Land subsidence in the greater Houston region was first identified at Goose Creek Oil Field in Baytown, Texas, with three feet of subsidence over eight years in 1918. With increased industrialization and population growth, the region relied on groundwater to support and sustain development. This excessive groundwater use caused aquifer compaction which led to land subsidence measured at over nine feet in some areas. Subsidence impacts include increased flooding and infrastructure damage that led to the creation of the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District (HGSD) by the Texas Legislature in 1975. HGSD’s mission is to regulate groundwater withdrawal to prevent further subsidence.

This mission is accomplished through a novel regulatory approach and collaboration from major water providers that built infrastructure for alternative water sources. The combination of continuous research and monitoring along with reasonable regulations and collaborative partnerships has successfully stopped ongoing subsidence in the coastal region of Harris and Galveston counties, southeast Texas. Recently completed work includes a benchmark survey and a technical review of HGSD’s Regulatory Plan. Results reveal the success of groundwater management in preventing further subsidence and provide projections for future planning efforts that are shared with and used by a variety of stakeholders.