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A fellow fast-growing city just 30 miles north of Elgin is looking to bolster its water supply, and local well owners in Bastrop County are keeping a close watch on potential impacts.
Georgetown’s municipality has recently contracted with GateHouse Water LLC to pump from the Simsboro Aquifer, part of the Carrizo- Wilcox Aquifer formation that lies deep beneath Central Texas and has long been a critical resource for rural communities in the area.
“The Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer formation supports our rural communities, and protecting it is a top priority,” said Jim Totten, general manager of the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District.
GateHouse, formerly known as Forestar, first secured a groundwater production permit from LPGCD in 2013, allowing it to pump up to 18,500 acrefeet of water per year from 10 wells — though only three have been drilled so far and none have produced water yet.
That could change once Georgetown taps into this supply to meet the city’s rising demand, according to LPGCD, raising questions about possible repercussions for local well owners who depend on the aquifer for drinking water and livestock use.
“Large-scale groundwater pumping to support urban growth often comes at a cost to local well owners and rural livelihoods,” Totten added. “Our role is to advocate for these communities, making sure their needs and rights are not overshadowed by urban demands.”
To help safeguard domestic groundwater use, LPGCD’s Groundwater Mitigation Program provides financial support to well owners if permitted pumping lowers water levels below a pump’s reach.
This includes reimbursement for well modifications, such as lowering pumps or making repairs to ensure continued access to water, according to the organization.
The program covers qualifying domestic and livestock wells across Lee and Bastrop County, offering protection as larger-scale pumping outside of local leadership’s control begins.
Concerned community members can also attend LPGCD board meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. in the LPGCD headquarters, 317 E. Hempstead St. in Giddings.
LPGCD will be hosting an educational open house event Feb. 25, immediately following the next board meeting. The community- focused gathering will dive into the world of water conservation while experimenting with the team’s digital groundwater and physical aquifer models.
For program and event details, visit lostpineswater. org or call 512-3605088.
