The Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District (CTGCD) plans to host a special meeting to consider whether ongoing use of the Trinity Aquifer needs to be evaluated and monitored through the establishment of a new “groundwater management zone.”
The meeting is set for 2 p.m. April 22 at the Oakalla Community Center, 29011 RM 936 in Briggs.
The action was taken during the March 26 session in Burnet at District Headquarters, 225 S. Pierce, across from the Burnet County Courthouse.
CTGCD General Manager Mitchell Sodek directed board members to attend the meeting, gather local input from county groundwater users and facilitate discussions and extend pertinent information.
“It is an opportunity for public members to ask questions and provide some feedback,” Sodek added.
In fact, the board plans to listen but take no action during the April 22 meeting.
The Trinity Aquifer is an expansive water resource which flows underground through much of the Burnet County northeast section.
“We are calling it the Briggs-Oakalla area, generally north of U.S. 183, although that is a loose term at this moment,” Sodek told the board.
Tentatively, two board directors sounded as if they could favor a groundwater management zone for the Briggs-Oakalla area.
“It makes so much sense,” Director Paul King said. “Rather than trying to manage (county groundwater use) as one big district.”
Too, Board President Ryan Rowney expressed some preliminary positive interest for the zone.
“We know there is limited groundwater there (within the Briggs-Oakalla area),” Rowney said. “We know there is development there that is ongoing or planned. Those two (limited water conditions and development goals) are in direct conflict with each other.”
Director Kathy Griffis- Bailey expressed interest toward the upcoming meeting.
“I am a strong believer in stakeholder feedback,” she said. “I think it is very valuable to have different opinions around the table, so people can see altogether at the same time and talk about what an end-product might be.”
As he has done during previous groundwater meetings, Dr. Neil Deeds from Intera Inc. in Austin is expected to attend the April 22 meeting, to share his broad expertise related to hydrologic research, Sodek added.
Restrictions Continue Also during the March 26 meeting, following advice offered by Sodek, the board took no action to change or lift Stage 4 critical drought mandatory reductions of groundwater use by permitted users at the rate of 15% until further notice.
Palmer Hydrological Index measures indicate critical drought conditions have not changed since the board approved current reductions last December, Sodek said.
Furthermore, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Drought Monitor rainfall predictions through June “are not favorable,” Sodek said.
“Things, obviously, are not improving, they are getting worse,” he added.
“Yeah, it’s not looking like it is going to be a pleasant summer at all, unless a hurricane or something like that rolls in,” Rowney said. “One of these days, we may turn the tap on, and there won’t be any water. I am surprised so many people have no idea what is going on (regarding current drought conditions).”
County Judge Introduction
During time for public comment, Burnet County Judge Bryan Wilson introduced himself to the board.
“I am here to be on your side,” Wilson said. “I am really worried about the amount of water going out for no purpose other than to have a pretty lake in front of homes.”
He wants to “keep informed” on various issues related to local groundwater use, as well as subdivision control and regulations, Wilson said.
“They are really my top priorities,” he added. “As a rancher and a farmer, my thing is to take care of the environment and have a place and nesting sites for critters to live.”
Wilson reminded board members he became judge Feb. 26 following the Burnet County Commissioners unanimous vote.
Currently, Wilson is serving the unexpired term of former Judge James Oakley, who resigned Jan. 2.
Before the meeting ended, the board approved sending a request to Groundwater Management Agency Area 8 officials for an update related to desired future conditions for the Trinity and Llano Uplift aquifers.
The board plans to meet next for a regular session 9 a.m. April 21 in Burnet at the district headquarters, one day before the special meeting April 22 in Briggs cited above.
