Groundwater & Wells

Madison County has a groundwater district that regulates water wells

If you plan to drill a water well in Madison County, you must deal with the Mid-East Texas Groundwater Conservation District before you start.

Madison County Home & Property

Madison County falls within the Mid-East Texas Groundwater Conservation District (METGCD), along with Leon and Freestone counties. The district regulates how water is drawn from underground aquifers, including the Sparta Aquifer beneath the county. If you own rural land and need a water well, you may need to register the well or apply for a permit before drilling.

Exempt wells (typically small domestic use) still require registration with the district. Non-exempt wells require a full permit. The METGCD office is located in Madisonville at 101 W. Main, Suite B22. Contact them before you hire a driller — skipping this step can cause legal problems. Check current rules at metgcd.org.

Source to confirm: Mid-East Texas Groundwater Conservation District

More Madison County notes

Property Tax

Two offices handle your property taxes in Madison County

The appraisal district sets your property value, and a separate tax office collects what you owe — they are two different offices with different addresses.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead exemption can lower your property tax bill

If your home is your primary residence in Madison County, you can apply for a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of your home.

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Vehicle Registration

Madison County vehicles skip emissions testing at inspection

Cars registered in Madison County do not need an emissions test — only a standard safety inspection is required under Texas's Two Steps, One Sticker program.

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Hunting

Deer hunting in Madison County has a local antler rule

Madison County hunters can take two legal bucks per season, but only one buck may have an inside antler spread of 13 inches or more.

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