Regulating Groundwater Use in Real and Edwards Counties

The Real-Edwards Conservation and Reclamation District is one of the numerous Groundwater Districts in Texas and was established under House Bill 447 in 1959 by the 56th Texas Legislature to manage the groundwater in Edwards and Real Counties.

Over the years, the District became inactive and in the late 1990’s it appeared that it would be dissolved by state regulatory agencies. In 2000, thru the work of county officials and a group of concerned citizens the District was re-organized and regained its active status. Rules were passed and became effective January 2002.

The Real-Edwards Conservation and Reclamation District is governed by a nine member (non-paid) Board of Directors. The district currently employs a General Manager and an Office Assistant to handle the day-to-day activities of the District.

The Real-Edwards Conservation and Reclamation District is required by the State to adopt and maintain a Management Plan. This plan must address minimum Key areas set by the Texas Water Development Board and is subject to review by that agency and the Texas Commission and Environmental Quality. Primary areas of the District’s Management Plan pertain to the conservation of the groundwater resources within Real and Edwards Counties, addressing and monitoring issues that impact the quantity and quality of the groundwater within the District, reviewing and approving applications for well construction and water use within the District, and informing the public about water related issues through news articles and public speaking engagements. To review the entire Management Plan go to the District Overview section on this website and click on the Management Plan to review the document.

Funding is provided by a property tax of $.0235 per hundred dollar valuation and District fees for applications and permits.