In 1975, the Texas Legislature created the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District to protect the lives and property in Harris and Galveston counties from the devastating impacts of subsidence. Since then, the District has successfully paved the way to achieve this mission through its internationally recognized regulatory planning, advanced science and research, dedication to regional collaboration, and award-winning water conservation programs.
We take great pride in the progress already achieved; however, there is still much work to do to prevent further subsidence. As Texas’ Gulf Coast population grows, the demand for water increases. Our goal is to support this growth by protecting our groundwater resources with reasonable and effective groundwater regulations backed by the best available science and ensure a sustainable water future free from the impacts of subsidence.
Follow along throughout this year as we celebrate 50 years of service to the community!
WHO WE ARE
The Harris-Galveston Subsidence District (HGSD) is a special-purpose district created by the Texas Legislature in 1975 and is authorized as a groundwater regulatory agency to cease ongoing and prevent future subsidence in Harris and Galveston counties. In addition, HGSD provides water conservation, education, and outreach programs to underscore the importance of water conservation in the community.
WHAT WE DO
HGSD continues its mission to prevent subsidence in our area by enforcing reasonable groundwater regulation, providing water conservation programs, and conducting science-based water planning so that future water demands can be fulfilled while minimizing the risk of subsidence. The District is successful in doing this through collaboration with regional water providers, local, state, and federal agencies, along with university research programs.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
In the greater Houston-Galveston region, land subsidence is caused by the substantial, long-term withdrawal of groundwater. When we pump large amounts of water from the aquifers beneath us, we pull water out of layers of clay, which causes the clay to compact. This compaction is seen at the surface as subsidence and has contributed to increased flooding, damage to our roads, and infrastructure issues in our area.
Interactive Subsidence Map
The Harris-Galveston Subsidence District maintains GPS monitoring stations in Harris, Galveston, Fort Bend, and surrounding counties. These sites are being cooperatively run and operated by the following agencies:
The University of Houston processes the GPS data. For detailed information on the processing methodology, please click here.
