History and Purpose

The Texas State Legislature in 1949 authorized the creation of Groundwater Conservation Districts to perform certain prescribed duties, functions, and hold specific powers as set forth in Article 7880-3c, Texas Civil Statutes. The authorization was later moved to Chapter 52 of the Texas Water Code, then to Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code.

A confirmation election was held in 1955 and the vote to create a groundwater conservation district dedicated to protect and conserve groundwater resources was affirmed. Sherman County, Hansford County, Ochiltree County, and the area north of the Canadian River in Hartley County, Moore County, and Hutchinson County comprised the original area of the District. In 1973 the people of Lipscomb County voted to annex into the District and in 1993 and 2004 portions of Dallam County were annexed into the District.

The main District office is located in the Texas Panhandle in the city of Dumas Texas, Moore County. The Texas Panhandle is arid to sub-arid in climate with few surface water resources and for a large majority of the area the only water supply is from the groundwater resources of the Ogallala aquifer. The Ogallala aquifer contains vast amounts of groundwater, but with little to no recharge and over 8000 active wells within this district alone, it is a finite and dwindling resource. Management of the Ogallala aquifer was and is recognized as a priority and groundwater conservation districts were created by the Texas State Legislature to address groundwater management.

The purpose of the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District is achieved through rules, education programs, District-provided services, and through the cooperation of local, state, and federal agencies. The District issues water well permits, collects groundwater information, performs water quality analyses, provides a number of well system tests and other services. Extensive databases are used to store, retrieve, and analyze the groundwater information for the District in its Groundwater Management Plan.

Throughout the history of the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District, the Directors, County Committees, and staff have been committed to identifying future concerns and finding solutions before they become problems. The North Plains Groundwater Conservation District continues to be aware of regulations of other local, state, and federal agencies which affect groundwater use or groundwater management. The District acts as a buffer between these agencies and the residents of the District. It is the goal of the District to provide the best management of groundwater resources and make every effort to insure that an abundant supply of potable water will be available for many future generations.