Rolling Plains Groundwater Conservation District
Pioneer of the Plains
Rolling Plains Groundwater Conservation District can be considered a true pioneer of the plains, thanks to its forward-thinking and innovative approach to groundwater resource management. The tax-based district is located in north-central Texas and encompasses Baylor, Haskell, and Knox Counties. Hydrogeologically, it primarily overlies the Seymour Aquifer, with the eastern portions of Baylor and Haskell Counties situated within the Cross Timbers Aquifer.
Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is the intentional recharge of an aquifer by directing surface water resources such as, stormwater, treated wastewater, or excess river flows through infiltration basins or Class V wells.
Unique Management Tool
In 2020, the Statewide Survey of Aquifer Suitability for Aquifer Storage and Recovery Projects or Aquifer Recharge Projects suggested that some portions of the Seymour Aquifer were potentially suitable areas for aquifer recharge projects. In 2021, the district conducted a study that confirmed the Seymour Aquifer would respond well to the intentional replenishment of groundwater through Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR). This finding paved the way for the district to begin work designing the first MAR facility of its type in the state!
Currently, Rolling Plains GCD is developing two MAR sites, with field investigations expected to conclude this summer. A third site will serve as the focus of this summer’s intern project, with the potential for two additional sites to be added in the near future.
District Services
When they’re not in the field developing MAR sites, Rolling Plains GCD staff stay busy supporting district residents through a variety of services. These include non-certified but comprehensive water quality testing, maintaining a repository of current historical water well records, and assisting with the mitigation of abandoned or deteriorated wells.
In addition, the district also plays an active role in advancing groundwater awareness and sustainability through a variety of other programs. From hands-on educational outreach to a sophisticated network of weather stations, weather modification, and extensive well monitoring throughout the district.
Myers MAR Site: tTEM geophysical survey
Water quality lesson for local 4th grade students
District staff member measuring surface water oxygen levels
District intern collecting soil resistivity data at potential recharge site
Young groundwater professionals operating the resistivity meter
Potential recharge site in Baylor County
Making a Way for Future Groundwater Professionals
Rolling Plains GCD offers one of the most hands-on paid intern programs in the state, providing students immersive opportunities to explore groundwater management through a geology field camp-style experience. Under the guidance of general manager, Lynn Smith, interns collaboratively analyze potential recharge sites by conducting surface and subsurface mapping, multi-well aquifer tests, subsurface geophysics, drill cutting descriptions, and comprehensive water quality testing. At the conclusion of the experience, all interns are required to deliver a public presentation of their work.
Looking Ahead
True to its name, Rolling Plains GCD continues to make steady progress in groundwater management through innovative strategies. In the long term, the district aims to achieve a net-zero drawdown of the Seymour Aquifer — a goal that can be reached through a robust MAR program combined with moderate weather modification efforts. The district has already integrated MAR as a central component of their management strategy, as well as that of two regional water planning groups. This progress could open new opportunities for, not only Rolling Plains, but also other districts to secure state funding, support future development, and enhance aquifer recharge across more areas of the state.
