Officials warn of recent declines in water levels; exploration and test‑well program proposed

Presenters showed water‑level records indicating a measurable decline at several monitored wells beginning in 2024–25 and said continued decline would force reduced pumping or redevelopment of affected wells. They compared the system to a long‑term drought and said groundwater responds slowly to recharge changes.

"For the 1st 3 years, we're seeing a pretty good use of the wells... but now since 2024, 25 we're starting to see about 20 foot decline in that pumping water levels," the Presenter said, noting that if the trend continued the county would need to reduce production and replace supply with under‑well sources or new wells.

The Presenter outlined the exploration process: desktop siting, geophysical surveys (electrical resistivity, magnetic), then 6‑inch test wells drilled to 500–600 feet where appropriate; if a test well is favorable it is upgraded to an 8‑inch production well. He cautioned the work takes time and money and estimated initial siting at about $130,000 and exploratory work and permitting in the mid‑hundreds of thousands.

Board members pressed about timing and contingency: a member asked whether wells can be rehabilitated instead of replaced, and the Presenter listed redevelopment techniques (acid, air sparge and mechanical methods) and said some wells may need redevelopment if mineralization restricts flow.