Groundwater supplies over half of the water used in Texas, and over 99% of drinking water for rural Texas (TGPC, n.d.). Groundwater conservation districts cover most of the state and nearly all of the aquifers that supply groundwater. The districts, which are governed by Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code, are the state’s preferred method of managing groundwater. Data-based decisions are critical to properly managing groundwater resources, particularly as groundwater increasingly is being used to supply water to municipal users. Districts must make important decisions related to the permitting of groundwater supply projects. However, many of the districts are poorly funded and are unable to adequately invest in the data gathering and science necessary to make informed decisions.