New wells within the Authority’s service area are permitted through the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District (HGSD). HGSD permitting information can be found here: https://hgsubsidence.org/permits/. HGSD will forward all relevant well permit applications to the Authority to confirm if the new well is to be included within the Authority’s Groundwater Reduction Plan (GRP). Once the Authority confirms that a new well is to be added to our GRP, the Authority will send a letter to the Well Owner confirming inclusion in our GRP. Well Owners must then submit a Well Customer Information Form to the Authority ( Well Customer Information Form_2025_05 ) and complete the Checklist for New Wells Permitted under the NHCRWA GRP ( Checklist for New Wells permitted under the NHCRWA GRP ).
All new wells must be outfitted by the Well Owner with an automated metering infrastructure (AMI)-compliant meter per our Rate Order that can be found on the water rates page of this website. The specification for the Authority’s pre-approved AMI-compliant groundwater well meters can be found here: 02529.1- April 2025- GROUNDWATER WELL FLOW METERS. Well Owners must submit their proposed meter for approval at least 14 days prior to installation.
Well owners must also provide the following notifications to the Authority’s Program Manager:
- At least 48 hours prior to well construction
- Upon completion of well construction
- At startup of well
- Upon change in ownership, well operator, or billing contact
Please refer to the above-referenced checklist for additional requirements and contact emails.