Drilling a water well in Angelina County — local and state rules you need to know

Angelina County is in the Pineywoods Groundwater Conservation District (PGCD). The state created the PGCD to cover Angelina and Nacogdoches counties. The PGCD holds regular meetings and keeps its rules current. You need a permit from the PGCD before you drill a new water well. Go to pgcd.org to get the permit form and the current fee schedule.

State rules apply too, no matter what the local district requires. Your driller must have a license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The driller must file a well report with the state after the job. Wells must be at least 50 feet from a septic system.

In this part of Texas, the rule of capture applies. That means water you pump from your own well is yours once it comes up. For rural land outside city limits, a well is often the only water source. Plan for drilling costs, permit fees, and water treatment. The PGCD and the Texas Water Development Board can answer questions about water quality and how to build a proper well.