DISTRICT OUTREACH

The District recently hosted two educational events designed to engage residents and promote awareness of water resources, conservation, and related issues affecting the region.

On June 9, the District welcomed community members to its first Conservation Conversations and Coffee event at Giddy Up Grind in Brady. The gathering brought together local leaders, conservation organizations, and residents for a morning of education, discussion, and community engagement.

The program featured speakers and representatives from several organizations who shared information on natural resource conservation, agriculture, water stewardship, and local initiatives. Presenters included McCulloch County Commissioner Carol Anderson, Brady City Council Member Vickie Roddie, McCulloch County SWCD Director Bardin Striegler, McCulloch County Extension Agent Carrie Ross, Central Texas Master Gardeners President Karen Bishop, and Hickory’s Angelina Deans. Brady City Manager James Stewart also attended, answering questions from community members and providing updates on city-related topics.

The event drew strong community interest in conservation, water resources, agriculture, and local partnerships. The informal coffee-and-conversation format encouraged meaningful dialogue and provided attendees with the opportunity to connect directly with local experts and decision-makers.

As part of the program, attendees were entered into a drawing for two $20 gift certificates. Congratulations to drawing winners Karen Bishop and Vickie Roddie.

The District extends its appreciation to all speakers, participating organizations, and attendees who helped make the event a success, with special thanks to Wyatt Dodds and the entire Giddy Up Grind team for their hospitality.

 Due to the positive response, the District plans to host Conservation Conversations and Coffee on a quarterly basis and looks forward to welcoming additional agencies and organizations to future events.

On June 17, the District hosted a watch party for a Texas Water Law webinar featuring Texas attorney Kyle Weldon at the Brady National Bank Community Room. The webinar, presented by Legacy Broker Group, explored key aspects of Texas water law, including the distinctions between groundwater and surface water law and several landmark legal cases that continue to shape water management in Texas.

Participants engaged in thoughtful discussion and asked questions regarding water rights, groundwater management, and current water policy issues. The event provided an opportunity for attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework governing Texas water resources.

The District remains committed to providing educational opportunities and fostering partnerships that support responsible water stewardship throughout the region.

Upcoming outreach efforts include participation in the McCulloch County SWCD Cattleman's Workshop on July 24, Conservation Connection at the San Saba Event Center on August 6, and the District's second annual Imagine a Day Without Water program in October, as well continued quarterly Conservation Conversations.

Organizations interested in scheduling a presentation or partnering on future educational events are encouraged to contact the District office at 325-597-2785 or hickoryuwcd@yahoo.com. Programs are available for audiences of all ages.

 

New Seller’s Disclosure Form

 

Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Form 61-0, Seller’s Disclosure about Groundwater and Surface Water rights, a new seller’s disclosure form becomes mandatory July 1, 2026. This effort was initiated by Texas Water Association and the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts. We will be working to contact local realtors about this new form, sharing our permit change form, registration form, and other information. We are here to assist realtors, sellers, and buyers with well information.

What on Earth is a DFC? A GMA? And Why Should I Care?

 

If you’ve seen the recent notice about the comment period for GMA 7’s DFCs, you may have wondered what all those letters mean. You’re not alone! Most people saw the notice and had no idea what we were talking about.

 

Texas is divided into sixteen Groundwater Management Areas (GMAs). The Hickory Underground Water Conservation District is part of GMA 7. One of the responsibilities of a GMA is to work with its member Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs) to establish Desired Future Conditions (DFCs) for groundwater levels.

 

A DFC is essentially a long-range planning goal that describes how much groundwater level decline is considered acceptable in an aquifer over a specific period of time. These goals help guide groundwater management and permitting decisions across the region.

 

At the April 23 GMA 7 meeting, the following proposed DFCs affecting our District were approved. The numbers below represent the maximum projected groundwater level decline (drawdown, in feet) from 2010 to 2080. In other words, these Desired Future Conditions (DFCs) establish a management goal that groundwater levels should not decline by more than the specified amount during that period.

 

Drawdown-Based DFCs

 

Ellenburger-San Saba Aquifer

 

County Drawdown

Kimble                 18 feet

Mason                  14 feet

McCulloch         29 feet

Menard                46 feet

San Saba            5 feet

 

Hickory Aquifer

 

County Drawdown

Concho               53 feet

Kimble                 18 feet

Mason                  17 feet

McCulloch         29 feet

Menard                46 feet

San Saba            6 feet

 

Citizens have until 4:00 p.m. on July 30 to submit written comments to the District office regarding these proposed DFCs. The District also held a public hearing on June 11 to receive public comment.

 

If you have questions about these proposed groundwater level goals or would like additional information, please contact the District office.

 

Find a GMA map here:

 

https://www.twdb.texas.gov/groundwater/management_areas/index.asp

 

Spring Water Levels Completed

Water levels for the winter/spring are complete. Sixty wells were measured:  The Hickory was up 1.196,’ the Marble Falls down 0.93’ and the Ellenburger was up 4.575’

Visit our website for a map with the wells we measure. Click on each well for a link to a data sheet with historic levels.

www.hickoryuwcd.org/water-levels