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Many years ago, during a veterinary mission to Haiti, I was amazed to witness the daily routine in the village where we worked. Early in the morning, villagers walked miles and miles to the stream to collect water. They carried huge jars, filled them with water and balanced them on the tops of their heads to head home.
This act required tremendous balance, as every drop of water lost on the trail would mean one less drop they could have to quench their thirst. Literally hours a day were spent chasing and transporting water. As a rancher, the availability of rain and water is a daily discussion, but watching this ordeal reinforced my understanding that water is the lifeblood of humanity and that the average American takes it for granted.
At home, many Americans are blessed to have water available. But what if, when we went to turn on our faucets, nothing came out? Not even a drop? It seems doubtful that this question would cross many people’s minds.
Yet in just recent years, water crises have hit states and cities across the country. From the polluted water of Flint, Michigan, to the severe western droughts that drained Lake Mead, and the floods that disrupted water systems in Jackson, Mississippi, it is clear that America is not immune to water crises. In order to keep local communities safe, it is imperative to be aware of the warning signs and solutions to water problems.
In Parker County, many residents rely on groundwater from the Upper Trinity Aquifer. Others, in much of western Parker County, have extremely limited groundwater and must rely on mineral well water (which comes from Palo Pinto Lake) or water from the Brazos River that has gone through a reverse osmosis (RO) system. The Walnut Creek Special Utility District relies on water from Bridgeport Lake.
For several years, Parker County has been among the top counties for drilling new wells. On average, counties drill fewer than 50 wells per year. In 2017, Parker drilled 600. In 2021, the county drilled 1,154; that number led the state by a significant margin. For perspective, the second-place county drilled 525 wells. In 2022, through September 30, the district had drilled 1,149 wells.
The Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District has been monitoring the situation since 2009. Not surprisingly, their work has shown that water is being used faster than it is being replenished. Their research shows that pumping affects water level fluctuations more than rainfall patterns.
During dry and hot summers, private well owners tend to water their lawns more than usual, which contributes to the drop in water levels. UTGCD recognizes the need for alternative water sources in Parker County and is funding a study for Parker and Wise counties; excessive reliance on groundwater is not sustainable.
In Palo Pinto County, efforts are underway to create a new reservoir, Turkey Peak. This project aims to double the water available for Palo Pinto Municipal Water District No. 1. This will reduce the district’s risk of water shortages, which is particularly relevant during drought conditions such as those seen last year. The project is slated to be completed no earlier than 2027, so between now and then Palo Pinto Lake will continue to be the county’s main water supply reservoir. However, a lake is only useful if there is an efficient water treatment plant. The Palo Pinto plant is 70 years old, requiring a major upgrade.
Last session, the Legislature proactively sought solutions to water shortages. Senate Bill 601 created the Texas Produced Water Consortium. The consortium’s diverse team of researchers concluded in their report that water produced from oil and gas operations can indeed be useful for use in industries such as agriculture and for other municipal needs. They predict the state could treat about two billion barrels of produced water annually.
In the upcoming legislative session, infrastructure will be a priority – and that includes water. I was recently invited to become an inaugural member of the Texas Water Board. The club will serve as an educational platform to inform fellow members about the most important water issues in our state, elevate water as a top policy priority, and support the next generation of water champions in the Texas Legislature.
As District 60’s population swells, it’s critical to stay ahead of potential water issues to ensure residents’ basic needs are met. Lawmakers are eager to continue exploring solutions and are ready to implement plans to protect one of life’s most basic elements – water.
Glenn Rogers is the representative for House District 60 in the Texas Legislature, which now includes Parker County.
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