www.simsborowaterdefensefund.org 512-545-4779
SAWDF Update – September 8, 2025
Learn more about Aquifer Storage & Recovery [ASR] at Austin Water Open Houses
Austin Water is holding Open Houses around Bastrop County to introduce their proposal to store surplus treated drinking water in a portion of the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer approximately 3-miles south of Paige, Tx. See the attached PDF document for details. SAWDF urges those property owners in the project’s target area to take advantage of Office Hours where you can sit one-on-one with Austin Water to explore your questions and concerns. There is no immediate risk to property owners or the aquifer. This is an opportunity to make contact with Austin Water and begin an ongoing dialogue that addresses your concerns— ask the hard questions and Austin Water has to wrestle with the hard answers.
September 15th Public Meeting on Wastewater Permit
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality [TCEQ] will hold a public meeting on a proposed expansion of the Camp Swift Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.
September 15, 2025 / 7PM
Kerr Community Center / 1308 Walnut Street / Bastrop, TX 78602
Submit comments online at: https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/
Enter the permit number: WQ0013548001
*** See SAWDF comments to TCEQ on Utilities Inc of Texas wastewater permit.
The Colorado River is intimately connected to the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer in Bastrop County. This is where the river slices open the recharge area of the aquifer. Currently, the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer contributes water to the Colorado River. However, this relationship may change by the year 2060, due to large-scale pumping in the lower portions of the aquifer. At that time, the aquifer’s natural recharge will not be able to keep up with pumping and the aquifer may begin drawing water from the river. High levels of contaminants in the Colorado River increases the chances of permanently contaminating the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer which provides the drinking water for every residence, business, and school in Bastrop County. Reducing contaminants, now, will reduce chances of a catastrophe in the future.
SAWDF has submitted comments to TECQ urging Utilities, Inc. of Texas to maintain the total permitted daily volume of phosphates and nitrates/nitrites at current volumes. The utility is installing new membrane technology treatment systems that are capable of achieving this goal. Voluntary compliance will avoid a costly, prolonged contested case and honor the utility’s mission statement; “to deliver clean, safe and reliable water and wastewater services that protect public health, support our communities, and sustain our natural resources.”
[https://www.myutility.us/corixtexas/mission-values]
Large-scale East Texas Groundwater Project Prompts Legislative Discussion
A proposal to pump up to 49,000 acre-feet per year from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer in Henderson, Anderson, & Houston counties prompted a major hearing and proposed legislation during the recent special sessions of the Texas Legislature. The project is located in Rep. Cody Harris’ district, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee [HNRC]. Chairman Harris convened a special hearing on July 15 to discuss groundwater law and details of the project. The hearing lasted 11 hours! Senator Perry, chairman of the Senate committee on Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs attended and asked many engaging questions. Legislators were not afraid to question Texas water law, including the “rule of capture.” [view the hearing at: https://house.texas.gov/videos/22370]
Rep. Harris convinced Governor Abbott to add groundwater to the agenda of the second special session. Chairman Harris’ proposed legislation, to study the amount of groundwater that could be produced [in perpetuity] in Neches & Trinity Valleys GCD, passed both chambers with amendments. However, the session ended before a final bill was passed. If the Governor convenes a third special session, we expect groundwater will be on the agenda.
SAWDF’s take-away is that next year’s interim hearings by the legislature will open pandora’s box of water law and joint planning, including a discussion of the “rule of capture,” limits on exports, and sustainable production of groundwater. Both committee chairs have demonstrated their commitment to conserving and preserving our state’s aquifers. They will need your input and support to tackle these topics. SAWDF will let you know ASAP when hearings and agendas are posted.
Meetings of Interest: [in person or online, see agenda for links]
Austin Water Open Houses & Office Hours [https://www.speakupaustin.org/asr]
POSGCD Board Meeting; September 9, 2025, 5:30pm, 310 East Avenue C, Milano, TX
BVGCD Board Meeting; September 11, 2025, 2PM, 112 W. 3rd Street, Hearne, TX
LPGCD Board Meeting; September 17, 3:30pm; 317 E Hempstead Street; Giddings, TX
Thank you for all your support.
The SAWDF Team