EXEMPT WELLS

(a) Groundwater withdrawals from the following wells may not be regulated, permitted, or metered by the district: (1) a well used for domestic use by a single private residential household and incapable of producing more than 25,000 gallons per day; and (2) a well used for conventional farming and ranching activities, including such intensive operations as aquaculture, livestock feedlots, or poultry operations. (b) The district may not charge or collect a well construction fee for a well described by Subsection (a)(2). (b-1) A well owner must obtain a permit and pay any required fees, including a well construction fee, before using any groundwater withdrawn from a well for purposes other than those exempted by this section. (c) A well used for dewatering and monitoring in the production of coal or lignite is exempt from permit requirements, regulations, and fees imposed by the district. (d) The district may not enter property to inspect an exempt well without the property owner's permission.