Texas Porch

Water / Groundwater

Drilling a Water Well in Brooks County: The Brush Country GCD

Brooks County sits inside the Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District, which regulates water wells and draws from the Gulf Coast Aquifer.

Brooks County Home & Property

Most of Brooks County is served by the Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District (Brush Country GCD), which was confirmed by voters in 2009. The district covers Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, and Brooks Counties, plus part of Hidalgo County. The main water source in this region is the Gulf Coast Aquifer.

If you plan to drill a new water well on rural property in Brooks County, you likely need to contact the Brush Country GCD before breaking ground. The district has adopted rules for well permitting, spacing, and production limits to protect the aquifer. Rules and forms are posted on the district's website. The district can be reached at (361) 325-5093.

For on-site sewage (septic systems), a separate permit is required under Texas law. Check with TCEQ or the local permitting authority to find out who handles septic permits in Brooks County before you build.

Source to confirm: Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District — About

More Brooks County notes

Property tax

How to Lower Your Property Tax Bill in Brooks County

If you own and live in your home in Brooks County, you can apply for a homestead exemption to lower your property tax bill.

Read note ->

Property tax / Agriculture

Agricultural Land Valuation: How Ranch and Farm Land Gets Taxed

Farm and ranch land in Brooks County can be taxed on what it produces, not what it would sell for. This can cut the tax bill by a large amount.

Read note ->

Mineral rights / Oil & gas

Buying Land in Brooks County? Understand Mineral Rights First

Oil and gas was found in Brooks County in 1935. When you buy land here, someone else may already own the mineral rights underneath it.

Read note ->

Hunting / Wildlife

Hunting in Brooks County: South Texas Brush Country Rules

Brooks County is prime South Texas hunting land. Seasons for white-tailed deer, turkey, dove, and quail are set by TPWD and should be checked every year.

Read note ->