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Bee County resident urges limits on commercial well drilling amid local water shortages
Summary
A Precinct 2 resident told commissioners a nearby commercial well proposed to supply drilling mud could pump an estimated 13,000 gallons per day and threaten roughly 16 nearby domestic wells; the judge advised contacting the county Groundwater Conservation District.
A Pettus resident asked Bee County commissioners to consider temporary restrictions on commercial water‑well drilling as the county continues to grapple with a broader water emergency.
Taylor Tomlin, who identified himself as a Pettus and CBC graduate and a 27‑year resident of Precinct 2, said a commercial well expected to be drilled within a quarter‑mile of his property could lower groundwater levels for at least 16 neighboring residential and commercial wells. “This well is predicted to pump 13,000 gallons a day,” Tomlin said, adding that his family uses about 300 gallons per day and that he could be forced to drill an additional 400 feet deeper at a cost he cannot afford.
Tomlin asked commissioners to consider restrictions on commercial drilling while the water emergency continues. The county judge advised him to contact the Bee County Groundwater Conservation District — which the judge said administers well permitting in the county — and offered to exchange contact information after the meeting.
Commissioners did not vote on policy changes at the session. The discussion ended with an offer from Tomlin to provide follow‑up contact information and a recommendation that residents pursue regulatory remedies through the Groundwater Conservation District.
