Drilling a water well in McCulloch County requires a permit first

McCulloch County lies within the Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 1. This district manages the Hickory Aquifer, the main underground water source for much of the area. Before you drill a new water well, you must file a Notice of Intent to Drill with the district. For non-exempt wells, you also need a permit approved by the district board before any drilling starts.

The permit spells out where the well can be located, how much water you can pump each year, and what you can use it for. The district rules also set ongoing reporting and compliance requirements for permit holders. If you are buying rural land and plan to rely on a private well, ask whether existing wells are permitted and compliant. Contact the district at 325-597-2785 or visit hickoryuwcd.org for forms and the current district rules.