Water resources veteran and South Texas native chosen to lead groundwater science, protection, and district operations across Dimmit, La Salle, and Zavala counties.

CARRIZO SPRINGS, Texas — The Board of Directors of the Wintergarden Groundwater Conservation District (WGCD) is pleased to announce its selection of Bobby Bazan as the District’s new General Manager.

Bazan brings nearly 20 years of public service, scientific research, and leadership in Texas groundwater management to the District. He recently served as Executive Director for the Texas Groundwater Association. There, he managed statewide operations, education programs, and policy advocacy. Before that, Bazan spent 10 years as the Water Resource Management Specialist for the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District. In that role, he directed water monitoring networks, evaluated permit applications, and led efforts to modernize database systems.

"I am honored to accept the position of General Manager for the Wintergarden Groundwater Conservation District," said Bazan. "Growing up in Starr County, South Texas instills a deep appreciation for rural heritage and the fundamental importance of water to our agricultural producers, landowners, and communities. I look forward to learning more about the local community to better serve their needs and represent the Board and our landowners appropriately. I am truly excited to share my experience in groundwater management, science, and public relations with the District as we work to protect and conserve our vital water resources."

Bazan is a South Texas native. He holds a Master of Science in Water Management & Hydrological Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Systems Management from Texas A&M University. He also graduated from the Texas Water Leaders Program. Developed by the Texas Water Foundation, this program prepares professionals to address the state's complex water issues.

Groundwater management comes with a major challenge. The District must balance protecting local aquifers while respecting that groundwater is private property owned by the landowner. Good management must respect both responsibilities. By using scientific monitoring, data collection, and responsible permitting, the District and landowners can make better decisions to steward its water resources for future use.

Following recent staff changes, the Board of Directors sees a great opportunity to start a new chapter in public service. WGCD plans to modernize daily operations, expand aquifer monitoring, and build online mapping tools to improve efficiency and transparency. These updates will help the District understand its water resources better. They will also make permitting and other services easier, faster, and more affordable for landowners, businesses, ranchers and farmers.

To help with this change, the Board hired Dirk Aaron through Quiet Waters, LLC, to provide interim management. Aaron will continue working with Bazan and the Board during the transition. He will help share institutional knowledge, transfer ongoing projects, and build local relationships. This ensures stable service while allowing Bazan to build his own relationships across the threecounty area.

A key part of this transition is Bazan's commitment to being active and visible across Dimmit, La Salle, and Zavala counties. He plans to continue meeting with the District's seven Board members to learn about the communities they represent. He also looks forward to meeting with local landowners, farmers, business owners, and city officials to hear their needs. Hearing their needs and concerns directly will help the District provide better service and shape policies that fit local communities.

Board President Von Box expressed strong confidence in Bazan's ability to lead the newly formed legal, hydrogeological, and data teams that have been pulled together to guide the district moving forward. Box stated that he was looking forward to working with shareholders as we strive to make processes easier and more affordable for the constituents of the District.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, we want to express our gratitude and appreciation for the many years of service from our previous staff,” stated WGCD Board President Von Box. "As we look to the future, we are thrilled to welcome Bobby Bazan as our new General Manager. Bobby’s technical expertise, proven leadership, and personal commitment to South Texas make him the ideal leader to guide our District into this exciting new chapter."

In his new role, Bazan will oversee daily operations across Dimmit, La Salle, and Zavala counties. His duties include field monitoring, permit evaluations, rule enforcement, and public outreach.