As the Texas leader in the development and implementation of groundwater regulation to prevent subsidence, the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District (HGSD) collaborates with a variety of governmental entities to educate and inform on subsidence and subsidence related issues. By participating in the Regional Water Planning process as a member of the Region H Water Planning Group, HGSD provides input on future water management strategies. Additionally, by working with the Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs) and Counties on the Groundwater Management Area 14 water planning group, the HGSD shares its knowledge of the availability of groundwater in the Area and information on the cause and impact of subsidence on the landscape.
HGSD works closely with State and Federal agencies to foster collaboration and improve governmental efficiency. The HGSD continues to have a strong collaborative relationship with the Texas Water Development Board, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Each year, The U.S. Geological Survey provides the highest quality groundwater level data from nearly 700 wells throughout the Houston region and operates and maintains the 14 extensometers located in Harris, Galveston, and Fort Bend Counties. The National Geodetic Survey conducted multiple land elevation surveys through the Houston area to determine the magnitude of land subsidence and worked with HGSD to develop the geographic positioning system subsidence monitoring network in service today.
Michael J. Turco, the General Manager of HGSD works year-round to provide the most up to date information on subsidence, groundwater, and surface water availability to local and state officials. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about the HGSD, its history of success in solving the subsidence problem in Houston, or the plans to stop subsidence in western and northern Harris county.
As required by Local Government Code 161.C.5, effective January 1, 2020, the District’s governmental affairs consultant is Senator Kip Averitt.