Who or What is Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District Anyways?

Formally, Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (MTGCD) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas that has the authority to regulate the spacing of water wells, the production from water wells, or both under the Texas Constitution, Article III, Section 52 or Article XVI, Section 59.

Understandably, this definition portrays the district as the “water police”, but in reality, we were established to aid in protecting groundwater rights of district landowners.  The State of Texas operates under the Rule of Capture, which can be quite different than our neighboring states. The Rule of Capture grants landowners the legal right to capture the water beneath their property unless extreme water waste or malice occurs. In general terms, the largest casing, biggest pump, and deepest well would and could dominate beneath the surface. That is where the district steps in daily. Each new well is processed by our staff to confirm that adequate space is available from well head to well head to minimize neighbor pumping interference. The district staff also calculates the allowable gallons per minute annually, according to the amount of contiguous acreage, and number of wells on the property. The calculations are based on the scenario of pumping 24/7, 365 days a year. Within the State of Texas well registration and permitting of non-exempt wells is required within a groundwater conservation district.

All Texas groundwater conservation districts are regulated by TCEQ and Texas Water Development Board through monitoring and management plan evaluations. MTGCD and other districts play a critical role in legislative bills to ensure groundwater protection and conservancy. There are almost 100 groundwater districts throughout the State of Texas. Each work together with representatives through groundwater management areas, regional planning groups, and the Texas Alliance for Groundwater Districts. Representatives from water municipalities, utilities, and other city or county personnel also join the districts to evaluate the growing water needs across the state.

MTGCD was originally formed through a local petition process by Erath and Comanche Counties in May 2004. Bosque joined in November 2009 and Coryell County followed suit, June 2010. During the establishment phase of the district, all rules were created according to Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code, the needs presented by its residents, and aquifer characteristics. The district continues to serve the residents within each county by well water level monitoring, free well water quality testing, free well capping and plugging, educational programming, 4-H Water Ambassador Program supporter, and scholarship opportunities for senior high school students.

If you would like to learn more about the district, join us for our monthly board meetings or stay up to date on district activities by visiting us at www.middletrinitygcd.org or Facebook:  @middletrinitygcd.

Remember every drop counts!