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State Experiences with Groundwater Management. Ronald Kaiser, Texas A&M University. Conflict and Change Drivers . Increasing population growth. Increasing urbanization. Protecting environmental amenities. Limited water supplies. Drought. Water shortages . Urban sprawl.
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State Experiences with Groundwater Management Ronald Kaiser, Texas A&M University
Conflict and Change Drivers • Increasing population growth • Increasing urbanization • Protecting environmental amenities Limited water supplies • Drought • Water shortages • Urban sprawl • Groundwater supporting agriculture
Groundwater Issues
Ubiquitous Groundwater Issues • Over-pumping leading to • Well interference • Mining of aquifers • Sustainable levels for aquifers Water exportation—rural to urban • Future of irrigated agriculture
Ubiquitous Groundwater Issues • Thirsty cities – marketing and exporting • Adequacy of allocation rules • Management approaches • State administration • State-Local shared management • Geopolitical parameters of control • Regional • Aquifer-wide • County
Judicial Response Four Allocation Doctrines
Groundwater Law • Four Doctrines • Capture • Reasonable use • On-site • Off-site • Permit system • Correlative rights (California)
Legislative Response Well Interference/Overpumping/Mining • Groundwater Districts • State vs. Local Control
Texas Legislative Response Create groundwater districts • Priority groundwater • management study • areas
Groundwater Districts--62 • Groundwater Management Districts • Formation – General/Special law, PGMA • Authority varies • Well spacing • Waste prevention • Research • Purchase/sell groundwater • Groundwater Export – SB#1&SB#2 • Water availability – both areas • Effect on aquifer and permit holders • Approved regional plan
Problems with Texas Districts • LIMITED REGULATORY AUTHORITY • Well Spacing/Waste Prevention • Overdrafting & Mining • Pumping Limitations • COUNTY & POLITCAL BOUNDARIES • SUSTAINABILITY STANDARDS
State Management Continues No Easy Answers