Lost Pines GCD Passes Rules to Protect Local Wells and Strengthen Groundwater Management

The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District (LPGCD or District) Board of Directors (Board) passed several amendments to its rules at its October 15, 2025 Board Meeting. These changes reinforce the District’s commitment to protecting groundwater in Bastrop and Lee Counties.

One amendment expands exemptions for domestic and livestock wells. In the past, landowners with ten acres or more could qualify for an exempt well. Now, smaller properties may also qualify if their wells produce less than 25,000 gallons per day. The General Manager may approve or deny these requests or send them to the Board.

The District amended the permitting process for lower volume groundwater users as well. The General Manager may now approve, modify, or deny applications requesting up to 50 acre-feet of water per year, rather than sending each request to the Board. A permit holder may obtain up to two wells under this General Manager streamlined process, helping small producers save time and paperwork.

Another change keeps District rules consistent with House Bill 1633 (Gerdes), a new state law enacted by the Legislature during the 2025 Legislative Session. This law requires groundwater districts to consider how a proposed well might unreasonably affect nearby exempt wells. LPGCD’s updated rules now align with state law and add another layer of protection for all wells, permitted and exempt.

To give non-exempt well owners sufficient time to complete their projects, the District extended the deadline for completing a permitted well from 365 days to 545 days, with the option to request an additional extension if needed.

The District added a rule for voluntary permit surrender prior to expiration. Permitholders may do so by submitting a written request to the General Manager and paying any outstanding fees.

The District added a rule requiring landowners or drillers to visibly display their District-issued permit authorization at the drilling site from commencement to completion of drilling.This helps prevent unpermitted drilling, an issue the District recently encountered, and allows both staff and the public to easily verify that drilling is approved. Having accurate permit data helps the District make better management decisions and protect local aquifers for the future.

The Board approved a new Enforcement and Settlement Guidelines and Fee Schedule for violations. The schedule outlines possible settlement amounts for different enforcement matters.  Small matters, such as late reports or missed payments, carry smaller fines, while serious violations like groundwater waste, overproduction, or operating without a permit can result in higher penalties and daily fines. More complex cases will still go before the Board.

Finally, the District amended the procedure for rulemaking petition submission, petitions for new or amended rules must now be submitted between June 15 and July 15 each year. This consistent window makes it easier for residents to participate in the rulemaking process.

Together, these updates keep the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District’s rules consistent with state law and reflect the District’s ongoing commitment to sustainable groundwater management in Bastrop and Lee Counties.

For more information or to view the full list of rule changes, visit www.lostpineswater.org or call the District office at (512) 360-5088.

Lost Pines GCD Passes Rules to Protect Local Wells and Strengthen Groundwater Management

The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District (LPGCD or District) Board of Directors (Board) passed several updates to its rules at the October 15, 2025 board meeting. These changes make the District’s regulations easier to understand and stronger when it comes to protecting groundwater in Bastrop and Lee Counties.

One of the biggest updates expands exemptions for domestic and livestock wells. In the past, only landowners with ten acres or more could qualify for an exempt well. Now, smaller properties may also qualify if their wells produce less than 25,000 gallons per day. The General Manager can approve or deny these requests or send them to the Board for review. This gives small property owners access to groundwater while still keeping the proper checks in place.

The District also simplified the permitting process for small groundwater users. The General Manager can now approve, modify, or deny applications requesting up to 50 acre-feet of water per year, rather than sending every request to the Board. Each permit holder can have up to two wells under this streamlined process, helping small producers save time and paperwork.

Another important change brings the District’s rules in line with House Bill 1633 (Gerdes), a new state law passed by the Texas Legislature and signed by the Governor. This law requires groundwater districts to consider how a proposed well might unreasonably affect nearby exempt wells, along with existing groundwater and surface water resources and current permit holders. LPGCD’s updated rules now align with state law and add another layer of protection for all wells, permitted and exempt.

To give non-exempt well owners sufficient time to complete their projects, the District extended the deadline for finishing a permitted well from 365 days to 545 days, with the option to request an additional extension if needed.

For those who transport water outside the District, new rules now require meters at both the withdrawal and delivery points, along with monthly reporting to the District. Having meters at both locations helps identify potential leaks or water losses during transport. If the delivery meter shows less water than the withdrawal meter, it signals that water is being lost somewhere along the line. This not only improves the District’s tracking and management of groundwater use but also helps producers make sure their systems are working efficiently and that every gallon pumped is put to good use.

Another update gives landowners the option to voluntarily surrender a permit before it expires if they no longer need it. Submitting a written request and clearing any outstanding fees officially closes the permit, keeping District records clean and up to date.

A rule the District is especially proud of strengthens accountability during well construction. Landowners and drillers must now visibly display their District-issued permit authorization at the drilling site from start to finish. This helps prevent unpermitted drilling, an issue the District recently encountered, and allows both staff and the public to easily verify that drilling is approved. Having accurate permit data helps the District make better management decisions and protect local aquifers for the future.

The Board also approved a new Enforcement and Settlement Fee Schedule and formalized how the District handles violations. The General Manager can now settle certain cases directly using this schedule, which outlines fines for both minor and major issues. Small matters, such as late reports or missed payments, carry smaller fines, while serious violations like groundwater waste, overproduction, or operating without a permit can result in higher penalties and daily fines. More complex cases will still go before the Board.

Finally, the District set new guidelines for when the public can suggest rule changes. Petitions for new or amended rules must now be submitted between June 15 and July 15 each year. This consistent window makes it easier for residents to participate in the rulemaking process.

Together, these updates keep the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District’s rules current with state law, strengthen data accuracy and transparency, and promote fairness in groundwater management. They also reflect the District’s ongoing commitment to helping landowners understand and protect their shared groundwater resources.

For more information or to view the full list of rule changes, visit www.lostpineswater.org or call the District office at (512) 360-5088.

AgriLife’s New Landowners Program Coming to Lee County November 21

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host its upcoming New Landowners Program on Thursday, November 21, at the Lee County AgriLife Extension Office. This program is designed not only for those who are new to owning or managing rural property, but also for anyone looking to refresh their knowledge of land stewardship, management practices, and available resources.

The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District (LPGCD) will participate in the event, providing information on District programs that support landowners in Bastrop and Lee Counties. Attendees can learn about the Well Watch Program, Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Program, Agricultural Flow Meter Program, Groundwater Mitigation Program, and the Well Capping and Plugging Reimbursement Program. These initiatives help property owners manage their groundwater responsibly and make the most of their land and water resources.

The November session will focus on Pond and Wildlife Management. Participants will receive a binder full of publications and resources, take part in discussions with experts, network with other landowners, and have the opportunity to get their agriculture and natural resource questions answered.

Registration begins at 1:00 PM, with the program running from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Full enrollment for the 2025–2026 series is $125 per person or $200 per couple. Individual sessions are available for $30 per person, payable in advance or at the door.

For questions or to register, contact the Lee County AgriLife Extension Office at (979) 541-2753 or email lee@ag.tamu.edu.