The Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation District Oversees Water Wells

The Texas Legislature created the Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation District (BCGCD) to protect and manage groundwater in the county. Groundwater is a big part of the local water supply. Planners note that current water use is getting close to what local aquifers can supply over the long term.

Many home wells are exempt from the full permit process, but they still must be registered with the district. An exemption usually applies to wells serving no more than four single-family homes on the same or next-door property, wells used only for farming, or wells that cannot pump more than 25,000 gallons per day on tracts larger than 10 acres. Exempt wells must be registered. Non-exempt wells need a permit.

If you are buying rural land with an existing well or plan to drill one, contact the BCGCD at 111 E. Locust Street, Suite 140, Angleton, Texas 77515. You can also visit bcgroundwater.org for current rules, forms, and the 2025 Groundwater Management Plan.