HGSD began groundwater regulation in 1976 near Texas’s Gulf Coast, where subsidence was most prevalent. By the 90s, this area met its regulatory requirements and fully transitioned to alternative water supplies, like treated surface water, to meet 90% of its water demand, ultimately ceasing subsidence near the coast. As the region grew, subsidence shifted more inland to areas that heavily relied on groundwater as their primary water source, leading to conversion requirements for northern Harris County and the creation of the Fort Bend Subsidence District.

Both subsidence districts work together to reduce reliance on groundwater to prevent further subsidence within their jurisdictions; however, regional collaboration is vital to mitigation efforts because the Gulf Coast Aquifer, an aquifer system that compacts when too much groundwater is removed from it, is shared by several neighboring counties.

Data indicates that subsidence is occurring beyond Harris and Galveston counties, with recorded subsidence in Brazoria County, Chambers County, Fort Bend County, Liberty County, Montgomery County, and Waller County.

While HGSD’s regulatory authority is limited to Harris and Galveston counties, it does not limit its subsidence science and research to just these areas and proudly supports neighboring counties with data and resources that can be used to protect our shared aquifer.

To effectively stop subsidence in our region, we must:

  • Reduce reliance on groundwater through regulation that allows the sustainable use of our groundwater resources,
  • Support long-term regional water planning that provides alternative water supplies to meet our growing water demand, and
  • Utilize conservation best practices to make each drop of water go further and protect our natural resources for generations to come!