In the heart of Texas, a water war is brewing, pitting the City of Bastrop against Austin Water. The former's Mayor Pro Tem, John Kirkland, is vehemently opposed to a plan that could jeopardize his city's water supply.
But what's the controversial plan? Austin Water's proposal, known as Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR), aims to store treated surface water from Austin in the aquifer beneath Bastrop County. This method, they claim, will protect the water from evaporation.
Here's where it gets tricky: Kirkland argues that the project poses a significant risk to Bastrop's water supply. He fears that pumping treated water into the aquifer could deplete nearby wells and lead to severe contamination. The treated water, he warns, might react with minerals in the aquifer, potentially causing poisoning.
However, Austin Water's team sees things differently. They assure that ASR is a proven method, successfully implemented in other Texas communities like El Paso, Kerrville, and San Antonio. The project has been in the works for years, and Bastrop County, along with Lee and Travis Counties, was deemed ideal due to its sand-based Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer.
And this is the part most people miss: The aquifer's composition is key. In Bastrop, the sand keeps the pumped water relatively contained, while the limestone caves in Travis County's Edwards Aquifer allow water to flow freely.
The ASR process creates a bubble of treated water, with a thin outer layer mixing with local water. Before the project begins, Austin Water will conduct thorough testing, including drilling test wells and laboratory examinations. However, Kirkland believes this only provides a snapshot of water quality.
The project's future is uncertain. Austin Water plans to start small with a pilot program in Bastrop County, but they face challenges. Building the necessary pipeline requires significant land, and while the City of Austin vows not to use eminent domain, the agreement may not hold for future city councils.
A twist in the tale: During the October 14 City Council meeting, Austin Water sought a collaboration agreement with Bastrop, but the city declined. However, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) holds the ultimate permitting power, rendering Bastrop's opinion potentially irrelevant.
So, is this a necessary water conservation strategy or a risky gamble? The debate continues, leaving many wondering about the fate of Bastrop's water supply and the potential consequences of this controversial plan.
