27. • Transportation & Natural ResourcesTravis County (Travis County)

Receive presentation on the Travis County Groundwater Management Program. (Commissioners Travillion & Howard)

Presented in: Travis County Commissioners Court Voting Session on 2026-03-31

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

The entire State of Texas is currently under water-stressed conditions, ranging from “abnormally dry- to exceptional drought-status” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Eastern Travis County is in extreme- and western Travis County is in severe-drought (<a href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/" target="_blank">https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/</a>). Regional drought is impacting surface water – rivers, streams, creeks and lakes, and groundwater, which includes springs. All these water sources contribute to potable water supply for Travis County residents and industry. Hence there are ongoing challenges to balancing reliable water supplies, preservation of outdoor recreational spaces and environmentally sensitive habitats with pressure from future population growth, urbanization, expanded industrial development. Travis County shares responsibility for groundwater management with the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) and Southwest Travis County Groundwater Conservation District (SWTCGCD) through concurrent missions to conserve natural resources, support sustainable development permitting, and ensure safe and reliable water resources for residents. Currently, allowed sources of water supply in Travis County are groundwater or commercial entities. Groundwater production is only allowed from Trinity or Edwards aquifer wells. Single water wells can serve a single residence, or multiple residences under a condominium regime. Multiple wells serving a single development are called centralized groundwater systems. Commercial water suppliers can be municipalities, corporations, or districts. Under some circumstances, other methods of water supply are employed by Travis County residents. During this presentation, Rebecca Smyth, Hydrogeologist, Sr., will give an overview, with a few specific examples, of permitting and research activities of the Travis County Groundwater Management Program. The goal of the presentation is to establish a shared understanding of the team’s current activities and future priorities to address drinking water supply challenges and opportunities.