TAGD celebrated a remarkable year in 2025, strengthening its statewide network of groundwater districts, expanding training initiatives, and engaging in policy discussions at the capitol. With record-breaking attendance at the Texas Groundwater Summit, insightful business meetings, and technical trainings, TAGD continued to fulfill its mission by connecting members with relevant information, practical tools, and collaborative forums. The following sections highlight these achievements and provide a comprehensive look at TAGD’s journey throughout 2025.
Membership & Network
90
District Members
43
Associate Members
2
Honorary TAGD Members
TAGD Business
TAGD offers members multiple events each year focused on the operational, legal, and technical needs of groundwater conservation districts. TAGD brings together GCD board members, staff, consultants, and agencies to conect with peers, conduct TAGD business, and participate in trainings. This recap highlights how those meetings, trainings, and member benefits came together in 2025 to supprt Texas’s groundwater community.
Winter Business Meeting - January
The Winter Business Meeting brought together 92 attendees for a full day and a half of:
- TAGD Business, expert presentations, and networking.
- Action taken on FY24 finances and the TAGD Annual Report
- Speaker series topics included hydrogen electrolysis, USGS groundwater updates, and an overview of the Maverick Basin aquifer.
- Legislative outlook panel and a legal overview of BLF Land, LLC v. North Plains GCD
- Agency updates from the RRC, TWDB, TCEQ, and TDLR
Spring Business Meeting - June
A total of 85 attendees came together for key organizational decisions and timely groundwater insights following the sine die of the 89th Legislative Session in June for the Spring Business Meeting. Other meeting features included:
- A speaker series including the Kinney County geochemical study, BEG research consortium updates, and a BGPZ designations discussion
- Legislative debrief panel featuring perspectives from TAGD and statewide policy partners.
- Agency updates, plus an overview of a TCEQ petition for inquiry process.
- Public Funds Investment Act Training
Annual Business Meeting - August
The Annual Business Meeting was held ahead of the Texas Groundwater Summit in San Antonio to elect officers, set the FY26 budget, and recognize leadership across the organization. Meeting highlights included:
- Election of TAGD officers and TAGD Area Representatives.
- Discussion and approval of legislator commendation resolutions recognizing key groundwater champions.
- Honorary membership recognition for Dirk Aaron and group recognition of the TAGD Executive Committee for their service.
Honorary Member Recognition
Ronnie Hopper
January 2025 TAGD Honorary Member Ronnie Hopper, High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1, recognized for more than a decade of dedicated TAGD participation, leadership on HPWD committees and regional planning groups, and his commitment to collaborative groundwater governance, agricultural water conservation, and active engagement on behalf of groundwater owners.
Dirk Aaron
Past TAGD president, longtime member, and retired general manager of Clearwater GCD, Dirk Aaron is recognized for his leadership, advocacy, and years of service that have shaped key groundwater policies, strengthened collaboration among districts, and advanced TAGD’s mission across Texas.
Since 2017, TAGD has had the privilege of recognizing 17 Honorary Members whose leadership, service, and dedication have strengthened the organization and advanced the broader groundwater community.
Growing the TAGD Team
Welcoming Stephanie Keith
Stephanie Keith joined TAGD in February 2025 as Manager of Programs & Communications, bringing more than seven years of experience in groundwater education, outreach, and public engagement. Looking ahead to 2026, Stephanie is excited to work alongside TAGD members and the Information & Education Committee to launch quarterly meetups, strengthen connections across the membership, and develop new resources to support districts statewide.
Communication & Resources
The Water Table Monthly Newsletter
Monthly Newsletter Subscribers
Monthly Newsletter Opens
Sponsors
Twelve issues of The Water Table, TAGD’s monthly newsletter, were published in 2025, featuring district spotlights and groundwater-focused organizations from across Texas. Each edition is available online for members to explore here. We are scheduling features for 2026 and invite districts and partners to share their stories, initiatives, and insights with our audience. Contact Stephanie for more information.
Weekly Member Updates
Weekly Subscribers
Total Opened Emails
TAGD’s Weekly Update emails kept members informed by sharing information relevant to groundwater districts. Each issue featured survey requests, upcoming TAGD events, agency and legislative updates, announcements, and resources to support the everyday work of GCD staff and board members.
Training Opportunities
Texas Groundwater Summit
The 2025 Texas Groundwater Summit was a landmark gathering of leaders, experts, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing responsible groundwater management across the state. Attendees explored innovative conservation practices, heard updates on policy and regulatory developments, and engaged in dynamic discussions that highlighted both local and regional challenges. With panels featuring perpectives from multiple states and sessions showcasing real-world solutions, the Summit reinforced TAGD’s mission and provided a vibrant forum for collaboration and learning.
Planning will soon be underway for the 2026 Texas Groundwater Summit! Mark your calendars for September 1-3 and keep an eye out for updates speakers, sessions, and registration details.
Keynote Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht
The keynote panel with Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and Dylan O. Drummond was a highlight of the Summit, drawing a packed room. Hecht shared candid reflections on the Day case and how his perspective has evolved over the years. He also offered forward-looking insights on the rule of capture, which could re-shape groundwater management across the state.
Keynote Bryan McMath
Texas Water Development Board Executive Administrator Bryan McMath delivered the second keynote address at the Summit, providing a candid look at current groundwater issues across the state. His remarks offered insight into TWDB’s priorities and the evolving role of groundwater managment in meeting Texas’ long-term water needs.
In-Person & Virtual Attendees
Speakers
Exhibitors
Sponsors
Sessions, Breakouts, and Panel Highlights
Attendees experienced an engaging mix of general sessions, panel discussions, and breakout tracks that offered insights for every facet of groundwater management. Sessions covered topics from aquifer management and correlative rights to urban groundwater challenges, agricultural land values, and data-driven planning. Panel discussions brought together regional experts, including representatives from Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas. Breakout tracks allowed deeper dives into enforcement, district science, aquifer recharge, data collection, and visualization, providing attendees with practical tools and strategies to apply in their own districts.
89th Legislative Session
The 89th Texas Legislative Session was possibly among the most active in state history for water policy, with a large number of filed bills, and an unprecedented focus on water issues. Throughout the session, TAGD remained deeply engaged, tracking legislation, interpreting complex bill language, and ensuring the perspectives of groundwater conservation districts were represented. TAGD Executive Director Adam Foster spent countless hours providing testimony and working closely with legislators, TAGD’s Legislative Committee, and member districts, reinforcing TAGD’s role as a consistent and trusted voice during what may have been the most water-focused legislative session Texas has seen.
Significant Water Bills
– HJR7 (Harris/Perry) proposed a constitutional amendment to create a long-term, dedicated funding source for water infrastructure in Texas, including water supply development, conservation, and resilience projects.
– SB7 (Perry/Harris) implemented the state’s new constitutional water-funding framework by directing the Texas Water Development Board to prioritize and finance long-term water-supply projects—including brackish groundwater development, aquifer storage, and conservation—through dedicated, ongoing funding programs.
Record Breaking Number of Filed Bills and Joint Resolutions
Bills Passed Both Chambers by End of Session
Bills Filed Addressed Water-Related Issues
Governor Abbot Vetoed 26 Bills, Including 4 Related to Water
TAGD’s Involvement
TAGD tracked 271 bills, including 43 that directly affected Chapter 36 or GCD operations or authority. The Legislative Committee carefully reviewed each bill and, when appropriate, adopted formal positions through a 75% consensus process that ensured TAGD’s advocacy reflected the collective voice of districts across the state.
Looking Ahead
TAGD remains committed to serving as a reliable voice for groundwater conservation districts and looks ahead to building on the positive momentum of 2025. Through expanded educational resources, enhanced member support, district-specific trainings, and timely updates, TAGD will continue to support districts as they navigate an evolving water policy landscape.
