New Well FAQs
Am I required to register my well even if it’s only for household and/or livestock use?
According to Texas state law, any water well must be registered with the groundwater conservation district where it is located.
However, it is also beneficial to register your well so you can receive any pertinent notices concerning large production well applications filed with the District. It is also important in the event that a notice needs to be delivered to possibly affected wells in the case of contamination of groundwater resources in your area.
If the previous owner of the property already registered a well, do I need to do it again?
No, but it would be advantageous to inform the District of the change in ownership so that the District’s records are current. This will ensure that appropriate notices intended for well owners reach you, the owner.
How do I know if my well is in the Rusk County Groundwater Conservation District’s jurisdiction?
Any well located within the county of Rusk is within the District.
How do I know what aquifer my well is in?
This information may be found on the well log for your well, which by law must be given to the owner of the well and filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and also with the District.
In most cases, the District can provide the most accurate information concerning this question.
I don’t know the age or depth of my well(s). What should I write on the well registration form?
You may simply put “unknown” on the paperwork. The District’s staff will also be able to assist in many cases with this as well.
Does the District offer water quality testing for privately owned wells?
Basic water testing is readily available from area certified labs. The owner is responsible for all water quality testing, which is beneficial to know the baseline water quality results in the event of contamination influence of any kind.
How can I have my well included in the District’s well monitoring program?
Simply call the District’s office and answer a few simple questions. In most instances, the District is able to include your well in the program.
What information will I receive if my well is included in the District’s well monitoring program?
You will receive water level information concerning your well.
Existing Well Information
What is the District Management Plan?
According to Texas state law, every groundwater district must have a management plan that is renewed every five (5) years. The management plan serves as a guideline in managing our groundwater resources. This plan is reviewed by TCEQ and TWDB.
What is the fee schedule?
The District is tax-based, with minor fees associated with applications. You may find the Adopted Fee Schedule 3-10-25 here.
What is non-exempt production reporting, and when will I receive my report?
Current permit holders receive reporting information via mail annually. District rules require reporting of groundwater production for any well that has the potential to produce over 25,000 gallons per day.
These reports assist the District in understanding pumping effects during different climatic events and the recoverability of the aquifer for better management of the groundwater resources.
What is metered production reporting, and when will I receive my report?
Current exempt wells used in oil and gas production, exploration, fracturing, rig supply, or mining should receive reporting information via mail annually.
District rules require reporting of groundwater production for these types of well uses, which must be metered. These reports assist the District in understanding pumping effects during different climatic events and the recoverability of the aquifer for better management of the groundwater resources.
How do I transfer ownership?
If you are moving or if you bought property that already has a well, you need to transfer the ownership with the Application for Existing Water Well Registration or Ownership Transfer.
How do I register an existing well?
If your well has never been registered with the District, you need to register it. Not only is well registration required by Texas state law, but it also provides the benefit of protection for your well.
Complete the Application for Existing Water Well Registration or Ownership Transfer to register your well.
How often do I have to renew my well operating permit?
Every five (5) years, a permitted well must go through a renewal process to verify the current information of the well. Wells currently registered or permitted that plan an increase in groundwater production must go through an amendment process.
How do I handle water wells used for oil and gas exploration?
Any well used for oil and gas exploration, production, or rig activity must go through the District’s well transfer inspection after 180 days of completion.
District Rule 9.2.5 requires us to verify that there is no commingling of water zones and that the well has good structural integrity. If the well doesn’t pass inspection, it must be plugged.
Well Drillers In the Area
For a complete list of licensed well drillers, visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website. Please feel free to contact the District for more information.
Useful Links & Information
- Basics of Texas Water Law - Texas Ag. Extension
- East Texas Regional Planning Group
- Rusk County Appraisal District
- Rusk County Water Utilities List
- Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts
- Texas Water Development Board
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- Texas Groundwater Protection Committee
- Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation for Water Well & Pump Installers
- Texas Railroad Commission
- USDA Rural Development - Programs & Services
- Water Supply Entity Notices
Regional Labs
- Analab Corp. - Kilgore
- Eastex Environmental Labs Inc. - Nacogdoches
- Analytical Environmental Laboratories - Tyler
- S.F.A. Soil, Plant, & Water Analysis Laboratory - Nacogdoches (not NELAP Certified)
- T.C.E.Q. List of Accredited Laboratories
