Frequently Asked Questions

Q uestion ~ What is the purpose of the Kerr County HGCD?
A: To Protect the underground water resource of Kerr County. It takes applications and gives authorization to drill water wells in the county and "investigates the aquifiers to determine appropriate plans for future development". The district's mission is to develop, promote and implement water conservation, augmentation and management strategies to protect the water resource.

Q uestion ~ What is an exempt (private) well?
A: Exempt well (no permit required): An exempt well is equipped to be incapable of producing more than 25,000 gallons of water per day or 17.36 gallons per minute.

Exempt wells are solely for domestic use or for providing water to livestock or poultry on a tract of land larger than 10 acres. Other uses include water for oil and gas drilling and mining activities.
Q uestion ~ What is a permitted well?
A: Permitted wells (also referred to as a non-exempt well): These types of wells are used for public water systems, irrigation, commercial and/or equipped to produce more than 25,000 gallons of water per day or 17.36 gallons per minute.

Public water supply wells are to supply water to systems that are community or shared water systems that serve at least 15 individuals at least 60 days out of the year.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requlates public water supply systems.
Q uestion ~ Do I need an application to drill a well for domestic water use?
A: Yes. All wells in Kerr County are required to be registered with the HGCD.
Q uestion ~ How much acreage must I own to obtain permission to drill a well?
A: More than 5 acreas.
Q uestion ~ How many reports per year do I need to submit to the HGCD?
A: None for exempt (pravite) wells, while permitted wells are checked once per year.
Q uestion ~ Do I need a permit in addition to an approved application to drill a well in the Ewards Aquifer for domestic water use?
A: No.
Q uestion ~ What happens to my domestic water use during a severe drought emergency?
A: The disrtict asks for volunteer reduction in water use based on drought stage conditions. For example, in the event of Stage 1 drought conditions - the first of four stages - the public would be asked to reduce its water usage by 10 percent.
Q uestion ~ Do I need an expensive metering device on a well providing water for domestic use?
A: No.
Q uestion ~ Exempt wells do not pump more than 25,000 gallons per day. What would prevent a reduction in the daily consumption of water?
A: It could happen. The state legislature would have to redefine exempt wells in the Water Code or allow HGCD to change enabling legislation to reduce how many gallons a day that are allowed to be pumped.
To email questions or comments concerning the Frequently Asked Questions
click here or send to "hgcd@hgcd.org".