Pat Trevino | October 29, 2025
CUERO — In a unanimous vote during a special meeting on October 23, the Cuero City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2025-20, a sweeping measure designed to safeguard the city’s public water supply by regulating land use around its five municipal wells.
The ordinance establishes a 150-foot protective radius around each well, prohibiting a wide range of activities and facilities that could pose a risk to water quality. Among the banned uses are underground chemical storage tanks, sewage treatment systems, injection wells, feedlots, and other operations deemed unsanitary or hazardous.
City officials say the move is a proactive step toward ensuring the long-term safety of Cuero’s drinking water.
“These wells are vital to our community’s health and infrastructure,” said a city spokesperson. “This ordinance gives us the tools to protect them from contamination and comply with state and federal standards.”
Under the new rules, residential construction is permitted within the 150-foot zone, provided it adheres to strict sanitation guidelines. However, septic systems, cemeteries, and livestock are barred from coming within 50 feet of any well.
The ordinance also grants city employees and authorized representatives the right to enter properties within the protected zones to conduct inspections and enforce compliance. Violators may face misdemeanor charges, daily fines, and mandatory removal of any prohibited structures or contamination sources.
In addition to outlining penalties, the ordinance includes a severability clause to preserve its enforceability even if portions are challenged in court. It also defers to stricter state or federal regulations when applicable.
Councilmember Terry Glover introduced the motion to adopt the ordinance, with Councilmember Tony Allen seconding. The measure passed unanimously on its final reading.
Cuero’s water wells serve as the primary source of potable water for residents. City officials emphasized that maintaining sanitary conditions around the wells is essential not only for public health but also for regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship.
For more information or to view Exhibit A identifying the well locations, residents may contact Cuero City Hall.