If you’re planning to drill a water well on your Texas property, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: do I need a permit? The short answer is yes — in most cases. But the rules in Texas are layered across state agencies, groundwater conservation districts, and local county requirements. Here’s exactly what you need to know before the drill bit hits the ground.
State-Level Requirements: TDLR Licensing
Texas doesn’t issue a universal “well permit” at the state level the way some states do. Instead, the state regulates who can drill rather than issuing permits for each individual well. Under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), all water well drillers must hold a valid license. As of 2026, there are over 1,700 licensed water well drillers in Texas.
This means if you hire an unlicensed driller, you’re violating state law — and any well drilled may need to be properly plugged and re-drilled. Always verify your driller’s license on the TDLR license search tool before signing a contract.
Groundwater Conservation Districts: The Permit Layer That Matters Most
This is where most North Texas property owners get surprised. Texas has 98 Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs) across the state, and if your property falls within one — which is likely — you’ll need to apply for a drilling permit through that district.
Each district sets its own rules, fees, and timelines. Common requirements include:
- Drilling permit application (typically $50–$250 depending on the district)
- Well registration after drilling is complete
- Driller’s log submission — a record of depth, casing, and formation data
- Setback requirements from property lines, septic systems, and surface water
In North Texas, relevant GCDs include the Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District (Somervell, Bosque, Erath counties), the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, and the North Texas Groundwater Conservation District. Some counties — like Parker, Wise, Denton, and Collin — fall under their own district rules or straddle multiple districts.
What If There’s No GCD in My Area?
Some Texas counties have no active Groundwater Conservation District. In those cases, state law still requires your driller to submit a Well Report to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) within 60 days of completing the well. This isn’t a pre-drilling permit — it’s a post-drilling registration — but it’s still required by law.
The TWDB’s Groundwater Database contains records on over 694,000 wells across Texas. Your driller should handle this filing automatically — but you can confirm it was submitted after your well is completed.
County and Local Rules
Beyond the state and district layers, some Texas counties have their own additional rules — particularly around setbacks from septic systems or minimum distances from property lines. In general:
- Wells must typically be at least 50 feet from a septic tank and 150 feet from a drain field
- Wells must be 10–25 feet from property lines in most districts
- Flood plain restrictions may apply if your property is in a FEMA-designated flood zone
Your licensed driller will know the specific rules for your county and GCD — this is part of why hiring a properly licensed professional matters.
What About Agricultural or Irrigation Wells?
Texas law has historically given landowners broad rights to groundwater under their property (the “rule of capture”). However, most GCDs still require permits for agricultural and irrigation wells, especially for high-volume pumping. If you’re planning a well for irrigation, livestock, or agricultural use, check with your local GCD early — some districts issue separate permit categories with different requirements and fees than residential domestic wells.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit?
Most GCD drilling permits are issued within 5–15 business days after a complete application is submitted. Some districts offer expedited processing. Your driller typically handles the permit application as part of the job — it should be included in any reputable driller’s process. At TurnKey Wells, we manage all permitting coordination as part of every project so there are no surprises.
Quick Reference: Texas Water Well Permit Requirements
| Requirement | Who Issues It | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed driller | TDLR | All wells |
| Drilling permit | Local GCD (if applicable) | Before drilling |
| Well report/registration | TWDB or GCD | After drilling |
| Driller’s log | Filed with TWDB | After drilling |
| County setback compliance | County/GCD rules | Site planning |
Ready to Drill? Get a Free Estimate from TurnKey Wells
Navigating permits, districts, and driller requirements on your own is confusing. TurnKey Wells handles all of it — from permit applications to final well registration. We work exclusively with TDLR-licensed drillers across North Texas and can give you a clear picture of costs, timeline, and what to expect before a single shovel hits the dirt.