In response to pressure from declining underground water reserves and
state government demands. West Texas agriculture is organizing under l
ocal groundwater conservation districts. The districts use persuasion,
education, and access to low-interest loans and grants to encourage w
ater conservation. Little regulatory authority is vested in district m
anagers and, outside of state funds to subsidize irrigation technology
, the state has limited influence. This article narrates the creation
and operations of West Texas ground water districts and analyzes the r
easons for a recent increase in district organizing as well as their s
uccess in acquiring state funds for conservation.