Resilience & Sustainability
Sustainability is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability considers social, economic, and environmental needs.
Problem:
Over‑extraction of groundwater in the early 1970s caused significant subsidence in the Houston‑Galveston region. Some areas lost as much as twelve to thirteen feet of elevation.
Regional Partnership & Solution:
The Harris‑Galveston Subsidence District was established in 1975 to develop ways to reduce reliance on groundwater supply. This helps protect lives and property from the impacts of future subsidence, such as flooding and building damage.
Problem:
Over‑extraction of groundwater in the early 1970s caused significant subsidence in the Houston‑Galveston region. Some areas lost as much as twelve to thirteen feet of elevation.
Regional Partnership & Solution:
The Harris‑Galveston Subsidence District was established in 1975 to develop ways to reduce reliance on groundwater supply. This helps protect lives and property from the impacts of future subsidence, such as flooding and building damage.
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Economic resilience
• Minimize costs through integrated water practices
• Reduce vulnerability to extreme weather or economic shocks through infrastructure improvements -
Social resilience
• Build community knowledge about water conservation and resilience
• Increase disaster preparedness and community response -
Environmental resilience
• Protect and restore rivers, wetlands, and aquifers
• Ensure water management supports habitats and ecosystems for wildlife