The Citizens Alliance for Responsible Development supports sustainable development in Wimberley and western Hays County. We strongly support full Chapter 36 authority for the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District
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As residents of western Hays County, we know what it means to be short of water. We are currently in an exceptional drought, existing wells are going dry, new wells are being drilled every day to accommodate new growth, and water companies are declaring water emergencies. Citizens expect their elected officials to find solutions to providing for basic needs such as reliable water supply, garbage collection, safe roads, sewerage disposal, and fire and police protection.
Of all these needs, a reliable supply of potable water is basic and essential to life.
In the Texas Hill Country most of us depend on groundwater supplied to us by either our private wells or by water company wells. Ten years ago the Texas Legislature created the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District to help manage the aquifer that supplies this groundwater to western Hays County.
An election in 2003 confirmed the district by a two-to-one margin and selected five directors. With an elected board of directors, a small paid staff, and many dedicated volunteers, the district has compiled an enviable record of describing the geologic structure of the aquifer, monitoring water levels in area wells, and where possible, setting well production at rates that maintain a sustainable aquifer
(see www.haysgroundwater.com).
However, the district does not operate under the full authority of Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code, the standard for most other groundwater conservation districts around the state. The Hays Trinity District was intentionally created to be weak and poorly funded. In spite of this structure, the district has done its job and has gained the support of citizens in Hays County who realize the limits of the available groundwater supply. These citizens support a district that has the authority to protect the water that we all depend on. A good example of a district with full Chapter 36 authority that does an excellent job in monitoring and regulating groundwater is the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer District.
The Hays Trinity District needs full Chapter 36 authorization from the Texas Legislature so that it can prevent well interference and over-pumping, set standards for wells consistent with local geologic conditions, monitor and enforce commercial pumping permits, record well conditions district-wide, and fund professional staff to carry out the district’s functions. Chapter 36 allows citizens to call a referendum and vote on a small property tax to support the functions of the district. Currently, the district is woefully under-funded, depending on the support of the Hays County Commissioners Court and fees charged on large commercial wells and new water connections. The District needs a reliable, independent funding source like other groundwater districts in the state.
A stronger Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District will help to maintain a healthy aquifer and a sustainable groundwater supply. A stronger district will help to support property and land values, since water availability is basic to life. Tourism is a major part of the economy of central Texas. Visitors are attracted to the area because of the clear flowing waters. Since groundwater is the source of our rivers and streams during the summer months, it is critical that we manage our groundwater to maintain those rivers, streams, and swimming holes.
The Citizens Alliance for Responsible Development supports sustainable development in Wimberley and western Hays County. We strongly support full Chapter 36 authority for the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. We urge all elected officials and citizens to call for additional authority, like other Texas groundwater conservation districts, and support legislation to grant that authority.
TAKE ACTION NOW
Please write and call your elected officials and request full Chapter 36 authorization for the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District DURING THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
City of Wimberley – Mayor Tom Haley and City Council Members - 512-847-0025 PO Box 2027, Wimberley, TX 78676 email: village@wimberley-tx.com
City of Woodcreek – Mayor Gloria Whitehead and City Council Members – 512-847-9390 41 Champion Circle, Woodcreek, TX 78676
email: city.secretary@cityofwoodcreek.com
City of Dripping Springs – Mayor Todd Percell and City Council Members 512-858-4725 PO Box 384, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
email: jtouchstone@cityofdrippingsprings.com
State Representative Patrick Rose - Texas House of Representatives - 512-463-0647 PO Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768 email: patrick.rose@house.state.tx.us
State Senator Jeff Wentworth – Texas Senate – 210-826-7800 PO Box 12068 Capital Station, Austin, TX 78711 email: jeff.wentworth@senate.state.tx.us
Hays County Officials: Courthouse Annex, San Marcos, TX 78666
Judge Elizabeth Sumter - 512-393-2204 email: lizsumter@co.hays.tx.us 111 E. San Antonio St., Ste. 300, San Marcos 78666
Commissioner Will Conley – 512-847-3159 email: will.conley@co.hays.tx.us PO Box 2085, Wimberley, TX 78676
Commissioner Jeff Barton – 512-262-2091 email: jeff.barton@co.hays.tx.us PO Box 1180, Kyle, TX 78640
Commissioner Karen Ford – 512-858-7268 email: karen.ford@co.hays.tx.us PO Box 1158, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe – 512-393-2243 email: debbiei@co.hays.tx.us 111 E. San Antonio St., Ste. 204, San Marcos, TX 78666
1 comment:
Thank you again for the comprehensive report on the dire situation. C.A.R.D, HTGCD, as well as The Hays County Roundup are to be given many kudos for all their volunteers working so hard in trying to get our elected officials to take action. If you have not done so already you (everyone) need to contact everyone listed in the article and get a letter or email off to our elected officials and do it now!
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