Texas Porch

Water Wells

The Ogallala Aquifer Is Deep Here — and You Need a Permit to Drill

Ochiltree County sits over one of the thickest parts of the Ogallala Aquifer, but anyone who wants to drill a water well must get a permit first.

Ochiltree County Home & Property

The Ogallala Aquifer reaches its greatest thickness in the Texas Panhandle. In southwestern Ochiltree County, the aquifer can be nearly 900 feet thick. That is unusually deep. Most homes and farms in the county depend on this underground water source for drinking water and irrigation.

The North Plains Groundwater Conservation District covers Ochiltree County. Before you drill a well, you must contact the district and obtain a permit. The district also collects water quality data and issues test-hole permits. Drilling without a permit can result in fines. The district office is in Dumas, Texas, at 603 E. 1st St., and can be reached at (806) 935-6401. Visit northplainsgcd.org for permit applications and more information.

Source to confirm: North Plains Groundwater Conservation District

More Ochiltree County notes

Property Tax

Two Offices Handle Property Taxes in Ochiltree County

Ochiltree County has two separate offices that handle property tax work. Knowing which one to call saves time.

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Homestead Exemption

A Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Property Tax Bill

If you own and live in your Ochiltree County home, you may qualify to have part of its value left out of your tax bill.

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Hunting

Ochiltree County Offers Deer, Pheasant, and Quail Hunting

Hunters in Ochiltree County can pursue white-tailed deer, mule deer, turkey, pheasant, and quail, but seasons and bag limits are set by TPWD and change each year.

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Agriculture

Ochiltree County Is a Major Wheat-Farming Area

If you are buying rural land in Ochiltree County, knowing the local farm economy and ag-use tax rules matters as much as the price.

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