Eric Hansen on Why Surface Water Matters
Converting to surface water is about more than meeting requirements—it’s about protecting the region’s future. Eric Hansen, President, explains how reducing groundwater use helps address subsidence and supports long-term sustainability.
Transcript
Transcript edited for clarity and readability.
Switching to surface water is essential in the Houston region because of subsidence, which is the gradual sinking of the ground as we deplete the aquifers.
The aquifers in our area recharge very slowly. When the ground compresses on top of them as water is withdrawn, and more specifically over-withdrawn, that creates low places within the surface that catch and hold water.
It can also potentially damage infrastructure.
This large effort to convert from groundwater wells is part of the long-term strategic planning for the viability of the region as a whole.
Watch more from The People Behind the Progress Video Series:
https://www.whcrwa.com/people-behind-the-progress/
