Topic · Page 6
Home & Property
Local Notes
Home & Property notes
Haskell County · Water wells
Drilling a water well in Haskell County requires a permit
The Rolling Plains Groundwater Conservation District covers all of Haskell County and requires a permit before you drill a new water well.
Haskell County · Mineral rights / oil and gas
Oil and gas in Haskell County falls under Railroad Commission District 7B
Haskell County has a long oil-producing history, and all oil and gas activity here is regulated by the Railroad Commission of Texas under District 7B, based in Abilene.
Hays County · Groundwater District
A local groundwater district regulates well drilling in western Hays County
If you plan to drill a water well in western Hays County, you must work with the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District first.
Hays County · Growth & Demographics
Hays County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States
Hays County's population has grown from about 65,000 in 1990 to more than 185,000 by the mid-2010s, putting pressure on roads, water, and services.
Hays County · Flood Risk
Hays County sits in Flash Flood Alley, one of the most dangerous flood zones in the nation
The geography of Hays County concentrates rainfall runoff quickly, making flash floods a serious and recurring danger for residents near any waterway.
Hays County · Groundwater & Aquifer
Hays County sits over a major aquifer that supplies water to thousands
The Edwards Aquifer runs under parts of Hays County and feeds the San Marcos Springs, but water levels change quickly with rainfall and pumping.
Hays County · Flood Hazard
The Blanco River through Hays County can flood with deadly speed
Hays County sits in one of the most flood-prone regions in the country, and the Blanco River can rise more than 10 feet above record levels in a single storm.
Hays County · Water Supply
Water supply planning is a key issue in fast-growing Hays County
Some smaller water systems in Hays County rely on a single source and have limited backup supply, which matters if you are buying in a rural area.
Hemphill County · Mineral Rights
In Hemphill County, the Person Who Owns the Minerals May Not Own the Surface
Hemphill County has active oil and gas production, and the mineral rights under land you buy may belong to someone else entirely.
Henderson County · Flood Risk
Check flood zones before buying near Cedar Creek or low-lying land
Parts of Henderson County near Cedar Creek Reservoir and river bottoms fall inside FEMA flood zones, which affects insurance and building rules.
Henderson County · Mineral Rights
Mineral rights can be owned separately from the land in Henderson County
In Henderson County, a landowner may not own the oil, gas, coal, or lignite under their own property — mineral rights are often held by someone else.
Henderson County · Septic / OSSF
Rural homes outside city limits usually need a septic permit
Most rural properties in Henderson County rely on a septic system, and a permit is required before installing or replacing one.
Hidalgo County · Drainage Infrastructure
Drainage Districts Manage the County's Flood Channels
Hidalgo County's drainage districts are special government entities that operate and maintain the major canals and channels that keep floodwater moving.
Hidalgo County · Flooding
Flood Risk Is Relatively High in Hidalgo County
Federal data shows Hidalgo County carries a relatively high natural hazard risk, with flooding as a major concern.
Hidalgo County · Windstorm Insurance
Hidalgo County Is Not in the State Windstorm Insurance Zone
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) does not cover Hidalgo County—you must get windstorm coverage through a private insurer.
Hidalgo County · Irrigation
Irrigation Districts Deliver Water Across the County
A network of irrigation districts—some dating to the 1910s—delivers Rio Grande water to farms and communities throughout Hidalgo County.
Hidalgo County · Groundwater
Part of the County Has a Groundwater Conservation District
The Red Sands Groundwater Conservation District covers about 114 square miles in north-central Hidalgo County and regulates well drilling there.
Hidalgo County · Water Rights
Rio Grande Water Rights Are Managed by a State Watermaster
A state-appointed Rio Grande Watermaster controls who draws from the Rio Grande, including the many irrigation districts in Hidalgo County.
Hidalgo County · Floodways
The Rio Grande Has a System of Engineered Floodways
A network of engineered floodways runs through the Lower Rio Grande Valley to carry overflow away from communities.
Hill County · Flood Risk
FEMA released preliminary flood maps for Hill County in 2025 for public comment
In January 2025, FEMA invited Hill County property owners to review and appeal preliminary updated flood hazard maps before they take effect.
Hockley County · Mineral Rights
Oil and Gas Production Has Shaped Hockley County Since the 1930s
Oil was discovered in Hockley County in 1937, and the county remains active oil country — meaning mineral rights, surface use agreements, and active wells can affect land you buy.
Hockley County · Groundwater
Water Wells in Hockley County Come from the Ogallala Aquifer
Most water in Hockley County is pumped from the Ogallala, a large but slowly depleting underground aquifer that feeds farms and rural homes across the High Plains.
Hood County · Water Wells
A Groundwater District Regulates Wells in Hood County
The Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District covers Hood County and requires a permit before you drill a new water well.
Hood County · Flood Risk
Check FEMA Flood Maps Before Buying Near the Brazos
Parts of Hood County along the Brazos River, the Paluxy River, and Lake Granbury are in FEMA flood zones, which affects insurance costs and what you can build.
Hood County · Building Rules
No County Building Permit Required in Most of Hood County
In unincorporated Hood County — outside city limits — you do not need a county building permit to build a home, but you still need septic, road access, and well permits.
Hopkins County · Flood Hazard
Flooding Is a Real Risk Along County Roads and River Bottoms
Parts of Hopkins County flood during heavy rain, particularly near the South Sulphur River and low-lying county roads — a fact buyers and renters should check before signing.
Hopkins County · Water Wells
Hopkins County Has No Groundwater Conservation District
Rural properties in Hopkins County that rely on private water wells are not under a local groundwater conservation district, so fewer local rules apply to drilling a new well.
Hopkins County · Land and Soil
The County Has Two Distinct Landscapes: Prairie and Post Oak
Hopkins County's northern and southwestern areas are Blackland Prairie with heavy clay soils, while the southeastern part sits in the post oak belt with claypan soils — differences that affect farming, building, and water.
Houston County · Rural Utilities
Septic and Well Rules for Rural Houston County Properties
Most rural Houston County lots rely on private wells and septic systems, both of which require permits and follow state rules.
Howard County · Groundwater Rules
A Groundwater District Regulates Water Wells in Most of Howard County
Most of Howard County falls under the Permian Basin Underground Water Conservation District, which requires permits and spacing rules for new water wells.
Howard County · Flood Risk
Check FEMA Flood Maps Before Buying Property in Howard County
Even in dry West Texas, low-lying areas near draws and creeks in Howard County can be in FEMA flood zones that affect insurance and building rules.
Howard County · Mineral Rights
Oil and Gas Activity Is Common in Howard County — Know Who Owns the Minerals
Howard County sits in the Permian Basin, where active oil and gas drilling is common — and mineral rights are often owned separately from the surface land.
Hudspeth County · Water Rights
A local district regulates groundwater pumping
The Hudspeth County Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 requires permits for most irrigation wells and tracks how much groundwater is pumped.
Hudspeth County · Mineral Rights
Your land deed may not include what is underground
In Texas, the mineral rights and the land surface can be owned by different people. The mineral owner has the stronger legal right to access the property.
Hunt County · City Limits & ETJ
City rules reach beyond city limits into the ETJ
Land just outside Greenville and other Hunt County cities may still fall under city subdivision and development rules through an area called the ETJ.
Hunt County · Water Supply
Hunt County has a regional water supply plan on file
The Texas Water Development Board tracks water supply planning for Hunt County as part of the state's long-range water management system.
Hunt County · Mineral Rights
Hunt County has some oil and gas production
Oil and gas are listed among Hunt County's mineral resources, and the Railroad Commission of Texas regulates all oil and gas activity in the state.
Hunt County · Private Wells
Private water wells follow state rules in Hunt County
Rural property in Hunt County may not be served by a public water system, making private wells a common water source governed by Texas groundwater rules.
Hunt County · OSSF / Septic
Septic systems outside city limits need a permit
Any new or replaced on-site sewage system in unincorporated Hunt County requires a permit before installation.
Hunt County · Flood Risk
The Sabine River and its forks flood parts of Hunt County
Most of Hunt County drains into the Sabine River basin, and bottomlands along those waterways carry flood risk that FEMA maps track.
Hutchinson County · Water Supply
Hutchinson County Draws Water from the Ogallala Aquifer
Most water in Hutchinson County comes from the Ogallala Aquifer. This underground water source is shared across the Panhandle — and it is being used faster than it refills.
Hutchinson County · Mineral Rights
Oil and Gas Are a Big Deal in Hutchinson County
Hutchinson County sits in the Panhandle oilfield, so the land you buy may not include the mineral rights beneath it — those can be owned by someone else entirely.
Irion County · Water Wells
A Local District Manages Groundwater in Irion County
If you plan to drill a water well in Irion County, you must deal with the Irion County Water Conservation District before you start.
Jack County · Mineral Rights
Oil and Gas Activity in Jack County
Jack County has a long oil and gas history, and mineral rights here are often owned separately from the land surface.
Jackson County · Windstorm Insurance
Jackson County is not in the TWIA windstorm insurance zone
Unlike its coastal neighbors, Jackson County is not covered by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, so you will need a standard private insurer for wind coverage.
Jasper County · Mineral rights
Oil and gas production has a long history in Jasper County
Jasper County has produced oil since 1928, so buyers of land here may encounter split estates where someone else owns the mineral rights beneath the surface.
Jeff Davis County · Water Wells
A local district regulates groundwater wells
Jeff Davis County has its own underground water conservation district. You may need a permit before drilling a well.
Jefferson County · Unincorporated Area Rules
Building Outside City Limits Requires a County Development Permit
Land outside any city's limits in Jefferson County is called unincorporated. You still need county permits to build there, and floodplain rules apply to much of the county.
Jefferson County · Windstorm Certificate
Buying a Coastal Home? Ask About the WPI-8 Certificate
Homes in Jefferson County built or modified after 1987 generally need a WPI-8 windstorm compliance certificate to qualify for TWIA coverage — missing one can block insurance or slow a sale.
Jefferson County · Air Quality
Jefferson County Meets Federal Ozone Standards, But Heavy Industry Is Present
The Beaumont-Port Arthur area meets the 2015 federal ozone standard. But the county has major petrochemical plants and refineries that TCEQ monitors.
Jefferson County · Coastal Windstorm Coverage
Jefferson County Requires Special Windstorm Insurance
Jefferson County is a first-tier coastal county. Standard home insurance often does not cover wind and hail here. You may need a separate policy through TWIA.
Jefferson County · Mineral Rights
Mineral Rights and Surface Rights Are Often Owned Separately
In Jefferson County, the oil and gas beneath your land may belong to someone else entirely — buying land here does not automatically mean you own the minerals under it.
Jefferson County · Flood Risk
Much of Jefferson County Is in a Flood Zone
Jefferson County sits on the Gulf Coast with major rivers and marshes, and large portions fall inside FEMA-designated flood zones where lenders require flood insurance.
Jefferson County · Septic and OSSF Rules
You Need a Permit Before Installing a Septic System
If your Jefferson County property cannot connect to city sewer, you need a permitted septic system. State rules require an approved plan and permit before any work starts.
Jim Hogg County · Groundwater
Your Water Well Falls Under the Brush Country District
Jim Hogg County has no public water in rural areas, so most properties rely on private wells regulated by the Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District.
Jim Wells County · Water Wells
A Groundwater District Regulates Private Wells in Much of Jim Wells County
If you plan to drill a water well outside Alice's city limits in Jim Wells County, you likely need to deal with the Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District.
Jim Wells County · Flood Risk
Jim Wells County Has Official Flood Maps — Check Yours Before Buying
Federal flood maps for Jim Wells County are in effect and can determine whether a lender requires flood insurance on your property.
Jim Wells County · Mineral Rights
Oil and Gas Has Shaped Jim Wells County for Nearly a Century
Jim Wells County has had active oil and gas production since 1931, and mineral rights are often split from surface ownership here.
Jim Wells County · Septic / Wastewater
You Need a Permit for a Septic System Outside City Limits
Building on rural land in Jim Wells County means getting a permit for an on-site sewage system — you cannot skip this step.
Johnson County · Water & Wells
A Groundwater District Protects Johnson County's Water Supply
The Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District manages groundwater in Johnson County — if you plan to drill a well, you need to know the rules.