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Mission of the District

Created in 1993 by local residents and confirmed by the State Legislature, the
Rolling Plains Groundwater Conservation District is charged with the responsibility of
conserving, preserving and protecting the groundwater within its 3 county service
area.
The original boundaries of the Rolling Plains Groundwater Conservation District
were delineated in legislation creating the Haskell-Knox Underground Water
Conservation District in House Bill 2862 of the 73rd Legislature in 1993 as Haskell
and Knox Counties.
In January, 1999, people in Haskell and Knox counties voted to create the district for
the purpose of conserving, preserving and protecting the groundwater of Haskell and
Knox Counties.
After an annexation election, the Rolling Plains Groundwater District serves an area
of 2,666.69 square miles or 1,706,681.6 acres. Our 3-county service area includes
Baylor, Haskell and Knox Counties.

How is the District Operated?

The Rolling Plains Groundwater District is governed by a twelve-member Board of
Directors, appointed by the Commissioners Courts in their respective counties, to
serve a four-year term. Directors oversee district operation, programs, and activities,
including final approval of water well permit applications.

How is the District funded?

When the Rolling Plains Groundwater District was created, people also voted to
establish a maximum ad valorem tax rate of 5 cents per $100 valuation to support
district programs and activities. The Board of Directors set the tax rate annually.
Since 2012, the tax rate has been set at less than two cents per $100 valuation. The
current tax rate is $0.0198 per $100 valuation.

What are the District's functions/powers?

The High Plains Water District is a local political subdivision of the State of Texas.
The powers and functions of groundwater conservation districts are specified in
Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code

History & Mission