GMA 2 Process

The Desired Future Conditions (DFC) process is a vital part of the state’s overall water planning.

• All groundwater conservation districts (GCDs) in a groundwater management area (GMA) must meet at least annually for joint planning purposes.
• Desired Future Conditions (DFCs) are developed during the joint planning process. This results in a “big picture plan” for future aquifer conditions.
• Groundwater levels, amount of groundwater in storage, desired spring flow, or base flow to rivers and streams are all factors that can be considered in setting DFCs.
• After the DFC is determined, the proposed DFC and supporting data are sent to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) in Austin.
• TWDB staff translate the DFC into an estimate of the amount of managed available groundwater (MAG).
• Regional Water Planning Groups use the area’s MAG to evaluate potential needs of water user groups during a 50-year planning horizon.

PROPOSED DFCs - 2021

Representatives of Groundwater Management Area 2 adopted the proposed desired future conditions at their March 25, 2021 virtual meeting.

• A GMA 2-wide average drawdown of 28 feet between 2013 and 2080 for the Ogallala and Edwards-Trinity (High Plains) Aquifers.
• A GMA 2-wide average drawdown of 31 feet between 2013 and 2080 for the Dockum Aquifer.

Adoption of the proposed DFCs by the GMA representatives triggers a minimum 90-day public comment period (March 25-June 23, 2021). Each district must conduct a public hearing to receive comments about the proposed DFCs following the comment period.

The process of adopting a DFC was established by the Texas Legislature in 2005 and requires groundwater conservation districts to establish DFCs for relevant aquifers at least once every five years.

CLICK HERE to read the DRAFT Explanatory Report for Desired Future Conditions – Ogallala, Edwards-Trinity (High Plains) and Dockum Aquifers, Groundwater Management Area 2.

ADOPTED DFCs - 2016

Desired Future Conditions (DFCs) for Groundwater Management Area 2, adopted in October 2016, are as follows:

• A total average drawdown of approximately 23 to 27 feet for the period 2012-2070 for the Ogallala and Edwards-Trinity (High Plains) Aquifers within the GMA.
• A total average drawdown of 27 feet for the Dockum Aquifer for the same 58-year time period.

Both DFCs are based upon examination and evaluation of 16 scenarios using the High Plains Aquifer System (HPAS) groundwater availability model.

The process of adopting a DFC was established by the Texas Legislature in 2005 and requires groundwater conservation districts to establish DFCs for relevant aquifers at least once every five years.

Ogallala Aquifer

• The major aquifer in GMA 2.
• Groundwater in the Ogallala Aquifer in the Texas Panhandle flows from northwest to southeast at about 100 to 150 feet per year under natural conditions.
• The amount of water bearing material (“saturated thickness”) can vary greatly—depending upon the spatial arrangement of rivers and valleys when the sediments were deposited. Because of this, the saturated thickness of the aquifer in GMA 2 can change over a very short distance.
• Playa lakes that fill with rainwater are primary recharge points for the Ogallala Aquifer in GMA 2.
• Estimated recharge to the Ogallala Aquifer in GMA 2 can vary from 1/4 inch to 2 ¼ inches per year.
• Click here for more information about the Ogallala Aquifer.
• Click here for a map of the Ogallala Aquifer.

Edwards-Trinity (High Plains) Aquifer

• A minor aquifer in GMA 2.
• It lies beneath the Ogallala Aquifer and is recharged primarily from downward leakage.
• Groundwater is slightly saline within the Edwards-Trinity (High Plains) Aquifer.
• Click here for more information about the Edwards-Trinity (High Plains) Aquifer.
• Click here for a map of the Edwards-Trinity (High Plains) Aquifer.

Dockum Aquifer

• A minor aquifer that underlies GMA 2.
• Groundwater in the Dockum Aquifer is brackish and is generally of poor quality. However, there are some areas in GMA 2 where groundwater in the Dockum Aquifer can be used as is or may be blended with other water for municipal use.
• Click here to learn more about the Dockum Aquifer.
• Click here for a map of the Dockum Aquifer.

GMA 2 is comprised of members from these seven groundwater conservation districts

Click here to see a map

High Plains Underground Water Conservation District #1
Jason Coleman, P.E. - General Manager and GMA 2 Administrator
Ronnie Hopper - Voting Delegate
2930 Avenue Q, Lubbock, TX 79411
806.762.0181

South Plains Underground Water Conservation District
Layne Marlow - General Manager
Matt Hogue - Voting Delegate
PO Box 986, Brownfield, TX 79316
806.637.7467

Mesa Underground Water Conservation District
Jacob Hernandez - General Manager
Matt Farmer - Voting Delegate
PO Box 497, Lamesa, TX 79331
806.872.9205

Garza County Underground Water Conservation District
Dicky Wallace - Voting Delegate
300 West Main Street, Post, TX 79356
806.495.4425

Llano Estacado Underground Water Conservation District
Lori Barnes - General Manager
Weldon Shook - Voting Delegate
200 SE Ave. C, Seminole, TX 79360
432.758.1127

Permian Basin Underground Water Conservation District
Dallen Skinner - General Manager
Dallen Skinner - Voting Delegate
PO Box 1314, Stanton, TX 79782
432.756.2136

Sandy Land Underground Water Conservation District
Amber Blount - General Manager
Ross Hilburn - Voting Delegate
PO Box 130, Plains, TX 79355
806.456.2155

2016

• TWDB Letter of Acceptance
• Final Explanatory Report

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

• Meeting 1

• Meeting 2

• Meeting 1

• Meeting 2

2009

2008

2007

2006

GAM RUNS

RESOLUTIONS