Subsidence in Harris and Galveston Counties, Texas

Land-surface subsidence is of critical concern for the Harris-Galveston Region of Texas. Subsidence has been predominately associated with the removal of ground water in this area. Water-level and pumpage information is available from the turn of the century for defined areas within the region. This information has been used along with leveling data to show the rates, amounts and possible causes of subsidence within these areas. Because of the continued subsidence, the Texas State Legislature created the Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District. The district's primary responsibility is to halt subsidence. The rate of subsidence within this region has decreased significantly in several areas with the introduction of surface water.