Recent rains, floods spur SUWCD's aid in water testing
By MAT TAYLOR Special Correspondent

Saratoga Underground Water Conservation District directors last week agreed to co-sponsor a Rural Water Well-Screening Program to be conducted by the Lampasas County Texas Cooperative Extension Service. The program will be Oct. 23-24.

Jason Byrd, county Extension agent, told directors that due to recent heavy rains and flooding, the potential for wells to become contaminated is greater than ever.

"Well owners will be given the opportunity to bring in samples from their wells to be analyzed for the presence of fecal coli from bacteria, nitrates and salinity," Byrd said. "The results will be discussed at an educational program, providing information on well-head protection, water quality and steps to improve the quality of their water."

Byrd said testing would cost $5 per sample, which is less than half the normal cost. All samples need to be turned in by noon Oct. 23. "I would like to utilize the county's volunteer fire departments as collection points for well owners to drop off their water samples."

The educational program is set Oct. 24 at the Lampasas County Office Building. Time for the program will be announced later.

Instructions for collecting a water sample can be picked up at the county Extension office. Byrd recommended using a sterilized plastic baby bottle to hold the sample, and the sample should be taken within 24 hours of bringing it to the collection point.

A similar well-testing program was held several years ago, and more than 60 wells were tested at that time, the county agent added.

Byrd said specific times and collection points would be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Several directors volunteered to assist with the water-testing program. The county agent also said that persons who have their well water tested and cannot attend the educational program may pick up the results at the county Extension office.

In other business, Board Chairman David Hamilton reviewed the recent Groundwater Management Area 8 meeting. He said discussions were held on issues relating to the development of Desired Future Conditions and Managed Available Groundwater for the major and minor aquifers within the GMA 8 boundary.

Hamilton said the local water district is charged with developing data for the Trinity Aquifer in Lampasas County. Texas Water Development Board data indicates about 2,145 acre-feet of water is available in the aquifer each year.

Also according to TWDB historical groundwater data, 1,146 acre-feet was pumped in 1980. Use dropped, however, to 605 acre-feet in 2003.

Directors said one reason for the drop might be that more rural homes are connected to rural water supply corporations.

The Saratoga Underground Water Conservation District, along with other groundwater conservation districts, has until December to submit DFC and MAG to the Texas Water Development Board to be included in the next State Water Plan.

Hamilton said after the data is submitted, the district will have to develop procedures that would trigger conservation measures in the case of a severe drought or falling water tables.