New Water Well Rules for Wise County Land: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know

If you own or are thinking about buying land in western Wise County, there is a rule change you should know about before you list, buy or subdivide a property.

The Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District is raising the minimum lot size for drilling a new water well from 2 acres to 5 acres. It applies to the part of western Wise County where the Trinity aquifer is thin.

The new minimum applies to property subdivided after December 31, 2026, starting January 1, 2027. Properties that are already in the platting process are grandfathered in.

If you are selling land: A lot under 5 acres created after 2026 may not be able to get a new well, so the timing of when you subdivide can change what each parcel is worth. Before you subdivide your land, talk to the district and to a surveyor or attorney.

If you are buying land: Ask whether the lot already has a well and when the lot was created. If you plan to subdivide later, check the new 5-acre minimum first, because a smaller lot may not qualify for a new well.

Check your exact property: The rules apply only to part of the county, and rules and boundaries can change. Confirm your exact property with the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District and an attorney before you list, buy or subdivide. This post is general information, not legal advice.

Selling land or a home in Wise County? Texas Listing Pros charges a 1% listing fee plus 2.5% to the buyer's agent. See our Wise County page, or our Decatur and Paradise pages, or call 817-903-4447.