Groundwater

Water Wells in Donley County Require a Permit or Registration

Donley County sits inside the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District, which regulates new water wells and requires permits before drilling.

Donley County Home & Property

The Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District covers Donley County along with several neighboring counties. If you plan to drill a new water well, you must get a drilling permit from the district first. Wells that produce more than 17.5 gallons per minute need a full operating permit. Smaller wells may only need to be registered.

The district also has spacing rules — your well must be a set distance from property lines and other wells. Rules have been in place since 1956 and have been updated many times. If you are buying rural land and plan to rely on a private well, check with the district before you close. Their website at pgcd.us lists current rules and permit applications.

Source to confirm: Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District — Permitting

More Donley County notes

Property Tax

Who Handles Property Taxes in Donley County

The Donley County Appraisal District sets the value of your property, and a separate tax office handles billing — knowing the difference saves confusion.

Read note ->

Agricultural Valuation

Farm and Ranch Land Can Be Taxed at a Lower Value

If your land is used for farming, ranching, or wildlife management, Texas lets it be taxed on what it produces — not what it would sell for.

Read note ->

Lake / Recreation

Greenbelt Reservoir Offers Fishing and Camping Near Clarendon

Greenbelt Reservoir sits just north of Clarendon on the Salt Fork of the Red River and is the main public outdoor recreation spot in Donley County.

Read note ->

Wildfire Risk

Wildfire Is a Real Hazard for Donley County Landowners

The Texas Panhandle sees some of the most dangerous wildfire conditions in the state, and Donley County has had fires large enough to qualify for federal disaster grants.

Read note ->