Water / Groundwater
The Ogallala Aquifer: Briscoe County's Underground Water Supply
Nearly all water in Briscoe County — for homes, farms, and livestock — comes from the Ogallala Aquifer. This underground water supply has been dropping for decades because pumping outpaces natural refill.
The Ogallala Aquifer lies under 49 counties across the Texas High Plains, including Briscoe County. It is the main water source for irrigation, rural homes, and livestock in the area. About 95 percent of groundwater pumped from the Ogallala supports irrigated farming, according to the Texas Water Development Board.
The aquifer is losing water faster than rainfall can refill it. In many parts of the High Plains, water levels have dropped hundreds of feet over several decades. This affects how much water a well can produce and how long it will last. If you are buying land with a water well, ask for a well log and recent water level data.
Briscoe County is in Groundwater Management Area 2 (GMA 2). GMA 2 is a planning zone that coordinates water rules across several counties and groundwater conservation districts. For well permits, water use rules, or current water level data, visit the Texas Water Development Board at twdb.texas.gov.
Source to confirm: Texas Water Development Board — Ogallala Aquifer