Private Wells in Texas
Private wells supply irrigation, household, and livestock water across rural Texas (TGPC). Wells are required when a property is outside municipal water service or when connecting to public water is impractical. Texas law even requires that lots smaller than 5 acres must have water service to qualify as residential (TX Local Govt Code §232.021).
- No ongoing water bills
- Independence from municipal supply
- One-time installation cost
- Only pay for pump electricity
- Hire licensed driller (required by law)
- Pay installation costs
- Arrange water testing (voluntary but recommended)
- Ongoing maintenance and record-keeping
Well Drilling Costs in Texas
A complete private well system in Texas typically costs $6,000–$30,000+, depending on depth and geology. Shallow wells on smaller lots might run $6,000–$12,000, while deep or difficult sites can reach $20,000–$30,000 or more.
⏱️ Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 4–10 weeks from your first call to potable water. GCD permitting is often the longest step.
Permits & Process
Do I Need a Permit?
If inside a Groundwater Conservation District (GCD): Yes, you must apply for a drilling permit. Texas Water Code §36.115 explicitly forbids drilling without a GCD permit (TX Water Code).
If no GCD covers your property: No state or local well permit is needed, though local building or subdivision regulations may still apply. (Counties often require septic permits under Health & Safety Code Chapter 366.)
Step-by-Step Process
- Planning & Consultation: Contact a licensed water well driller. The driller surveys the site, estimates depth/yield, and provides a bid.
- Permitting (if in GCD): The driller or owner applies for a drilling permit from the local GCD. Start early—approval can take 2–6+ weeks.
- Construction: Once permits are in place, drilling begins. The crew drills the borehole, installs casing (steel or PVC), and cements the annulus under pressure to seal off shallower zones. The driller installs the pump and electrical connections.
- Well Report Filing: By law, the driller must file a Water Well Report (WD-15 or similar) in the TWDB/TDLR database after completion (TWDB).
- Disinfection & Testing: After drilling, the well must be disinfected. Texas regulations (30 TAC 290.41) for public wells require thorough chlorination and flushing (TCEQ). Homeowners should follow the same procedure: shock chlorinate, purge the system, then collect water samples. Typically, three successive coliform-free samples are needed before the water is safe.
- Approval/Connection: Once samples clear state limits, the system is connected to the household plumbing. There is no state inspection for a domestic well.
Homeowner handles: Payment, arranging lab testing, record-keeping.
Water Quality
Recommended Testing
- At minimum (after drilling): Total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrates
- Annual re-testing: Bacteria and nitrates (CDC guidance)
- Every 3-5 years: Full chemical analysis (arsenic, fluoride, metals, pH, TDS)
- After any event: Flooding, heavy rains, septic system upset, taste/odor changes
Testing costs range from $20 (coliform only) to ~$400 for a full chemical panel (TWDB). Some GCDs subsidize or offer free testing. The Texas DSHS Lab (512-776-7318) provides certified coliform/E. coli testing for private wells.
Common Texas Water Quality Issues
Arsenic
Hotspots: Southern High Plains (Panhandle), South Texas/Gulf Coast (29–32% exceedances) (UT-BEG). Permian Basin (Midland/Ector counties) also shows high arsenic. Long-term ingestion is carcinogenic. Treatment: RO, activated alumina, or anion exchange.
Nitrates
Elevated under agricultural areas (High Plains, Lower Rio Grande Valley) from fertilizer/runoff. High nitrate (>10 mg/L) causes blue-baby syndrome in infants. Treatment: Ion-exchange or RO (boiling does not remove nitrates).
Hard Water
Most TX wells are "hard" (high calcium/magnesium). Causes scale buildup. Treatment: Conventional salt-based water softeners (cation exchange).
Iron/Manganese
Common across Hill Country and East Texas. Iron oxidizes out, staining fixtures rusty-orange or black. Treatment: Oxidizing filters (greensand, Birm), chlorination + sediment filter.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)
"Rotten egg" smell in Edwards Plateau, Hill Country, Gulf Coast wells. More nuisance than health hazard. Treatment: Aeration, chlorination + carbon filter, or activated carbon alone.
Coliform Bacteria
Private wells lack chlorination, so bacteria from surface or cracked casing can enter. Any detectable coliform/E. coli should trigger shock disinfection. Treatment: Shock chlorination, UV disinfection, or continuous chlorinator.
Treatment Options Summary
- Arsenic/Fluoride: RO, activated alumina, or anion exchange
- Nitrate: Ion-exchange or RO (not boiling)
- Hardness: Salt-based water softener
- Iron/Manganese: Oxidizing filters or chlorination + sediment filter
- Hydrogen Sulfide: Aeration or chlorination + carbon filter
- Bacteria: Shock chlorination (temporary), UV disinfection, or continuous chlorinator
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- ☐Test water annually (at least coliform, nitrates, pH, TDS)
- ☐Check pressure tank air pressure (often 30–50 psi)
- ☐Inspect wellhead: ensure sealed, above grade, free of standing water
- ☐Replace pre-filters or sediment cartridges at least yearly
- ☐Shock well periodically (after heavy rain, flooding, or annually)
- ☐Check electrical connections and pump controls
- ☐Keep harmful chemicals (fertilizer, fuel) away from well
- ☐Document all maintenance, testing, and repairs
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Sudden drop in flow or pressure: Could indicate low yield or pressure tank failure
- Cloudy or colored water: Orange/red (iron), black (manganese), greenish (bacteria/algae)
- Unusual odors/tastes: Rotten egg (H₂S), musty/earthy (organics), gasoline (contamination)
- Staining of fixtures: New rusty or bluish stains indicate iron/copper corrosion
- Frequent pump burnouts: Often due to running dry
- Air in the water: Sputtering taps or bubbles can mean a drop in water column
🔧 Find a Licensed Driller
Texas law requires a licensed water well driller for all well drilling work.
Search Licensed Drillers in Texas
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their TDLR license number
- Verify at TDLR License Verification
- Check for appropriate endorsements (W = water wells)
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
📞 Resources & Contacts
Key Regulatory References
- Texas Water Code §36.115 – GCD well permits
- Texas Occupations Code §1901 – Licensed drillers required
- 30 TAC §290.41 – Well construction and disinfection rules
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Texas drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Texas Driller Compliance Guide →