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Bryan discusses groundwater interlocal agreement and aquifer storage plan as part of regional study
Summary
City staff described an interlocal agreement with Texas A&M and the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District to share an economic-impact study of water-export risk and noted progress on aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) wells and drilling to support future growth.
City water staff told the Bryan City Council on Nov. 11 that the city is participating in an interlocal agreement with Texas A&M and the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District to share the cost and data for an economic and social study of potential water exports and regional impacts.
"We currently hold about 48,000 acre-feet of water permits," Dr. Jason Bartnick said, describing the city's existing permitted allocation and ongoing drilling and rehabilitation of wells. Bartnick said the study — led by the Groundwater Conservation District with participation from Bryan, College Station and Texas A&M — will assess economic impacts if the region loses access to local groundwater and must import water.
Bartnick also described aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) wells the city is installing to store water underground for later use, and noted this ASR work is part of a 50-year planning horizon. Council members thanked staff for collaborating with regional partners and noted that the district has a curtailment rule that could require pumping reductions as desired future conditions are approached.
What happens next: The study will proceed with shared costs and participation by regional entities; staff will continue to monitor permitting, drilling and system upgrades. Council approved consent items that included associated agreements.
Sources and attribution: Dr. Jason Bartnick's presentation and council discussion during the Nov. 11 meeting.
