Water well permits in the Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District

Comal County is split between two groundwater authorities. Wells into the Trinity Aquifer, which covers most of the northern, hillier part of the county, are managed by the Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (CTGCD). Wells into the Edwards Aquifer along the recharge zone are regulated by the separate Edwards Aquifer Authority. Part of knowing your ground is knowing which one applies, and we do.

For a Trinity well, you register or permit with the Comal Trinity district before drilling. A normal household well is exempt from an operating permit but still has to be registered, and the district charges a fee for a new exempt well.

What you need to know

• Two authorities, by aquifer. Trinity wells go through the Comal Trinity district; Edwards wells go through the Edwards Aquifer Authority. We handle whichever your property requires.
• Register before drilling. A new Trinity well must be registered or permitted with the district before drilling begins.
• Household wells are exempt from permitting. A domestic or livestock well that cannot produce more than 25,000 gallons a day is exempt from an operating permit, but still must be registered.
• There is a new-well fee. The district charges a fee for registering a new exempt well (most recently $400). We confirm the current amount when we file.
• Spacing and setback rules apply. The district sets minimum distances between wells and from property lines.

See all Hill Country districts · Permit or just registration? · Wells in New Braunfels