The Harris-Galveston Subsidence District (HGSD) is a special-purpose district created by the Texas Legislature in 1975 to regulate groundwater withdrawal in Harris and Galveston counties to end subsidence. It is the first district of its kind, governed by an appointed Board of Directors, and self-funded through permit fees. HGSD has been internationally recognized for its adaptive management strategy and approach to groundwater regulation, advanced science and research, dedication to regional collaboration, and award-winning water conservation programs.

In this region, groundwater withdrawals have led to subsidence, or the land sinking. To prevent further subsidence, reliance on groundwater must be reduced. HGSD applies a science-based Regulatory Plan that establishes guidelines for groundwater withdrawals through a well-permitting process to reduce reliance on groundwater. The Regulatory Plan is an adaptive management strategy that is regularly reviewed using the best available data to ensure it is effective in preventing further subsidence.  The District also provides water conservation tools and resources to further reduce reliance on groundwater.

HGSD takes great pride in the progress already achieved; however, there is still much work to do to reduce reliance on groundwater and prevent further subsidence. As Texas’s Gulf Coast population grows, the demand for water increases. Our goal is to support this growth by protecting our groundwater resources through effective groundwater regulations backed by the best available science, equipping our communities with water conservation tools and resources, and collaborating with local, state, federal, and international entities to ensure a sustainable water future free from the impacts of subsidence.