Discussion and possible action to address issues related to water well drilled

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

Discussion and possible action to address issues related to water well drilled by James Edwin Hatcher (License # 58731) State of Texas Well Report Tracking #720150 – Ms. Cochran stated that the District learned of a well drilled in February 2026 without a Notice of Intent to Drill form being filed as required by Rule 6.2. Additionally, this well is an irrigation well requiring a permit under District Rule 5.3 – no permit application was filed. The drilled location of the well does not meet the District’s spacing rules (well setbacks 5.4 (c)) nor does the well owner have sufficient water rights under Rule 5.4 (f). The District will need to conduct a site visit to determine if the drilled location meets TDLR spacing requirements. The District met with the landowner, Mr. Howell, on April 21st explaining the situation, alerting him that the well was drilled without proper approval and cannot be used until this issue is resolved. Ms. Cochran contacted the driller and invited him to this meeting to discuss this matter with the Board. Mr. Hatcher addressed the Board taking full responsibility for drilling the well without the proper approval of the District. Ms. Cochran asked the Board for guidance on best way to proceed. As Mr. Howell was not present, Mr. Starcke and Mr. Schuehle recommended a site visit to verify the drilled coordinates meet TDLR requirements and to connect with Mr. Howell to inquire if he intends to attempt to acquire the neighboring wate

This motion is scored as RESTRAINS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 2.5/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, voting YES on measures that cap or reduce ad valorem tax burdens, expand taxpayer exemptions, retire debt early, enforce competitive bidding caps, or remove regulatory/zoning barriers to private property rights earns a positive Pro-Liberty score.