Groundwater & Wells
Water wells in Gaines County draw from the Ogallala Aquifer
Nearly all water in Gaines County comes from the Ogallala Aquifer underground, and it is being used faster than it refills.
The Ogallala Aquifer is a vast underground water supply. It runs beneath a large part of West Texas, including Gaines County. About 95 percent of the groundwater pumped in the region goes to irrigated farming. If you buy rural land and need a water well, you will likely be drawing from this aquifer.
The Texas Water Development Board tracks aquifer levels. It has published studies with data specific to Gaines County.
Before you drill a well, find out if your land is inside a groundwater conservation district. A groundwater conservation district is a local agency that manages water use in that area. Districts can require permits before you drill. They can also set rules on how far apart wells must be and how much water you can pump. Ask your licensed well driller what rules apply to your land. You can also contact the Texas Water Development Board or the local district directly for current rules.
Source to confirm: Texas Water Development Board — Ogallala Aquifer