Who regulates water well drilling in Texas? Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
What law governs water well drilling in Texas? Texas Water Code, Chapter 190
Who must be licensed to drill water wells in Texas? Anyone who drills, alters, repairs, or abandons a water well
What types of water well licenses exist in Texas? General Well Driller; Water Well Pump Installer; Water Well Driller (endorsements)
How long is a Texas water well driller license valid? 1 year
What must be done before drilling a water well? Landowner permission and compliance with local Groundwater Conservation
District (GCD) rules
Who can enforce additional local well requirements? Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs)
When must a well report be filed with the state? Within 60 days of completion, alteration, or plugging
What form is used to report water well drilling in Texas? State Well Report (SWR)
What information is required on a State Well Report? Location; depth; casing size/type; screen interval; aquifer; pump info
What happens if a driller violates Texas well rules? Fines, license suspension, or license revocation by TDLR
Are abandoned wells allowed to remain unplugged? No, abandoned wells must be properly plugged
What is the main purpose of groundwater protection rules? Prevent contamination of aquifers
What is an aquifer? A geologic formation that stores and transmits groundwater
What is a common cause of groundwater contamination? Improper well construction, poor sealing, or surface contaminants