Well oversight updated

Area water conservation leaders last month approved changes to strengthen protection for local wells and align district policy with new state laws.

The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District board simplified permitting for small groundwater users Oct. 15. The amendments maintain oversight and save time for small producers by allowing district General Manager Elvis Hernandez to approve or deny applications for up to 50 acre-feet of water per year.

“The updates strengthen protections for nearby wells and clarify the permitting process,” Hernandez said. “Each change supports the district’s mission to protect the aquifers that sustain Bastrop and Lee counties.”

The board also revised its rules to comply with House Bill 1633, which requires groundwater districts to consider whether proposed wells could affect nearby exempt wells. Hernandez said the update keeps local groundwater management practices consistent with state law.

Other changes include extending the deadline to complete a permitted well from one year to 545 days, establishing clear procedures for voluntary permit surrender and requiring drilling sites to display visible permits to prevent unauthorized activity.

The district also adopted a new fee schedule, setting penalties for late reports, overproduction and operating without a permit.

“We want residents to know that these actions reflect our ongoing commitment to protect local wells, prevent waste and manage groundwater,” Hernandez said.

For more information or to view the full list of changes, visit lostpineswater.

org.