Subsidence can be reduced when the pumping of groundwater is reduced. However, the conversion from groundwater to alternative sources of water (surface water, treated effluent, etc.) requires planning. Many of the cities, industries, and others in the coastal areas converted years ago to surface water, at considerable costs. The area has considerable supplies of surface water, through the development of Lake Livingston on the Trinity River, Lake Houston and Lake Conroe on the San Jacinto River, and the Brazos River.
