Topic · Page 8
Home & Property
Local Notes
Home & Property notes
Lynn County · Groundwater
Most Lynn County water comes from the Ogallala Aquifer, and it is declining
Lynn County sits over the Ogallala Aquifer, a massive underground water source that has been dropping for decades due to heavy agricultural pumping.
Madison County · Groundwater & Wells
Madison County has a groundwater district that regulates water wells
If you plan to drill a water well in Madison County, you must deal with the Mid-East Texas Groundwater Conservation District before you start.
Marion County · Septic / OSSF
Most rural land in Marion County relies on a septic system
Outside city limits, most homes use an on-site sewage facility — a septic system — and Texas law requires a permit and a licensed site evaluation before you build or change one.
Martin County · Mineral Rights
In Martin County, Someone Else May Own What's Under Your Land
In the Permian Basin, it is common for the surface of a property and the minerals below it to have different owners — and the mineral owner has strong legal rights.
Martin County · Water & Wells
Martin County Groundwater Comes from the Ogallala Aquifer
Most rural water in Martin County comes from the Ogallala Aquifer, and a local district monitors it and can help if you are buying property with a well.
Mason County · Water supply
Most Rural Properties in Mason County Rely on Private Wells
Outside the town of Mason, most rural properties depend on private groundwater wells, so understanding the local aquifer and well rules matters before you buy.
Matagorda County · Groundwater
A local district regulates groundwater in this county
If you plan to drill a water well in Matagorda County, you must work with the Coastal Plains Groundwater Conservation District.
Matagorda County · Coastal Windstorm Insurance
Coastal homes may need windstorm insurance through the state
Matagorda County is one of 14 Texas coastal counties where private windstorm insurance can be hard to get, so many homeowners use the state's backup insurer instead.
Matagorda County · Flood Maps
Flood maps for this county were recently revised
FEMA released revised preliminary flood maps for Matagorda County in early 2025, which could change flood insurance requirements for some properties.
Maverick County · Water & Agriculture
A Large Irrigation Canal Supports Farming Here
Maverick County has one of Texas's largest gravity-fed irrigation canal systems, drawing from the Rio Grande to water farmland.
Maverick County · Oil & Gas
Maverick County Sits Over the Eagle Ford Shale
The Eagle Ford Shale formation runs under Maverick County, making mineral rights and oil and gas activity relevant to anyone buying land here.
Maverick County · Mineral Rights
Surface and Mineral Rights Can Be Owned Separately
Buying land here does not always mean you own what is underground — mineral rights are often held by someone else.
Maverick County · Flood Hazard
The Rio Grande Can Flood — Know Your Risk
Properties near the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass face real flood risk, and a flood map can show whether your land is in a hazard zone.
McCulloch County · Water Wells
Drilling a water well in McCulloch County requires a permit first
The Hickory Underground Water Conservation District regulates groundwater in McCulloch County — you must file a notice and get a permit before drilling most wells.
McLennan County · Flood Zones
Brazos River Flooding Is a Real Risk Here
The Brazos River and Bosque River tributaries cross McLennan County, putting many properties in or near FEMA flood zones.
McLennan County · Groundwater
Groundwater Comes From the Trinity Aquifer — With Limits
The Trinity Aquifer underlies McLennan County, but heavy pumping has caused significant water level declines along the I-35 corridor.
McLennan County · Water Supply
Lake Waco Is Part of the Brazos River Water System
Lake Waco is a key surface water source for McLennan County, impounding the Bosque Rivers as part of the broader Brazos River basin.
McLennan County · Severe Weather
McLennan County Has a Long History of Tornadoes
McLennan County sits in a tornado-prone part of Central Texas, and the National Weather Service tracks storm history back to 1880.
McLennan County · Mineral Rights
Mineral Rights and Surface Rights Can Be Owned Separately
In Texas, the person who owns the surface of the land may not own the minerals below it — and those are two separate legal estates.
McLennan County · On-Site Sewage
Rural Properties Usually Need a Septic System Permit
If your property is outside a city sewer system, you need a permitted on-site sewage facility — commonly called a septic system.
McMullen County · Flood Risk
Flash Flooding Is a Real Risk Along the Rivers
The Frio and Nueces rivers run through McMullen County and can flood quickly — check FEMA flood maps before buying near the water.
McMullen County · Water Wells
New Water Wells Need a Permit in McMullen County
The McMullen Groundwater Conservation District oversees well drilling in the county — contact them before you drill.
Medina County · Land Use & Economy
Cattle, Crops, and Oil All Drive the Medina County Economy
Medina County is a working agricultural county where cattle ranching, grain and peanut farming, and some oil and gas production all occur on roughly 1,300 square miles of land.
Medina County · Location & Size
Medina County Is Immediately West of San Antonio, Covering About 1,330 Square Miles
Medina County borders Bexar County (San Antonio) on the east and covers about 1,330 square miles of mixed Hill Country and plains terrain.
Medina County · Groundwater & Wells
New Water Wells in Medina County Require a Permit
The Medina County Groundwater Conservation District regulates new wells and requires permits before you drill.
Medina County · Land & Geography
The Balcones Escarpment Splits Medina County into Two Very Different Landscapes
A geological fault line called the Balcones Escarpment runs east-west through Medina County, creating Hill Country terrain to the north and flat plains to the south.
Menard County · Water Wells
A local water district oversees wells in Menard County
The Menard County Underground Water District regulates groundwater wells and requires permits for most new wells above domestic or livestock use.
Midland County · Mineral Rights
In Midland County, the mineral estate often belongs to a different owner
Buying land in Midland County does not automatically mean you own the oil and gas beneath it — the mineral rights are often sold or retained separately.
Midland County · Climate & Weather
Midland County has a hot, windy, and dry climate with cold winters
Midland County sits at roughly 2,800 feet elevation with July highs near 96 degrees, January lows around 32 degrees, only about 13 to 14 inches of rain per year, and frequent high winds.
Midland County · Oil & Gas Regulation
Oil and gas drilling in Midland County is regulated by the Railroad Commission
The Railroad Commission of Texas issues drilling permits and oversees oil and gas operations throughout the Permian Basin, including Midland County.
Midland County · Flood Risk
Some parts of Midland County have flood risk from South Draw
Even in dry West Texas, parts of Midland County lie in FEMA-mapped flood zones, and the county adopted a special flood framework for the South Draw area.
Midland County · Water Supply
Water is scarce in Midland County — most homes rely on municipal supply or deep wells
Midland County averages only about 13.5 inches of rain per year, and residents outside city limits often depend on water wells that draw from deep aquifers.
Milam County · Septic & Wastewater
Rural Lots Usually Need a Septic System Permit
Most rural properties in Milam County that are not on a public sewer line need a permitted on-site sewage system before building.
Milam County · Water & Flood Awareness
Three Rivers Shape the Land in Milam County
The Brazos, Little River, and San Gabriel rivers all run through Milam County, which means flooding is a real risk for property buyers to check.
Mills County · Land Stewardship
Mills County has a Soil and Water Conservation District for landowners
The Mills County Soil and Water Conservation District can help landowners with erosion control, water quality, and federal conservation programs.
Mitchell County · Water Rights
A Groundwater District Covers All of Mitchell County
The Lone Wolf Groundwater Conservation District regulates water wells across all of Mitchell County and requires permits for new wells.
Mitchell County · Mineral Rights / Oil & Gas
Oil Production Has Shaped Mitchell County Since 1920
Petroleum was discovered in Mitchell County in 1920, and active oil and gas production continues today, which matters if you own or are buying land here.
Montague County · Mineral Rights
Oil and gas have been produced in Montague County since 1919
If you buy land in Montague County, mineral rights may already be severed from the surface — meaning someone else could own what is underground.
Montgomery County · Flood Risk
Flooding Is a Serious Risk Along the San Jacinto River
Parts of Montgomery County along the San Jacinto River and its tributaries face major flood risk, as Hurricane Harvey showed in 2017.
Montgomery County · Land Subsidence
Groundwater Pumping Can Cause Land to Sink
Pumping large amounts of water from underground aquifers can cause the land surface to slowly sink — a process called subsidence.
Montgomery County · Water Supply
Montgomery County Is Shifting Away from Pumped Groundwater
A county-wide program is moving large water users toward surface water from Lake Conroe to reduce pumping from underground aquifers.
Montgomery County · Water Wells
Private Water Wells Are Regulated in Montgomery County
The Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District oversees water wells in Montgomery County to protect the Gulf Coast Aquifer.
Montgomery County · Septic Systems
Rural Homes Need a Septic Permit Before Building
Homes outside city sewer service in Montgomery County need a permitted on-site sewage system before construction can begin.
Moore County · Water Supply
The Ogallala Aquifer Supplies Most Water Here — and It Is Shrinking
Most water in Moore County — for homes, farms, and industry — comes from the Ogallala Aquifer, a deep underground source that is slowly shrinking.
Moore County · Groundwater / Wells
You Need a Permit Before Drilling a Water Well
Moore County sits inside the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District, which requires approval before you drill any non-exempt water well.
Motley County · Water Rights
Groundwater in Motley County Is Managed by a Special District
If you plan to drill a water well in Motley County, you need to work with the Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District, which regulates how much water can be pumped.
Motley County · Septic / OSSF
Most Homes Here Use a Septic System, Not City Sewer
Outside of Matador's city limits, most homes in Motley County rely on an on-site sewage system (septic tank), and state rules require a permit to install or repair one.
Nacogdoches County · Water Wells
A Groundwater District Oversees Water Wells in Nacogdoches County
The Pineywoods Groundwater Conservation District regulates well drilling in Nacogdoches and Angelina counties — get a permit before drilling a high-volume well.
Nacogdoches County · Flood Risk
Check FEMA Flood Maps Before Buying Land Near Creeks or the Angelina River
Parts of Nacogdoches County sit in flood zones along the Angelina River and its tributaries — look up your property's flood zone before you buy or build.
Nacogdoches County · Land and Timber
Nacogdoches County Is Heavily Forested — Timber Land Is Common Here
About 67 percent of the county is forested, so many rural properties include timberland that may qualify for special tax appraisal.
Navarro County · Septic Systems
Building outside city limits usually means a septic permit
If you build or buy a home in rural Navarro County, you will likely need a permitted on-site sewage facility (septic system) before you can occupy the property.
Navarro County · Flood Risk
Check FEMA flood maps before buying near the Trinity River
The Trinity River runs along Navarro County's northeastern edge, and low-lying land near rivers and creeks can carry significant flood risk.
Navarro County · Water Supply
Private water wells are common in rural Navarro County
Many rural properties in Navarro County rely on private groundwater wells, and buyers should research well records before purchasing.
Newton County · Flood Risk
Flooding risk along the Sabine River in Newton County
The Sabine River forms Newton County's eastern border, and large parts of the county have documented flood risk that affects property buyers and homeowners.
Newton County · Water Supply
Rural water and wells in Newton County
Much of Newton County is rural with no public water service, so many properties rely on private water wells regulated by the state.
Nolan County · Water & Wells
Nolan County has an active groundwater conservation district
The Wes-Tex Groundwater Conservation District regulates wells and water use in Nolan County — important if you plan to drill a well or buy rural land.
Nolan County · Mineral Rights
Oil and gas are still active in Nolan County — mineral rights matter
Petroleum has been produced in Nolan County since 1939, and the Texas Railroad Commission regulates all oil and gas activity in the area.
Nueces County · Flood Planning
A regional flood plan guides how Nueces County manages flood risk
The Texas Water Development Board adopted a Nueces Regional Flood Plan that sets long-term strategies for reducing flood damage in the county.
Nueces County · Windstorm Insurance
Coastal properties in Nueces County may need windstorm insurance from a state pool
Nueces County is one of 14 Texas Gulf Coast counties where the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) provides wind and hail coverage when private insurers won't.
Nueces County · WPI-8 Certificate
Coastal structures need a windstorm certificate to get TWIA coverage
A WPI-8 certificate proves a building was inspected and met coastal windstorm building codes — without it, getting windstorm insurance in Nueces County is much harder.