Texas Porch

Groundwater & Aquifer

Hays County sits over a major aquifer that supplies water to thousands

The Edwards Aquifer runs under parts of Hays County and feeds the San Marcos Springs, but water levels change quickly with rainfall and pumping.

Hays County Home & Property

The Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer is a big water source in central Texas. In Hays County, it feeds San Marcos Springs — the second-largest spring system in the state. Water levels in the aquifer rise and fall fast. They respond to drought, rain, and how much water people pump from wells. Water quality is generally good, with few dissolved solids in the upper zone.

The aquifer stretches across 14 counties. Pumping limits are strict. The springs and the rare species that live there need a steady minimum flow to survive. If you are buying rural land or drilling a well in Hays County, check with the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District and the Texas Water Development Board for current rules before you act.

Source to confirm: TWDB — Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer

More Hays County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property taxes in Hays County

Hays County splits property tax duties between two separate offices, and knowing which one to call saves time.

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Homestead Exemption

Filing a homestead exemption lowers your tax bill in Hays County

If you own and live in your Hays County home, you can file for a homestead exemption to reduce what you owe in property taxes.

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Tax Payment Deadline

Pay your Hays County property taxes by January 31 to avoid penalties

Property tax bills in Hays County arrive in the fall, and January 31 is the last day to pay without extra fees.

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Agricultural Valuation

Farmland in Hays County can be taxed at a much lower rate through ag valuation

Land used for farming or ranching in Hays County may qualify for a special lower tax rate based on what the land can produce, not what it sells for.

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