Water rights protection group is created

TYLER – Smith County Commissioners have taken the first step toward creating the Northeast Groundwater Conservation District, a multi-county initiative aimed at protecting water rights and natural resources across East Texas.

According to our news partner KETK, the proposed district would allow Smith County to work alongside neighboring counties and state lawmakers to help safeguard local water resources. The district would be a partnership among 16 East Texas counties and would be led by the East Texas Council of Governments.

As part of the process, Smith County Commissioners appointed the Sledgelaw Group, a firm with experience in water-related cases, to provide legal services associated with establishing the district.

The next step will involve Smith County Judge Neal Franklin, state representatives and leaders from neighboring counties working together during the 2027 legislative session to advocate for the district’s official creation.