldham County sits over the Ogallala Aquifer, the main water source for the Panhandle, but water is being used faster than it refills.
Orange County · Septic / OSSF
New Septic Systems in Orange County Need a County Permit
If you are outside city sewer service in Orange County, you need a county permit before you can install a septic system.
Orange County · Climate and Flooding
Orange County Gets More Rain Than Almost Anywhere in Texas
Orange County averages about 56 inches of rain per year — among the highest in the state — which makes flooding a persistent concern for homeowners.
Orange County · Wind Insurance
Orange County Is Not in the TWIA Windstorm Insurance Zone
TWIA is the state's backup windstorm insurer for coastal counties. Orange County is not on its covered list.
Orange County · Flood Risk
Orange County's FEMA Flood Maps Have Been Updated
FEMA released revised preliminary flood maps for Orange County in early 2025, which may change flood insurance requirements for some properties.
Palo Pinto County · Water Supply
Lake Palo Pinto Supplies Drinking Water to Mineral Wells
Lake Palo Pinto is the main water supply for Mineral Wells — rural properties outside city service areas often rely on private wells.
Palo Pinto County · Mineral Rights
Oil and Gas Has a Long History in Palo Pinto County — Mineral Rights Matter
Palo Pinto County has produced oil and gas since the early 1900s — if you buy land here, find out whether mineral rights are included.
Panola County · Water Wells
Drilling a Water Well in Panola County
Panola County has its own Groundwater Conservation District that oversees wells tapping the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, the county's main underground water source.
Panola County · Oil and Gas
Mineral Rights and the Haynesville Shale in Panola County
Panola County sits over the Haynesville/Bossier Shale, a major natural gas formation, so buyers here should always ask whether mineral rights are included in a land sale.
Parker County · Flood Risk
FEMA updated Parker County's flood maps — check your zone
Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps were released for Parker County in early 2025, and residents had a chance to appeal.
Parker County · Water Wells
Many Parker County properties rely on private water wells
Homes outside city water service often use private wells, and TCEQ keeps records of well drilling reports for the county.
Parker County · Drainage & Water
Parker County drains into two different river systems
The western part of the county flows into the Brazos River, while the eastern part drains toward the Trinity River.
Parker County · Growth & Development
Parker County is a fast-growing edge of the DFW metro
Parker County's population grew from about 33,000 in 1970 to over 123,000 by 2014 as DFW sprawl moved west.
Parker County · Land & Terrain
Parker County sits in the Cross Timbers ecological zone
The Cross Timbers region gives Parker County rolling hills, mesquite, oak, and sandy soils — different from the flat prairie to the east.
Parker County · Wildfire
Wildfire is a real risk in Parker County
Parker County's dry grassland and mesquite terrain makes wildfire a regular seasonal threat, especially after hot, dry, windy stretches.
Parmer County · Groundwater / Water Wells
Water Wells in Parmer County Require a Permit
Parmer County sits over the Ogallala Aquifer, and any well expected to pump more than 17.5 gallons per minute needs a permit before drilling.
Pecos County · Water Supply
Groundwater and Wells in Pecos County
Pecos County sits above several aquifers, but water quality can vary widely and may need treatment before drinking.
Pecos County · Mineral Rights
Oil and Gas Activity in Pecos County
Pecos County has active oil and gas production, so understanding mineral rights matters if you buy land here.
Polk County · Flood Zones
Parts of Polk County Flood — Check Before You Buy
The Trinity River runs along Polk County's western edge, and flood-prone areas require special permits and may require flood insurance.
Polk County · Septic / OSSF
Septic Systems Require a County Permit
Most rural properties in Polk County are not on a public sewer, so a new septic system needs a county on-site sewage permit before installation.
Polk County · Groundwater & Wells
You Need a Permit Before Drilling a Water Well
Polk County is in the Lower Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, which requires you to register a new well before you drill.
Potter County · Weather Hazards
Hail and Severe Thunderstorms Are Common in Potter County
The Texas Panhandle sees frequent severe thunderstorms with large hail, which can damage roofs, vehicles, and crops in Potter County.
Potter County · Mineral Rights
Look Up Oil and Gas Wells on Your Land
You can search for oil and gas wells, permits, and production data near any property in Potter County using the Railroad Commission's free online tools.
Potter County · Mineral Rights
Oil and Gas Rights Work Differently From Surface Rights
In Potter County, buying land does not always mean you own the oil and gas beneath it — mineral rights are often held separately.
Potter County · Water
Part of Potter County Has a Groundwater Conservation District
Part of Potter County falls within the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District, which oversees well permits and water use from the Ogallala Aquifer.
Potter County · Septic / Water
Septic Systems Outside City Limits Need a Permit
If you build or repair a septic system on rural property in Potter County, you need a permit from the local permitting authority or the TCEQ.
Presidio County · Water Wells
Drilling a Water Well in Presidio County
Presidio County has its own groundwater district, and all wells must be registered with it before drilling.
Rains County · Septic Systems
You Need a Permit Before Installing a Septic System in Rains County
Most of Rains County is rural and not connected to city sewer, so a permitted on-site sewage system is required for most homes.
Randall County · Flood Hazard
Flash Floods Can Strike Fast in Randall County
Even in a dry region like the Panhandle, intense thunderstorms can cause dangerous flash flooding in draws, canyons, and low-lying areas of Randall County.
Randall County · Severe Weather
Hail and Severe Storms Are Common in Randall County
The Texas Panhandle sits in one of the most active hail and severe thunderstorm corridors in the U.S., and Randall County homeowners should be prepared.
Randall County · Mineral Rights
Randall County Has No Significant Oil or Gas Production
Unlike many Texas counties, Randall County has no significant mineral deposits, so oil and gas royalties are not a common consideration for property buyers here.
Randall County · Septic Systems
Rural Homes in Randall County Need a Septic Permit
If your property outside city limits is not connected to a public sewer, you need a permitted on-site sewage facility (OSSF) — commonly called a septic system.
Randall County · Groundwater
The Ogallala Aquifer: Where Randall County Gets Its Water
Randall County sits above the Ogallala Aquifer, the main source of water for drinking and farming, and levels have been dropping for decades.
Randall County · Wildfire Hazard
Wildfire Is a Real Threat in the Texas Panhandle
Dry conditions, strong Panhandle winds, and sparse vegetation make Randall County a high wildfire risk area — especially in late winter and spring.
Reagan County · Water & Wells
Groundwater rules in Reagan County
Most of Reagan County falls inside the Santa Rita Underground Water Conservation District, which regulates well drilling and water use.
Reagan County · Mineral Rights & Oil
Oil and gas is a big deal in Reagan County
Reagan County sits in the Permian Basin, so mineral rights and active drilling are common concerns for property owners here.
Real County · Water & Wells
Real County Has Its Own Groundwater District
If you plan to drill a water well in Real County, you must deal with the Real-Edwards Conservation and Reclamation District, which regulates groundwater use in the area.
Red River County · Septic / OSSF
Rural Properties Need a Permitted Septic System
Most rural lots in Red River County are not on city sewer, so a new home or repair will require a permitted on-site sewage facility.
Reeves County · Water Supply
Groundwater in Reeves County can have quality problems
The Pecos Valley Aquifer underlies Reeves County, but the water can be salty, hard, or contaminated from old oil field activity.
Reeves County · Mineral Rights
Oil and gas activity is significant in Reeves County
Reeves County sits in the Delaware Basin, a major part of the Permian Basin, so mineral rights and active wells are common here.
Refugio County · Groundwater & Wells
A groundwater district regulates water wells across Refugio County
The Refugio Groundwater Conservation District covers the whole county and has rules for drilling and pumping from wells.
Refugio County · Windstorm Insurance
Refugio County is in the TWIA windstorm insurance zone
Because Refugio County is a first-tier coastal county, homeowners who cannot get windstorm coverage from a private insurer may be able to get it through TWIA.
Roberts County · Groundwater
Water wells here draw from the Ogallala Aquifer, which is managed and slowly declining
Most water in Roberts County comes from the Ogallala Aquifer, the largest in the U.S., but pumping exceeds recharge rates, and new wells above a certain size require a permit from the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District.
Roberts County · Wildfire Hazard
Wildfire is a real risk in Roberts County, especially in dry and windy weather
The flat, dry grasslands of the Panhandle burn fast when winds pick up, and Roberts County has seen large grass fires that move quickly across open land and roads.
Robertson County · Water Wells
Robertson County Groundwater Is Managed by a Local District
If you drill a water well in Robertson County, the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District sets the rules and may require a permit.
Rockwall County · Flood Zones
Check FEMA flood maps before buying property near creeks or the lake in Rockwall County
Parts of Rockwall County along creeks and the East Fork Trinity River sit in FEMA-designated flood zones that require flood insurance for federally backed mortgages.
Rockwall County · Severe Weather
Tornadoes are a real seasonal threat in Rockwall County
Rockwall County sits in North Texas where spring and fall storms bring real tornado and large hail risks that homeowners should plan for.
Rockwall County · Water & Utilities
Water service in Rockwall city is governed by city ordinance
The City of Rockwall runs water service within city limits and sets the rules for connections, usage, and billing through its city ordinance.
Rockwall County · City vs. County Jurisdiction
Where you live in Rockwall County — city, ETJ, or unincorporated — changes the rules
Rockwall County has several cities. Each city also has an ETJ — a strip just outside its border. Some city rules apply there even if you are not inside city limits.
Runnels County · Water Wells
Drilling a Water Well? A Conservation District Regulates It
Runnels County falls within the Lipan-Kickapoo Water Conservation District, which means you need to register or permit a new water well before drilling.
Rusk County · Groundwater & Wells
A Local District Oversees Your Water Well
The Rusk County Groundwater Conservation District regulates all private water wells in the county and requires registration of any new well.
Rusk County · Oil & Gas / Mineral Rights
Rusk County Has Active Oil and Gas Wells. Mineral Rights Matter Here.
Rusk County sits at the heart of the East Texas Oilfield, so buyers should understand whether mineral rights are included in a land purchase.
Rusk County · Land Character
Rusk County Is Nearly Half Forest — Land Use Reflects That
About half of Rusk County is forested with pine and hardwood, which shapes the land market, what agricultural exemptions are available, and what outdoor activities are common.
San Augustine County · Septic Systems
Most Homes Outside Town Need a Septic Permit
If you build or repair a septic system in rural San Augustine County, you need a permit — and the Attoyac Bayou watershed near Sam Rayburn Reservoir gets extra attention.
San Jacinto County · Septic / Water
Most of San Jacinto County Uses Septic Systems, Not City Sewer
Outside Coldspring, almost no homes in San Jacinto County connect to public sewer lines — you need a permitted septic system.