Officials setting 50-year groundwater goals

Residents across Bastrop County and the Brazos Valley region have 90 days to weigh in on a long-term plan that could shape groundwater availability for decades to come.

Groundwater Management Area 12 recently approved proposed Desired Future Conditions for the aquifers supplying water to the region, triggering a public comment period required by state law. The conditions were approved by a supermajority vote of the five groundwater conservation districts that make up GMA 12: Brazos Valley, Fayette County, Lost Pines, Mid-East Texas and Post Oak Savannah.

“The DFCs are literally the desired aquifer levels 50 years into the future,” said Claire Marks, education and outreach coordinator for the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District. “The DFCs will influence future groundwater availability, future well permitting decisions and how our aquifers respond to increasing demand.”

Under Texas Water Code, groundwater is managed locally through conservation districts while long-term planning is conducted regionally. Every five years, districts within a management area work together to establish Desired Future Conditions, which serve as frameworks for aquifer conditions over a decadeslong planning period.

The process considers aquifer conditions, water supply needs, recharge rates, environmental impacts and socioeconomic factors, according to officials.

Marks said Bastrop and Lee counties rely heavily on groundwater for homes, businesses and public water supplies, making the planning decisions particularly significant for the area.

“The DFC process is ultimately about balancing groundwater use today with the need to preserve this resource for tomorrow,” she said. Each district within GMA 12, including Lost Pines, which serves Bastrop County, will hold a public hearing during the comment period. Comments received will become part of the official record and will be considered before a final vote, which state law requires to occur before Jan. 5 next year.

For public hearing dates and more information, visit lostpineswater.org.