The District takes an active role in assessing the viability of the Houston region’s water resources. Learn how the District plans for the future of water availability and builds robust models based on population projections, future water use, and other key factors.
The impact of regional water planning on minimizing subsidence
Although the District’s primary focus is on groundwater, understanding the region’s water needs and all available water resources allows the District to better accomplish its mission to prevent subsidence.
Subsidence is an ongoing risk. Although subsidence rates in Regulatory Area 1 and parts of Regulatory Area 2 have been greatly reduced, rates can increase if groundwater pumpage were to increase again.
Ensuring that major water providers are planning for alternative water infrastructure avoids future groundwater usage spikes – and corresponding increases in subsidence rates. Ensuring the longevity of alternative water resources is necessary for the region’s growth and resiliency.
How the District plans for the region
Creating a holistic view of water resources and water needs helps the District implement reasonable regulations on groundwater use, balancing the region’s needs against the threat of subsidence.
“The District’s regulations are built upon data and research,” Deputy General Manager Dr. Tina Petersen said. “Every year, the District measures groundwater pumpage, aquifer water levels, and subsidence rates to evaluate the effectiveness of the District’s groundwater regulations.”
Approximately every 10 years, the District conducts a review of several key factors to ensure the long-term success of the District’s Regulatory Plan. The review includes examining and engaging stakeholders on:
- Population projections
- Current and future water demands
- Alternative water supply needs and availability
This information is being used to develop a new groundwater flow and subsidence model to evaluate different “what-if” scenarios, such as impact of population growth on conversion timelines and regulatory boundaries, impacts of droughts, and impact of groundwater regulation (or lack thereof) in adjacent counties. The groundwater model is also being developed as a regional tool for planning efforts throughout the northern Gulf Coast of Texas.
The Texas water planning process
The Texas Water Development Board, through many Regional Water Planning Groups throughout Texas, maintains the State Water Plan that summarizes population projections, water demands, existing supply and future water needs and serves as a guide to State water policy. The creation of the plan is a bottom-up process – the State Plan is based on 16 approved Regional Water Plans that address the needs of all water user groups in the state.
The Regional Water Planning cycle occurs every five years. The District participates in planning for Region H, comprised of 15 counties, which includes Harris and Galveston counties.
The District also participates, as an inter-local participant, in the Groundwater Management Area 14 (GMA 14). The GMA 14 planning group sets the Desired Future Conditions (DFCs) for the groundwater conservation districts governed by chapter 36 of the Texas water code in the upper portion of the Gulf Coast Aquifer. DFCs intend to balance the need for groundwater use with nine different factors including: aquifer use and conditions, subsidence impacts, private property rights, and water supply needs.
“The District’s unique position allows us to comprehensively assess the region’s water resources,” Dr. Petersen said.
What’s next for planning process
Planning for the District – the current Joint Regulatory Plan Review being completed in cooperation with the Fort Bend Subsidence District will be completed in 2023. The District is actively involving stakeholders in the review, engaging permittees, municipalities and water providers to provide key insights into water use, population growth and future water challenges.
Planning for the region – the next GMA 14 meeting will be held on October 5, 2021 at the District office.. To register to watch the meeting, click here. The next Region H meeting will be held on November 3, 2021 at the San Jacinto River Authority.
“It’s important to involve stakeholders from the get-go – you get better policy when working with municipalities and the entities responsible for implementing these regulations and plans,” Turco said. “Using accurate data to inform policy and planning is key in addressing the region’s growth and resiliency.”