Permit requirements for ponds in Texas vary based on location, pond size, and whether the project involves damming or altering a watercourse — there isn't one blanket answer that applies to every property.
What generally affects permitting
Ponds built entirely on private property, fed only by surface runoff and not connected to a stream or watercourse, often face fewer regulatory hurdles than ponds involving a dam across a natural drainage or watercourse — the latter can involve state or local water authority review depending on size and location. County and municipal rules can also apply depending on where the property sits.
What we recommend
Confirm requirements with your county and any relevant state agency (such as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain dam or watercourse situations) before construction begins — permitting responsibility sits with the landowner, and requirements can change. We're glad to discuss what we typically see on similar projects, but we're not a substitute for confirming with the relevant authority for your specific property.
This article is general information, not legal or regulatory advice for your specific situation.