The Largest Transfer of Groundwater Rights in Texas History
Presented on Tuesday, April 30, 2013
C.E. Williams, General, Manager1, Marty Jones, Lawyer2 and Robert Harden, PE3, (1)Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District, White Deer, TX, (2)Sprouse Shrader Smith Law Firm, Amarillo, TX, (3)R W Harden & Associates Inc., Austin, TX
Since 1995, a series of groundwater rights transfers has culminated in vast holdings of groundwater reserves for the City of Amarillo and the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority. These transfers were made possible by numerous influences – long-term hydrologic factors, legal action, speculation by water marketing companies, support by private and corporate water rights owners, regulatory support and public sector action. The transfers involved six private and public entities including Quixx Corporation, City of Amarillo, SAA Properties LP, Canadian River Municipal Water Authority, and Mesa Water, and included the participation of over 100 private landowners. This transfer of groundwater rights is a unique story in Texas history and is a prime example of municipalities securing long term, drought proof water supplies, landowners realizing the value of their property, and regulatory bodies recognizing and supporting the planning, securing, and transfer of valuable water rights.
C.E. Williams, General, Manager
Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District, White Deer, TX
General Manager PGCD since 1990
Grew up on family farm in Carson County, owned and managed farm and ranch operation prior to becoming G M of PGCD
Member and Past President of:
Groundwater Management Districts’ Association,
Texas Water Conservation Association, and
Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts.
Current Chairman of Panhandle Regional Planning Group – Region A
Presiding Officer of Texas State Water Conservation Advisory Council
Secretary/Treasurer of Texas Water Foundation
Panhandle Regional Planning Commission’s Goodwin Regional Public Administrator Award 2002
Texas County Agricultural Agents Association “Man of the Year in Texas Agriculture - 2008.”
Marty Jones, Lawyer
Sprouse Shrader Smith Law Firm, Amarillo, TX
Marty Jones is a lawyer specializing in groundwater issues.
Robert Harden, PE
R W Harden & Associates Inc., Austin, TX
Bob Harden is Vice President of R.W. Harden & Associates, Inc. Over the course of his career Bob has been involved in the discovery, acquisition, permitting, and development of new groundwater supplies for municipalities, water supply corporations, industry, and private landowners. Bob has a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and is a professional engineer in Texas, Mississippi, and Indiana.
