Trinity Aquifer Levels

Both the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers fluctuate during dry and wet periods—similar to water supply reservoirs like Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan.  Since January of this year, water levels in both aquifers have been on the decline due to drought. For a closer look at regional Trinity Aquifer trends, the graph below shows hydrographs (water-level measurements over time) for an Upper Trinity and two Middle Trinity monitor wells in Hays County.  These wells show 2 to 46 foot declines since January.  While this is a limited set of wells, it follows trends we are seeing across the region. Until the area receives significant rainfall, water levels in the aquifers will continue to drop. The District declared Stage II Alarm Drought in late July 2018 (press release), and all permitted wells are required to reduce pumping by at least 20%.  The current hot and dry weather pattern coupled with high water use has water levels throughout the area on the decline. Localized pumping can influence water levels in surrounding wells, so all groundwater users should conserve and reduce water use. Useful links: Protect Your Well During Drought (Texas Well Owner Network) Tree Care (Grow Green) Drought Triggers and the Trinity Aquifer (BSEACD) Drought Status page (BSEACD)

EP Pumpage Application Update

During the 20-day comment period, the District received 12 requests for a contested case hearing and 312 comment letters on the Electro Purification permit application.  At its July 12 meeting, the Board of Directors unanimously approved the following procedural matters relating to this permit application. The Board's motions:

• Confirmed the General Manager’s determination that a contested case hearing will be held on the application;
• Referred the permit application to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) to conduct the contested case hearing including the preliminary hearing;
• Designated a Board subcommittee to select special counsel.

The District expects the preliminary hearing to be held before the end of September 2018, which at that time the SOAH judge will determine the “parties” and a schedule for the hearing on the merits of the contested case.

For full details, official documents, and timeline visit:  EP Production Permit Application Notice Page