Water School

Other specified uses as stated as a water permit exemption in the State of Texas refers to the less-common water uses such as water in fish or shrimp farming, in drilling for oil and for sediment control in surface coal mines.

Emergency use of water is an exemption to the state’s water rights permitting that allows counties and rural fire departments to draw water from surface water sources in the event it is needed for an emergency situation.

A wildlife management exemption to Texas water rights allows property owners to build and maintain a dam or reservoir of not more than 200 acre-feet of water on qualified open-space land for the purpose of providing water to indigenous wildlife.

Domestic and Livestock use is available only to those whose property adjoins a stream or river.  This use is for water utilized by livestock, household needs and to irrigate a yard or home garden.  This same exemption to Texas water rights allows property owners to impound or store water in stock tanks on larger than 200 acre-feet of storage volume.

Yes, there are exceptions to the need for a surface water permit or contact to access water in Texas.  The Texas Water Code states four “exempt uses” under which water may be made available without the need for a permit or contract.  These are domestic and livestock use, wildlife management, and emergency use.

Yes, permission is required in order to ensure that there is enough water for all in need.  The state has established procedures and requirements for obtaining access to state surface water.  Water use may be sought through application for a state permit through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) or through the contract purchase of water from an already permitted entity.The Brazos River Authority holds numerous state issued permits for water use and provides this water to other...