Why We Need a Groundwater Conservation District

Sep 3

Written By Nueces Groundwater Conservation District

Understanding Local Water Stewardship in Rural Nueces County

Groundwater is the lifeblood of rural Nueces County—supporting homes, farms, ranches, and local businesses across the region. Yet, much of the county currently lies outside of any existing Groundwater Conservation District (GCD), meaning there is no local framework in place to monitor, manage, or plan for groundwater use.

As growth and development increase across South Texas, the need for locally guided groundwater management has become more important than ever. Establishing a Nueces Groundwater Conservation District would allow landowners and residents to work together to protect water availability for current and future generations through science-based, community-driven planning.

What Recent Discussions Have Highlighted

During a Corpus Christi City Council meeting on August 26, 2025, a discussion among city officials emphasized an important reality—rural Nueces County does not currently have a Groundwater Conservation District.

This means that at present, groundwater use in much of the county falls under the Rule of Capture, the long-standing principle of Texas water law that allows landowners to pump groundwater beneath their property without specific limits unless a GCD has been established.

This observation is not unique to Nueces County; it reflects a broader statewide structure that encourages local formation of districts to provide oversight and balance. The Texas Legislature has designated locally managed GCDs as the preferred method of groundwater management to promote conservation and equitable use while protecting private property rights.

Why Local Oversight Matters

Without a local district, there is no unified mechanism to track groundwater levels, monitor quality, or ensure that the resource remains sustainable over time. A Groundwater Conservation District provides the tools and authority needed to:

Collect data on aquifer conditions and trends

Develop conservation plans based on local science and needs

Encourage efficient water use and drought preparedness

Coordinate with neighboring districts, municipalities, and state agencies to protect shared resources

A locally governed GCD ensures that decisions are made by those who live and work on the land—not by outside entities—while operating transparently and in accordance with Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code.

The Rule of Capture Explained

Under the Rule of Capture, landowners may pump groundwater from beneath their land for beneficial use, even if it affects nearby wells. While this principle protects property rights, it also underscores the importance of collective management to avoid overuse.

A GCD allows a community to establish reasonable, locally determined rules that balance individual rights with the long-term health of shared aquifers. This helps prevent conflicts, supports economic stability, and ensures a reliable water supply for generations to come.

How a District Is Formed

There are three primary ways a GCD can be created under Texas law:

Legislative creation: Established through an act of the Texas Legislature.

Landowner petition: Initiated by local landowners and reviewed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Priority Groundwater Management Area (PGMA) designation: Implemented by the state when local action is not taken.

Rural Nueces County landowners have chosen the landowner petition route—a grassroots approach that allows the community to lead the process, define district boundaries, and elect local representation. This proactive effort ensures that the district, if approved, will be designed specifically for the needs, geography, and priorities of rural Nueces County.

What’s Next

Over the coming weeks, the Nueces Groundwater Conservation District Steering Committee will continue to provide information about:

The petition process and next steps
How GCDs operate under Texas law
Opportunities for community input and engagement

Public participation is encouraged. Asking questions, attending meetings, and staying informed are all essential parts of ensuring that any district created reflects the values and needs of the people it serves.