A heated debate is unfolding in Bastrop County, Texas, centered around a controversial plan to store Austin's water beneath the county's aquifer. Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland stands firm in his opposition, arguing that the proposal crosses ethical boundaries and poses significant risks to Bastrop's water supply.
The plan, known as Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR), involves transporting treated surface water from Austin to Bastrop County and pumping it into the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. While Austin Water, the utility provider, assures that this method will protect the water from evaporation, Kirkland expresses concerns about potential contamination and the depletion of local wells.
"There's a real danger here," Kirkland warns. "By pumping treated water into the aquifer, we risk chemical reactions with the minerals present. This could lead to severe contamination, even poisoning. It's a gamble with our community's water security."
But here's where it gets controversial: Austin Water points to successful ASR projects in other Texas communities like El Paso, Kerrville, and San Antonio. Marisa Florez-Gonzalez, a supervisor at Austin Water, explains that the project has been carefully planned for years, with surveys identifying Bastrop and Lee counties as the best fit.
"The Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer's sandy composition means the water will stay close to where it's pumped," Florez-Gonzalez says. "It's a safe and effective storage solution."
However, Kirkland remains unconvinced. He believes the potential risks outweigh any benefits and questions the lack of transparency in the evaluation process.
"Austin Water has worked with other suppliers during this period, but it's unclear if the counties were informed," he says. "We need more than a 'static picture' of water quality."
And this is the part most people miss: the unique characteristics of the aquifers in Travis and Bastrop counties. The Edwards Aquifer beneath Travis County is primarily limestone caves, allowing water to flow freely. In contrast, the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer's sandy nature keeps water closer to its injection point.
Shay Ralls Roalson, director of Austin Water, emphasizes the importance of these aquifer characteristics for effective water storage and retrieval.
Before proceeding, Austin Water plans to conduct laboratory studies and a pilot program in Bastrop County. They will also explore land acquisition and easements, promising not to use eminent domain.
However, Kirkland highlights a potential loophole. While the City of Austin has vowed not to use eminent domain for this project, he believes future city councils may not be bound by this agreement.
"It makes you feel powerless," Kirkland says, referring to the possibility of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approving the project despite Bastrop's opposition.
Despite the city's rejection of the collaboration agreement, Austin Water may still move forward with the ASR project if TCEQ gives the green light.
So, what do you think? Is the ASR project a necessary step to secure water resources for future generations, or does it pose too great a risk to Bastrop's water supply? Weigh in and share your thoughts in the comments below!
