Water / Groundwater
Drilling a Water Well Requires a Permit in Most Cases
All wells in Blanco County must be registered with the Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District, and any well capable of producing more than 25,000 gallons per day needs a separate operating permit.
Most rural properties in Blanco County rely on private water wells. The Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District (BPGCD) regulates those wells. State law requires all wells — regardless of use — to be registered with the district. Registration is separate from an operating permit.
Wells equipped with a pump rated above 17.36 gallons per minute (roughly 25,000 gallons per day) are classified as non-exempt and must obtain a Well Operating Permit before drilling. The application fee for a new non-exempt well is $1,000. Exempt (lower-volume) wells still must follow spacing rules: 50 feet from property lines and septic tanks, and 100 feet from septic disposal fields and existing wells.
A water quality test is wise after any new well is drilled, since groundwater chemistry can vary across the county. Contact BPGCD at (830) 868-9196 or visit blancogroundwatertx.gov before drilling, modifying, or increasing production from any well. The district office is at 601 W. Main St., Johnson City.
Source to confirm: Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District — Exempt & Non-Exempt Wells