Stolen Water
They're Draining Texas Dry
What's really going on
Aquifer depletion
Evaporative cooling towers can consume millions of gallons daily, drawing down the same aquifers that supply local wells, farms, and ranches.
The Rule of Capture — and its limits
Texas groundwater law generally protects the largest pumper. But the rule is not absolute: malicious or wasteful pumping, and pumping that damages a neighbor's land, may still create liability.
Subsidence
When an aquifer is over-pumped, the land above it can sink, crack foundations, and damage irrigation infrastructure — a direct, actionable harm to neighboring property owners.
Permit protests
Most Texas groundwater is overseen by regional Groundwater Conservation Districts. Landowners may be able to formally protest a facility's water permit before it is granted.
Coverage: stolen water
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