On October 11, 2000, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC)—now known as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)—approved, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Texas Water Code, a petition for the creation of the District, thereby establishing it as a political subdivision of the State of Texas. In a confirmation election held on January 23, 2001, Blanco County voters approved its creation, elected five Directors to the Board of Directors, and authorized the District to levy an ad valorem tax on property owners within Blanco County.

The District is responsible for the conservation, preservation, protection, and recharge of groundwater and aquifers within Blanco County. To accomplish these goals, the District will work to minimize the drawdown of the water table, minimize the reduction of artesian pressure, control subsidence, prevent interference between wells, prevent the degradation of the quality of groundwater, prevent waste of groundwater, preserve historic use of groundwater, give consideration to the service needs of retail water utilities, and carry out the powers and duties conferred under Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code.

Blanco County’s groundwater district is the central hub for expert guidance and resources concerning groundwater within the county. The district provides authoritative information on Texas and Blanco County groundwater regulations, ensuring that well owners and residents understand their rights and responsibilities under local and state law. Staff possess specialized knowledge of the region’s unique geology and offer insights on how local conditions affect wells and water quality.

Visitors are welcome to the district office, which is conveniently located just a quarter mile from the second traffic light in Johnson City, on the left side of the road heading toward Fredericksburg. Here, residents and stakeholders can receive in-person, “inside information” and take advantage of tailored support from friendly, knowledgeable staff. The office boasts a live well for monitoring and training purposes, giving individuals hands-on experience and learning opportunities.

Digital resources include a robust online database with detailed records about wells in Blanco County, as well as large-scale maps illustrating the area’s aquifers. The district keeps the community informed through a monthly newsletter and encourages local involvement with volunteer opportunities.

It is important to note that the district’s regulatory authority is focused solely on groundwater; while staff acknowledge the natural connection between surface water—such as lakes, ponds, pools, and streams—and underground aquifers as part of the continuous water cycle, they do not specialize in or regulate surface water issues. However, they encourage ongoing education and study of surface water as an important part of local water stewardship.

The District is located within the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area (PGMA), which was designated and delineated in 1990 by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), now the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), under Chapter 35 of the Texas Water Code, as an area experiencing or expected to experience critical groundwater problems. The District is also part of Groundwater Management Area 9 (GMA 9), a regional groundwater planning entity comprising several conservation districts in the Texas Hill Country.

The District is funded through an Ad Valorem Property Tax. This tax is currently set at $0.016671 per $100 valuation. See current Resolution #20240919-01. The District will receive additional funding through an assessment of application fees on new wells being drilled in Blanco County.