Texas Water Code
§ 36.118 — OPEN OR UNCOVERED WELLS
WA § 36.118Title 2. WATER ADMINISTRATION · Part E. GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT · Ch. 36. GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS · Art. D. POWERS AND DUTIES
Statute text
View on source(a)A district may require the owner or lessee of land on which an open or uncovered well is located to keep the well permanently closed or capped with a covering capable of sustaining weight of at least 400 pounds, except when the well is in actual use.
(b)As used in this section, "open or uncovered well" means an artificial excavation dug or drilled for the purpose of exploring for or producing water from the groundwater reservoir and is not capped or covered as required by this chapter.
(c)If the owner or lessee fails or refuses to close or cap the well in compliance with this chapter in accordance with district rules, any person, firm, or corporation employed by the district may go on the land and close or cap the well safely and securely.
(d)Reasonable expenses incurred by the district in closing or capping a well constitute a lien on the land on which the well is located.
(e)The lien arises and attaches upon recordation in the deed records of the county where the well is located an affidavit, executed by any person conversant with the facts, stating the following:
(1)the existence of the well;
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Legislative history
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 933, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.