Free Water Testing and Well Owner Workshop Coming February 2 & 3

Private well owners in Bastrop and Lee Counties are invited to participate in a Texas Well Owners Network (TWON) Water Testing and Workshop event hosted by the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District in collaboration with Lee County AgriLife Extension, Bastrop County AgriLife Extension, and the Middle Yegua Creek Watershed Protection Working Group.

This two-day event offers free well water quality testing followed by educational workshops designed to help private well owners better understand their wells and protect their groundwater.

On Monday, February 2, 2026, well owners may drop off water samples between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at either the Bastrop County AgriLife Extension Office or the Lee County AgriLife Extension Office. Submitted samples will be analyzed for common water quality indicators, giving participants valuable insight into the condition of their well water

Educational TWON workshops will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with two opportunities to attend:

• 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Bastrop County AgriLife Extension
• 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lee County AgriLife Extension

During the workshops, participants will learn how to interpret their water test results, understand common groundwater and well issues in the region, and explore best practices for well maintenance and water protection.

Whether you have relied on a private well for decades or are a new well owner, this event offers practical information you can use right away to protect your health and your water supply.

Event Locations

• Bastrop County AgriLife Extension: 15 American Legion Dr., Suite 109, Bastrop
• Lee County AgriLife Extension: 310 S. Grimes St., Giddings

Who Should Attend:  Private well owners in Bastrop and Lee Counties

Cost: FREE

For more information contact Claire Marks, cmarks@lostpineswater.org or (512) 360-5088.

Free Water Testing and Well Owner Workshop Coming February 2 & 3

The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District (LPGCD), in collaboration with Lee County AgriLife Extension, Bastrop County AgriLife Extension, and the Middle Yegua Creek Watershed Protection Working Group, will host a Texas Well Owners Network (TWON) Water Testing & Workshop event February 2 & 3 to help private well owners better understand and protect their well water.

On Monday, February 2, 2026, residents may drop off water samples between 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM at either Bastrop County AgriLife Extension or Lee County AgriLife Extension. Samples will be analyzed for common water quality indicators, providing participants with valuable insight into the condition of their well water. For more information on how to collect a water sample please email cmarks@lostpineswater.org.

Educational workshops will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with two opportunities to attend:

• 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Bastrop County AgriLife Extension
• 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Lee County AgriLife Extension

During the workshops, experts will explain how to interpret water test results, discuss common groundwater concerns in Bastrop and Lee Counties, and share best practices for maintaining private wells. The Lee County workshop will also cover information on maintaining septic systems.

Event locations include:

• Lee County AgriLife Extension, 310 S. Grimes St., Giddings
• Bastrop County AgriLife Extension, 15 American Legion Dr., Suite 109, Bastrop

Introducing Interim General Manager Elvis Hernandez

The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District is pleased to announce that Elvis Hernandez has stepped into the role of Interim General Manager as of July 17th, 2025.

Elvis brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and technical expertise to the position. He holds both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University and spent over three decades in the engineering field. His career includes 12 years at Bell Labs, where he contributed to groundbreaking research, followed by 20 years at Cisco Systems, specializing in advanced network troubleshooting, management, and monitoring.

After a distinguished career in technology, Elvis transitioned to public service with a deep commitment to local water issues. He joined the Lost Pines GCD as Treasurer/Secretary and has served as Board President for the past two and a half years. Now, as Interim General Manager, he is focused on guiding the District’s mission to protect and manage groundwater resources through science-based policies and community engagement.

Please join us in welcoming Elvis into this new leadership role!