Texas Porch

Water Wells

Drilling a Well in Hartley County Requires a Permit From a Groundwater District

Hartley County sits over the Ogallala Aquifer, and anyone planning to drill a new well that will produce more than a small amount of water must get a permit first.

Hartley County Home & Property

Hartley County is within the service area of the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District (NPGCD). If you plan to drill a well expected to produce 17.5 gallons per minute or more, you must apply for a permit before drilling. The Ogallala Aquifer is the main water source for this region, and the district tracks well spacing and production to manage long-term water levels.

The Ogallala has been declining for decades across the High Plains. The district maintains an aquifer management plan to sustain water resources for the region. If you are buying rural land and planning to rely on well water, check with NPGCD early about spacing rules and permit requirements. Contact them at info@northplainsgcd.org or (806) 935-6401.

Source to confirm: North Plains Groundwater Conservation District — Drilling & Well Operation

More Hartley County notes

Property Tax

Two Different Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Hartley County

In Hartley County, one office values your property and a separate office handles tax collection — and they are in different towns.

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Homestead Exemption

You Can Lower Your School Tax Bill With a Homestead Exemption

If your home is your main residence, Texas law lets you cut the taxable value — and your school tax bill — with a homestead exemption.

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Ag Valuation

Farmland and Ranch Land Can Be Taxed at Agricultural Value, Not Market Value

If you own working farm or ranch land in Hartley County, you may qualify to be taxed on what the land produces — not what it would sell for.

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Hunting

Hartley County Offers Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Pheasant, and Quail Hunting

Hartley County's Panhandle grasslands have mule deer, pronghorn, pheasant, quail, dove, and duck. Most land is private, so you need landowner permission to hunt.

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