Texas Porch

Water Wells

Washington County Has No Local Groundwater Conservation District

Washington County may not have a local groundwater conservation district — verify current coverage before drilling, since the answer affects what permits you need.

Washington County Home & Property

Many Texas counties have a groundwater conservation district that requires permits for new wells and tracks water levels. Based on available TWDB and TCEQ sources, Washington County does not appear to be covered by one, but district boundaries change and should be verified directly. Where there is no district, Texas law generally allows landowners to pump as much groundwater as they want from under their own land.

If you plan to drill a well on rural property, you still must use a licensed driller and follow TCEQ rules for well construction. Confirm current GCD coverage using the TCEQ interactive GCD map at tceq.texas.gov or by contacting TWDB at (512) 463-7847. The TWDB's groundwater data viewer at twdb.texas.gov also lets you look up historical well records and water levels in the area before you buy or drill.

Source to confirm: TWDB – Groundwater Conservation Districts

More Washington County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Different Offices Handle Your Property Tax

Washington County has two separate offices for property taxes, and knowing which one does what saves you a wasted trip.

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Homestead Exemption

File Your Homestead Exemption Before May 1

Washington County homeowners can lower their property tax bill by filing a homestead exemption, but the deadline is April 30.

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Agricultural Valuation

Ag Valuation Can Sharply Cut Taxes on Rural Land

If your land is actively used for farming or ranching, you may qualify for a much lower tax rate based on production value rather than market value.

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Tax Payment

Property Tax Bills Are Due January 31

Washington County property tax bills are mailed in October and must be paid by January 31 to avoid penalties.

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