Most of the groundwater used in Texas is used for agriculture. Although the percentages vary slightly from year to year, about 80 percent of all groundwater used in Texas is for irrigating crops.

Groundwater is also an important water source for several cities. For example, Amarillo, Bryan-College Station, El Paso, Lubbock, Houston and San Antonio use groundwater to supply water for homes, businesses and industry. Statewide, groundwater comes from some 32 Texas aquifers. According to the Texas Water Development Board, nine aquifers supply about 97 percent of the groundwater we use.

Abandoned Wells
Wells are considered abandoned when they have not been used for six consecutive months. Many accidents have taken place in which people or animals have fallen into abandoned wells. More

Aquifers
Aquifers are geological formations that can store, transmit and yield water to a well or spring. Texas aquifers are remarkably diverse in geologic structure, the amount of water they store, the amount of the water taken from them that can be replenished and the rate at which water moves through the aquifer. More

Drinking Water Treatment
In 1984, according to the Texas Water Commission, 57 percent of Texas’ water requirement was supplied by aquifers. About 15 percent of Americans have their own sources of drinking water, such as wells, cisterns and springs. Although most U.S. groundwater is safe for human use, groundwater contamination has been found in all 50 states. More

Groundwater Conservation Districts In many parts of the state, more groundwater is being used than is being replenished through natural means. If this practice continues, Texas water costs will rise, land could subside, water quality could decline and people in some areas could run out of water. To address this problem, the Texas Legislature has provided a way for groundwater resources to be managed and protected locally, through the creation of groundwater conservation districts. More

Publications

Deep Trouble: Options for Managing the Hidden Threat of Aquifer Depletion in Texas, Ronald A. Kaiser and Frank K. Skiller

Questions about Groundwater Conservation Districts in Texas, Ronald A. Kaiser. Bruce J. Lesikar, Valeen Silvy

Texas Water: Groundwater Issues and Options, Ronald A. Kaiser. Bruce J. Lesikar

Links

• King County Groundwater Protection Program
• Texas Groundwater Protection Committee
• Texas Water Development Board Groundwater Resources Division