East Texas leaders are moving before the water fight reaches their front doors. Fifteen counties are backing a regional groundwater district that could give local communities more control over massive pumping projects and future water transfers. The concern is simple: as Dallas-Fort Worth grows, the water beneath East Texas farms, homes and small towns could become increasingly valuable.
The proposed Northeast Texas Groundwater Conservation District would give participating communities a formal role in deciding how groundwater is pumped, monitored and moved outside the region.
The district has not been created. It has no final boundaries, governing board or operating rules. County resolutions supporting the idea do not immediately place restrictions on private wells or commercial drilling…