Can I drill a water well on my own land without a license in Texas?

Yes, Texas law lets a person drill a water well on their own property for their own use without a driller's license, under the exemption in Occupations Code Chapter 1901. Anyone else who drills for you must hold a license from TDLR. The exemption does not remove the technical duties: the law still calls for an accurate well log, filed with the state and the owner within 60 days of finishing, and wells must be completed to state construction standards. Your groundwater conservation district may also require registration and spacing compliance first. Because a poorly sealed well can contaminate the aquifer and your own water, most owners hire a licensed driller.

Check your local rule. This varies by state, county or city. Your permitting office has the final word; the official lookup pages below show you who that is.

Sources

• Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1901, Water Well DrillersTexas Legislature
• Well Drilling and Pump Installing Technical GuidanceTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)