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Southwestern Travis County GCD
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  • About SWTCGCD
    • Background
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  • Regulatory Program
    • Rules & Fee Schedule
    • Application Forms
    • Drought Management
    • Aquifer Testing
  • Aquifer Science
    • Monitoring Sites
    • Groundwater Studies
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  • More
    • Home
    • About SWTCGCD
      • Background
      • Board of Directors
      • District Map
      • Governing Documents
      • Employment Opportunities
      • Contact Us
    • Regulatory Program
      • Rules & Fee Schedule
      • Application Forms
      • Drought Management
      • Aquifer Testing
    • Aquifer Science
      • Monitoring Sites
      • Groundwater Studies
    • Public Records
      • Meeting Agendas & Minutes
      • Archives
      • Financial Reports
    • Education
      • Web Resources
    • Groundwater News & Events
Southwestern Travis County GCD
  • Home
  • About SWTCGCD
    • Background
    • Board of Directors
    • District Map
    • Governing Documents
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Contact Us
  • Regulatory Program
    • Rules & Fee Schedule
    • Application Forms
    • Drought Management
    • Aquifer Testing
  • Aquifer Science
    • Monitoring Sites
    • Groundwater Studies
  • Public Records
    • Meeting Agendas & Minutes
    • Archives
    • Financial Reports
  • Education
    • Web Resources
  • Groundwater News & Events

Introduction to Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District

Created by Texas Legislation in 2017 - The Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District (“District”) was created by House Bill 4345, which became effective on September 1, 2017.


Confirmed by Voters in November 2019 - Voters approved the creation of the District in November 2019, giving it the authority to manage and protect groundwater resources in its territory.


District Territory – The District's territory includes a portion of the southwest corner of Travis County and is bound by the Colorado River to the north, to the west by Blanco and Burnet Counties, to the southwest by Hays County, and to the southeast by the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District.


Board of Directors – The District is led by a 7-member Board of Directors, who are elected by residents of the City of Bee Cave, the City of Lakeway, Village of the Hills, and the City of West Lake Hills, as well as by residents in the District’s territory beyond the municipal boundaries of those listed municipalities.


Funding for District Operations – The District's operation and activities are funded by fees. The District does not have the authority to impose property taxes.



Purpose of Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs)

The State's Preferred Method of Groundwater Management - The Texas Legislature has clearly provided that GCDs are the state’s preferred method of groundwater management. GCDs conserve, manage, and protect the groundwater resources within the boundaries of the GCDs. GCDs help to ensure there will be groundwater in the future as the population of Texas increases and the demand for groundwater increases.


Representation at GMA 9 Planning Group – The existence of a GCD allows an area to have a vote in the Groundwater Management Area (“GMA”) process. GMA 9 covers a portion of Central Texas and includes all or portions of Blanco, Kendall, Kerr, Bandera, Medina, Bexar, Comal, Hays, and Travis Counties. GMA 9 is currently making important decisions on the future availability of groundwater in Central Texas and these decisions will have long-term effects on the region.


Regulation of Groundwater Exportation – A GCD can regulate the exportation of groundwater from areas within its boundaries. A GCD can make certain the water wells used to export water are properly spaced and do not overproduce to negatively impact the local groundwater resources.

Key Facts about SWTCGCD (pdf)Download
SWTCGCD Myths and Truths (pdf)Download
TC/BSEACD Study Findings Fact Sheet 10/16/2019 (pdf)Download
Statesman Column 11/15/2018 - Hill Country Water (pdf)Download
Statesman Column 10/17/2019 - A Tale of 2 Aquifers (pdf)Download

DONAtions

The SW Travis County GCD does not levy taxes and is presently financially supported by grants and donations from individuals and organizations. If you or your organization wishes to  make a donation to the operation of this GCD, please make out your check to SW Travis County GCD and mail it to:  P.O. Box 340595, Austin, Tx 78734.                                                     


The Mission of the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District is to preserve and protect groundwater through conservation, education and waste prevention.

PO Box 340595, Austin, TX 78734 | 512-276-2875

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