What are Groundwater Reduction Plans?
The District recognizes the complexity of conversion requirements and allows permittees within HGSD Regulatory Areas 2 and 3 with a total water demand [...]
What is the difference between a Subsidence District and a Groundwater Conservation District?
Article XVI, Section 59 of the Texas Constitution makes the conservation and development of Texas's natural resources—including water, forests, and parks—a public right [...]
What is the District’s Regulatory Plan?
The District regulates groundwater through a Regulatory Plan and well-permitting process designed to reduce groundwater withdrawals and mitigate subsidence. The plan segments Harris and Galveston counties [...]
What are credits?
The District offers several solutions to help permittees remain compliant and avoid disincentive fees, including the ability to use credits. Credits may be [...]
What is the Permitting Portal?
Submit groundwater well permit applications, renewals, and annual pumpage reports through the District's online permitting portal. District forms are also available on the [...]
How is HGSD funded and what do the fees go toward?
HGSD is a special-purpose district that the Texas Legislature created in 1975 to regulate groundwater withdrawal to prevent further subsidence in Harris and [...]
What about the subsidence that happens beyond Harris and Galveston counties?
HGSD began groundwater regulation in 1976 near Texas's Gulf Coast, where subsidence was most prevalent. By the 90s, this area met its regulatory [...]
Why is groundwater regulated in Harris and Galveston counties?
Back in 1918, areas in the Houston region began to display surficial cracks, which prompted research into what was causing the land to sink. By [...]
When I click the Pay Fees section, why am I unable to choose or input an amount to pay?
Your application must be verified by a staff member before the correct fee is applied to your account. Staff will review your application [...]
Can I submit a form or application in person or through the mail?
Mailed applications or applications submitted in-person will still be accepted.