Priority Calls: How to Claim Water Rights

Senior and Junior Water Rights

In Texas, TCEQ administers surface water rights by priority doctrine (first in time, first in right). A holder of a senior water right (one with the earliest date) can make a priority call for water over one with a junior right (one with a later date).

How to Make a Priority Call

As a potential priority caller, you should contact the regional office that serves your county and coordinate access to the diversion location with one of our regional investigators as soon as possible.

Based on the water authorized by your water right, you will be required to submit information to us to support your priority call. You can submit it via phone, email, fax or any other expedited means. To make a priority call, contact your regional office.