Water well owners and operators in Burnet County have until Sept. 1 to register their wells or apply for a permit with the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District.

While most household wells smaller than 17 gallons per minute in capacity are exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit, all other existing wells in the county must file a permit application or risk losing their right to claim grandfathered status and the groundwater production rights that go with it.

They also face fines and penalties if they operate the well after Sept. 1 without having submitted the required application.

Also, most wells in Burnet County that can produce more than 50 gallons per minute must have a meter installed and begin recording pumping by Sept. 1.

For further information, contact the district office at (512) 756- 4900 or stop by 225 S. Pierce, Suite 104. District staff can assist in evaluating which application is needed and what requirements apply to a particular well.

Information about the water well rules can be viewed at www.central texasgcd.org.