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Edwards Aquifer: Private Residences

Outlines who is required to submit an Edwards Aquifer application for a single-family residence; when a plan is and is not required; and who to contact for assistance.

Who or What is Regulated?

Construction activities occurring at private residences located on the Edwards Aquifer Recharge or Contributing zones are subject to TCEQ’s Edwards Aquifer rules listed in 30 TAC Chapter 213 .

Demolition of a previous development along with the new construction of the single-family development may require the submission and approval of an Edwards Aquifer application by TCEQ.

When is a Plan NOT Required?

An individual plan may not be required if you as a homeowner can demonstrate one of the following conditions for your single-family residence:   

  1. Your residence is a part of a master community with an approved plan;
  2. The construction of your residence is on a lot that is larger than five acres, with no more than one single-family residence located on that lot;  
  3. The construction of your residence or associated residential structures on the lot does not exceed 20% impervious cover (IC) within the property's legal boundaries. IC includes rooftops, driveways, concrete pads, sheds, sidewalks, or any impermeable surface that prevents infiltration of water into soil; OR  
  4. You may implement a rainwater harvesting system to capture stormwater from the rooftops for beneficial reuse, such as irrigation within the legal boundaries of their property, if the adjusted IC is 20% or less (see below).

Rainwater Harvesting Systems May Adjust Impervious Cover

You may be able to install a rainwater harvesting system for your single-family residence to reduce the applicable percentage of impervious cover to 20% or less within the property’s legal boundary. The rainwater must be used for beneficial use on the property. 

For example, if the property has 37% IC, but is able to harvest rainwater from 18% of the IC, the property’s adjusted IC is 19%, which meets the 20% requirement (37% - 18% = 19%).

See RG-348: Complying with the Edwards Aquifer Rules for more information on rainwater harvesting requirements.

When IS a Plan Required?

An individual plan is required if your situation does not meet the above conditions.

Please see the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program webpage for information on submitting an individual Water Pollution Abatement Plan, Contributing Zone Plan, or request for an exception.

Who Can I Contact? 

For technical-related questions, contact our EAPP staff: