GCD Panel - Management Strategies (East/Central Texas), Gary Westbrook

This document summarizes discussions from the 2012 Texas Groundwater Summit. 1) A groundwater conservation district cannot waive a city's governmental immunity for past due fees, penalties, and costs. However, suits to require prospective compliance with rules are allowed. 2) Landowners have a constitutionally protected interest in groundwater that can be subject to regulatory takings claims if permitting denies economic value. 3) Recent court cases have addressed issues such as whether implementation of groundwater regulations constituted a taking, determining adequate compensation, and challenges to groundwater management plans and permits.

DFC's Demystified and GMA Status Update, Bill Hutchison

This document provides an overview of desired future conditions (DFCs) and the groundwater management area (GMA) joint planning process in Texas. It discusses what DFCs and GMAs are, the initial round of joint planning where 74 DFCs were adopted by 2010, and the updated joint planning process established in 2011 requiring consideration of nine specific factors when establishing DFCs. The goal of DFCs is to provide a balance between groundwater production and conservation while achieving reasonable long-term management of the resource.

The document discusses balancing groundwater regulation, management, and property rights in the Central Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer region. It provides background on the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District, which was created in 2001 to manage increasing groundwater use that was depleting aquifer levels. The district uses desired future conditions, thresholds for drawdown levels, well monitoring data, and permitting strategies to protect existing wells while still allowing new development. It aims to equitably manage the resource and protect both current and future users' property rights to access groundwater.

DFCs Demystified and GMA Status Update, Bill Hutchison

Gary westbrook

This document provides information about the Vista Ridge Panel groundwater project in Texas, including: 1) A brief history of water production permits in the area dating back to 2000 and being transferred between different entities over time, culminating in a 2015 permit transfer to Abengoa-Vista Ridge. 2) Details of the current 50,993 acre-foot per year production permit held by Abengoa-Vista Ridge, which is drawn from the Simsboro and Carrizo aquifers, is effective until 2044, and includes restrictions and requirements to ensure sustainable production. 3) An overview of the POSGCD's management tools and strategies to regulate groundwater production and achieve management goals

Current State of Groundwater Management, Larry French

This document summarizes the current state of groundwater management in Texas. It discusses how groundwater management aims to balance the highest practicable level of production with conservation and prevention of waste and subsidence. Key aspects of groundwater management include desired future conditions set by groundwater management areas that define future goals for aquifers, groundwater availability models used to estimate modeled available groundwater, and groundwater conservation districts that regulate production to achieve desired future conditions. The document also notes ongoing challenges around non-relevant aquifers, improving data and models, and legal uncertainties.

Desired Future Condition (DFC) Presentation

htgcd

DFC Tracking Cow Creek GCD

Beth Hood

The document summarizes the desired future conditions adopted by Groundwater Management Area 9 for major and minor aquifers in the region. It states that the Trinity Aquifer will allow for an average drawdown increase of approximately 30 feet by 2060 throughout GMA 9. For the Edwards-Trinity Plateau Aquifer, no net increase in average drawdown is allowed in Bandera and Kendall Counties by 2070. The Ellenburger-San Saba and Hickory Aquifers will see increases of no more than 2 and 7 feet respectively in average drawdown in Kendall County by 2070.

GCDs from A to Z

This document summarizes a presentation about the evolution of groundwater management districts (GCDs) and groundwater ownership in Texas. It discusses how GCDs were established to regulate groundwater use after the rule of capture. It provides details on the functions and organization of GCDs, the joint planning process between GCDs and other agencies, and important court cases that shaped groundwater rights. It concludes with an analysis of the EAA v. Day ruling that landowners have a constitutionally protected interest in the groundwater beneath their property.

Groundwater Management Update

AWBD January 26th 2013 - Harris-Galveston Subsidence District

Soil and Water Conservation Society

The document appears to be a technical report summarizing population projections, water demand projections, and proposed groundwater regulatory scenarios for the Houston-Galveston region through 2080. It includes: 1) Population projections at the census tract and block levels through 2080 for Harris, Galveston, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Brazoria counties developed with Metrostudy and UH Center for Public Policy. 2) Four proposed groundwater regulatory scenarios for Harris-Galveston and Fort Bend counties, including maintaining current plans or modifying required groundwater conversions in some areas. 3) Analysis of proposed scenarios using groundwater and subsidence models to evaluate impacts on subsidence.

September 1 - 0853 - John McMaine

This document summarizes a study on the impacts of subsurface drainage and opportunities for controlled drainage in eastern South Dakota. The study used a 63-year simulation to analyze water yield from drained and undrained soils. It found that controlled drainage could have saved water in 36 of the 63 years by preventing it from leaving the field. Controlled drainage was most beneficial in wet years, preserving soil moisture 100% of the time in the wettest 25% of years. However, more research is still needed on how controlled drainage affects crop yields and downstream nutrient loads.

TAGD's TWCA Presentation

Summary of Proposed Chapter 356 TWDB Rules, Kristen Fancher, Lloyd Gosselink ...

The document discusses proposed rule changes by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) regarding groundwater management. It provides an overview of the rulemaking process, including opportunities for public comment. It outlines key proposed changes to definitions, the desired future conditions adoption process, management plans, and the process for determining if an aquifer is non-relevant for joint planning. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide comments on the draft rules by November 4th.

Drought: Looking Back and Planning Ahead, Todd Votteler

This document discusses different types of drought and recent drought conditions in Texas. It defines meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and socioeconomic drought. Recent maps from 2011-2012 show that over 70% of Texas experienced drought conditions according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, with over 10% experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. Current reservoir storage levels in Texas range from 1% to 100% depending on the region, with some regions declining in storage over the last month.

Hydraulic Fracturing - Oil and Gas Perspective, Steve Jester

This document discusses water supply and demand related to oil and gas development in the Eagle Ford Shale region. It estimates that at peak development, water demand from drilling and completions will be between 28,600 to 36,100 acre-feet per year, representing about 5-6.7% of total water demand in the area. The document also examines water supplies from the Gulf Coast and Carrizo-Wilcox aquifers, which are projected to have sufficient availability to meet projected incremental demand from Eagle Ford development according to Texas Water Development Board data, though local conditions need monitoring.

Weather Modification, Todd Flanagan

The document provides a history of weather modification, or cloud seeding, in Texas from the 1950s to present. It describes several cloud seeding experiments and programs that have taken place in the state. Statistical analysis of some programs found rainfall increases of 20-42% in seeded clouds compared to non-seeded clouds. The document also outlines how cloud seeding works and why weather modification programs are conducted in Texas.

Groundwater Interests Panel - Producers, Ronald Gertson

Ronald Gertson presented on groundwater and agriculture on the Texas Gulf Coast. Surface water supplies for agriculture have become increasingly unreliable as municipal and industrial demands increase. This has led to growth in groundwater demand, with the number of new agricultural irrigation wells rising from 0 to 16 between 2004 to 2012. The Coastal Bend Groundwater Conservation District's permitted water volume has increased by 28,104 acre-feet, putting it at risk of exceeding its managed available groundwater. Additional pressures include record commodity prices, increasing water demands during droughts, and projections that water demand will outpace supply. To sustainably feed a growing population, Texas agriculture will need to produce more with less water through innovations, partnerships, and participation from

Groundwater Research and Technology, Stefan Schuster

Groundwater data management techniques such as permitting wells, monitoring wells and DFC, and developing groundwater databases and GIS systems were discussed. Specific examples included the Northern Trinity GCD's online well registration database and mapping tool, and an analysis of groundwater banking in Texas using GIS. Historical and DFC availability of the Ogallala Aquifer was also examined for the High Plains UWCD. Contact information was provided for follow up.

Water Considerations and Hydraulic Fracturing, Ron Green

This document summarizes a presentation on water considerations related to hydraulic fracturing. It discusses the large amounts of water needed for fracking wells, the disposal of flowback water which can be degraded in quality, and stresses from preferential flow along fractures rather than isotropic flow. Regulations for deep well injection are based on the assumption of isotropic flow and do not consider preferential flow paths or the risk of contaminant migration along abandoned wells penetrating the injection zone. Abandoned wells pose the greatest threat for contamination from waste fluid disposal. Improved databases and restrictions on injecting into productive formations could help mitigate risks.

Permitting and Hydraulic Fracturing, Leslie Savage

The document discusses regulations in Texas around unconventional oil and gas development. It provides an overview of oil and gas production statistics in Texas, as well as issues related to development like water usage, air emissions, and waste management. It outlines the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding permitting and regulations for well drilling, completions including hydraulic fracturing, pipelines, and waste disposal. The presentation discusses recent rule changes around chemical disclosure, casing and cementing requirements, and rules regarding disposal and recycling of hydraulic fracturing wastewater.

GCD Panel - Drought Response, Kirk Holland

The document summarizes key points about managing groundwater drought from a presentation given at the Texas Groundwater Summit. It discusses how groundwater conservation districts (GCDs) should manage drought given the characteristics of the aquifers they oversee. Specifically, it recommends that GCDs 1) differentiate groundwater drought from other types of drought, 2) tailor drought management strategies to the specific aquifer's properties, 3) measure actual groundwater usage frequently enough to effectively respond to drought conditions, and 4) integrate drought management into the district's regulatory program through permits and enforcement.

GCD Panel - Overcoming Challenges, Ken Carver

PGMA Process and TCEQ's Role in Groundwater, Kelly Mills

Similar to GCD Panel - Management Strategies (East/Central Texas), Gary Westbrook

Finding Balance Between Regulation, Management and Property Rights in the Cen...

DFCs Demystified and GMA Status Update, Bill Hutchison

Gary westbrook

Current State of Groundwater Management, Larry French

Desired Future Condition (DFC) Presentation

htgcd

DFC Tracking Cow Creek GCD

Beth Hood

GCDs from A to Z

Groundwater Management Update

AWBD January 26th 2013 - Harris-Galveston Subsidence District

Soil and Water Conservation Society

September 1 - 0853 - John McMaine

TAGD's TWCA Presentation

Summary of Proposed Chapter 356 TWDB Rules, Kristen Fancher, Lloyd Gosselink ...

Similar to GCD Panel - Management Strategies (East/Central Texas), Gary Westbrook (12)

Finding Balance Between Regulation, Management and Property Rights in the Cen...

DFCs Demystified and GMA Status Update, Bill Hutchison

Gary westbrook

Current State of Groundwater Management, Larry French

Desired Future Condition (DFC) Presentation

DFC Tracking Cow Creek GCD

GCDs from A to Z

Groundwater Management Update

AWBD January 26th 2013 - Harris-Galveston Subsidence District

September 1 - 0853 - John McMaine

TAGD's TWCA Presentation

Summary of Proposed Chapter 356 TWDB Rules, Kristen Fancher, Lloyd Gosselink ...

More from TXGroundwaterSummit

Drought: Looking Back and Planning Ahead, Todd Votteler

Hydraulic Fracturing - Oil and Gas Perspective, Steve Jester

Weather Modification, Todd Flanagan

Groundwater Interests Panel - Producers, Ronald Gertson

Groundwater Research and Technology, Stefan Schuster

Water Considerations and Hydraulic Fracturing, Ron Green

Permitting and Hydraulic Fracturing, Leslie Savage

GCD Panel - Drought Response, Kirk Holland

GCD Panel - Overcoming Challenges, Ken Carver

PGMA Process and TCEQ's Role in Groundwater, Kelly Mills

Aquifer Storage and Recovery, Kelley Neumann

The document discusses aquifer storage and recovery (ASR), a tool used by San Antonio Water System (SAWS) for drought management. It summarizes SAWS' ASR project history, including phases of well installation and a $260 million investment. SAWS has stored over 90,000 acre-feet of water underground through ASR. The document also outlines challenges of ASR including determining storage capacity and migration of stored water. ASR is highlighted as an ideal application for managing droughts.

GCD Panel - Water Conservation/Management in Urban Areas, Kathy Turner Jones

Kathy Turner Jones discussed the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District's management strategy to address long-term water challenges in Montgomery County, Texas. The strategy requires large volume groundwater users to reduce pumping by 2016 and prepare approved groundwater reduction plans. It also acknowledges that continued infrastructure investment will be needed, and that water must be priced to reflect its true value to influence conservation-oriented behavior and meet future demand sustainably.

A Desalination Success Story, Ed Archuleta

Public Perceptions and Hydraulic Fracturing, Drew Nelson

This document discusses the challenges posed by unconventional natural gas drilling and water demand in Texas. It notes that while natural gas drilling provides economic and environmental benefits, it also risks water contamination and uses significant amounts of water. The document presents data showing that hydraulic fracturing accounted for about 40,000 acre-feet of water usage in 2011, equivalent to 5 days of water usage for every Texan. It also notes that for 7 of 16 water planning regions, fracturing water usage in 2011 was over 70% of estimated unmet water needs. The document discusses the collision between drought conditions and increased drilling in many Texas counties and calls for increased use of non-potable water sources, water recycling, transparency, and education to address public

Groundwater Science, James Beach

The document discusses groundwater science concepts including aquifers, aquitards, the vadose zone, water tables, recharge, water levels, confined and unconfined aquifers. It provides examples of major Texas aquifers like the Edwards, Gulf Coast, and Carrizo-Wilcox aquifers. It also discusses pumping of aquifers, drawdown effects, storage properties, spring and stream impacts, long-term impacts like water level declines, and the relationship between drought and groundwater.

State Water Plan and RWPG Updates from the Groundwater Perspective, Carolyn B...

This document summarizes information from regional water planning groups in Texas. It discusses the 16 regional planning groups, projected population and water demand increases, decreasing groundwater supplies, and over 500 recommended water management strategies to meet future needs. Key challenges include meeting rising demands with limited supplies, and potential impacts of lower estimated groundwater availability on planning. The regional groups will work to incorporate new groundwater models and finalize updated plans by 2017.

Interim Charges and 2013 Legislative Outlook, Brian Sledge

The document summarizes Brian Sledge's presentation at the 2012 Texas Groundwater Summit on interim charges and the 2013 legislative outlook. It discusses statistics from the 82nd Texas Legislature session, elections affecting the upcoming 83rd session, big issues like funding and water policy to be addressed. It also outlines interim charges and potential water-related legislation for committees like the House Environmental Regulation and Natural Resources committees.

300 Years of Groundwater Management, Charles Porter

This document summarizes 300 years of water management in Texas from Spanish viceroys to present-day groundwater conservation districts (GCDs). It discusses early Spanish management of water, droughts and floods in San Antonio from 1700-1900, the development of deep water wells in Bexar County by 1920, droughts in Texas in the 1900-1979 period, a landmark 1979 court case between landowners and a water authority, the conflict between urban and rural water needs, and two new publications by the author on Texas water law and rights.

GCD Panel - Outreach and Education, Adeline Fox

The Southern Ogallala Conservation & Outreach Program was created in 2007 by four groundwater conservation districts to educate approximately 9,040 students and residents across 5,000 square miles on the importance of water conservation. The cooperative program allows each district to target local needs while also providing a unified message through shared events for students like contests and presentations, and for adults like workshops and civic organization presentations.

Private Ownership of Groundwater, Billy Howe