Texas Water Leaders

Earlier this month, the district's Aquifer Science Manager, Odell Ward, attended the 4^th of 5 sessions in a program designed by the Texas Water Foundation. The program accepts 20 individuals each year who have a leadership role in water resources in Texas. The program provides each class with tools, training, and opportunities to expand their capabilities and professional networks.

During this month's session at the Sheild Ranch Nature Preserve, the program participants were privileged to hear from speaker Dr. Andrew Sansom of the Medows Center for Water and the Environment. Dr. Sansom talked about his career in natural resource management and his time with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Dr. Sansom was also available to sign a copy of his book, "Water In Texas: An Introduction".

Sam Marie Hermitte of the Texas Water Development Board presented on the Internet of Water Coalition (IoW). The IoW seeks to Transform and modernize the water data infrastructure in the United States by developing affordable, open-source technologies that share and integrate water data through a network of national partners.

On the last day of the session, students took a tour of the Shield Ranch water systems. The Ranch has the only Texas Commission on Environmental Quality certified Public Water Supply System entirely based on rainwater. All the facilities at the Sheild Ranch use captured and treated rainwater for drinking, bathing, cooking, and flushing. The Ranch is a pilot program with the potential to change the capabilities of capturing rainwater for domestic and public use.

Plugging Wells

With recent land purchases and/or an existing landowner finding an abandoned or deteriorated well on the property, it may be necessary to plug a well to meet district safety requirements. A landowner may also plug a well on their own in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Ch. 76.104 and submit a State of Texas Plugging Report. For specific guidance on plugging wells within the State and District go here. 

This issue will also come up when replacing an existing irrigation well and/or drilling a new well on the property, if the property has reached its maximum well density for the Groundwater Producing Unit (GPU)—one irrigation well per 64 acres. If this is the case, the well must be plugged to be removed from the well density for a GPU, or made into an active exempt type well. In order to get the process started the well is required to be reclassified with the NPGCD Admin-Permitting Department by filling out the “Notification of Plugging of Water Well” form. This form specifies the correct location of the well, and verifies the owner has received a copy of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Variance issued to NPGCD, which outlines the plugging of test wells and irrigation wells within the NPGCD boundaries. Additionally, a copy... click here to read more!