Engineer Teresa presents groundwater availability report for new subdivision lots

The Walker County Commissioners Court held a regular session on June 16, 2025, where significant discussions centered on groundwater availability for a proposed subdivision. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding the impact of new developments on local water resources, particularly in relation to existing wells in the area.

During the session, Teresa, an engineer from LRE, presented a groundwater availability report for a subdivision that includes 21 lots. She explained that the report assessed the potential drawdown of the Gulf Coast aquifer, which would supply water to the new development. According to her analysis, there would be approximately 20 feet of drawdown over 30 years, with 80% of artesian pressure remaining after that period. This suggests that there is sufficient water available for the subdivision, even under worst-case pumping scenarios.

However, some commissioners expressed concerns about the sustainability of water resources, particularly for existing residents who rely on their wells. Questions were raised about the depth at which new wells would be drilled, with recommendations suggesting a minimum depth of 434 feet to access the Gulf Coast aquifer. Commissioners worried that developers might not adhere to these recommendations, potentially leading to water shortages for long-standing residents.

The discussion underscored the tension between development and resource management, as officials grappled with ensuring adequate water supply while protecting the interests of current residents. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the implications of the proposed subdivision and the necessity of enforcing recommended drilling depths to safeguard local water availability.