Texas Porch

Groundwater / Water Wells

Starr County has its own groundwater district

The Starr County Groundwater Conservation District manages underground water use — contact them before you drill a well.

Starr County Home & Property

Starr County has its own Groundwater Conservation District, known as the SCGCD. A groundwater conservation district is a local agency that controls how underground water is used. The SCGCD is part of Groundwater Management Area 16. That is a regional planning area watched over by the Texas Water Development Board.

The SCGCD sets rules on who can drill a well, how much water can be pumped, and how wells must be registered. If you plan to drill a water well — for a home, irrigation, or livestock — contact the SCGCD first. Rules and permit requirements can change. Check the district's current rules before you hire a driller. The Texas Water Development Board tracks all groundwater conservation districts and their rules.

Source to confirm: Starr County Groundwater Conservation District

More Starr County notes

Property Tax

Who handles property taxes in Starr County

Two separate offices handle property taxes here — one sets your value, the other collects the bill.

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Homestead Exemption

How the homestead exemption works in Starr County

If your home here is your main residence, a Texas homestead exemption can lower the taxable value — and Starr County has boosted its local exemption for seniors and disabled residents.

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Agricultural Valuation

Ag valuation can cut your property tax bill on rural land

Farm and ranch land in Starr County can be taxed on what it produces, not what it would sell for — and that can mean a much lower tax bill.

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Mineral Rights / Oil & Gas

Oil and gas have shaped Starr County for nearly a century

Starr County has a long oil and gas history, so mineral rights questions often come up when buying land here.

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