District Information

The District was formed to protect, conserve, and prevent waste of the groundwater resources beneath the area of Refugio County.  To manage the groundwater resources under its jurisdiction, the District is charged with the rights and responsibilities specified in its enabling legislation; the provisions of Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code; the Management Plan of the District, and the Rules of the District.

Read the Chapter 8854 for the Special District Local Laws Code for more information.

The District is governed by a five member board of directors.  The Refugio Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors consists of five members. These five directors are elected by the voters of Refugio County and serve a four-year term. The District observes the same four precincts as the Refugio County Commissioners' with one at-large position. Director terms are staggered on a two-year election interval in even numbered years.

The District has the rights and responsibilities provided in Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code and Chapter 356 of Title 31 of the Texas Administrative Code. The District has the authority to undertake hydrogeological studies, adopt a management plan, provide for the permitting of certain water wells, and implement programs to achieve statutory requirements. The District has rulemaking authority to implement its policies and procedures to manage the groundwater resources of Refugio County.

The boundaries of the District are the same as Refugio County. This area encompasses approximately 770 square miles. The District is bounded by Victoria County, Calhoun County, Aransas County, San Patricio County, Bee County, and Goliad County. 

​The mission of the District is to develop sound water conservation and management strategies designed to conserve, preserve, protect, and prevent waste of groundwater resources for long-term sustainability within Refugio County for the benefit of Refugio County's landowners, citizens, economy, and environment.