Title
Receive report from EAA staff regarding the possible implementation of a groundwater management zone for Jacob's Well in western Hays County.
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDED MOTION:
None. This item is for informational purposes only.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the Research & Technology Committee to receive a report from EAA staff regarding the Aquifer Science and Research Program. During the past year, Dr. Marcus Gary has chaired a technical committee of five scientists who, at the request of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, developed and published a report that evaluates the possible implementation of a groundwater management zone for Jacob’s Well in western Hays County. From the report:
“Successful implementation of a Jacob’s Well Groundwater Management Zone is based on both technical analyses and input from affected groundwater resource stakeholders in western Hays County. As part of the process the District undertook to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a Jacob’s Well Groundwater Management Zone, two committees were formed in 2018, a Scientific Technical Committee and a Stakeholder Advisory Committee. Whereas the roles of these two committees are clearly unique, they both worked in parallel to produce the recommendations provided to the District.”
Jacob’s Well and the portion of the Middle Trinity aquifer evaluated in this report provide all the base flow to the Blanco River reach that recharges the Edwards Aquifer. Dr. Gary will present highlights of this report to the committee at the August 27 meeting.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
This agenda item supports the EAA's policy direction as set forth in the EAA 2016-20 Strategic Plan: Goal E. Conduct Research that Enhances Understanding and Effective Management of the Aquifer.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.