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

Catch the Rain: Join Us on February 28 for Rainwater Harvesting 101

On Saturday, February 28 from 10 AM to 12 PM, the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District is collaborating with Aqua Water Supply Corporation and the Bastrop County Master Gardeners to host a Rainwater Harvesting 101 Workshop.

This free, in-person workshop is designed for beginners and curious homeowners alike. Attendees will learn the benefits of rainwater harvesting, basic system design, installation considerations, routine maintenance, and which water-wise plants can help your garden thrive while conserving water. Whether you are thinking about installing your first rain barrel or planning a larger storage system, this class provides a solid foundation.

The workshop will be held at Aqua Water Supply Corporation’s Annex Building, located at 415 Old Austin Highway, Bastrop, TX 78602. Space is limited, and RSVPs are required. To reserve a spot, please call (512) 360-5088 no later than 5:00 PM on Thursday, February 26.

Catching rainwater is one way local landowners can reduce demand on our groundwater resources while keeping their home and yard in top shape. We hope you’ll join us and learn how rainwater harvesting can work for you. 

Student Art Contest Now Open: Lost Pines Runs on Water

The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District is excited to announce that our annual Student Art Contest is now open, and we invite students across Bastrop and Lee Counties to take part.

This year’s theme, Lost Pines Runs on Water, encourages students to explore and illustrate how water supports everyday life in their community. From homes and schools to farms, parks, businesses, and wildlife, water has value in all of our lives and this contest invites students to show that connection through their own creativity.

The contest is open to students in grades K–12, including those enrolled in public, private, charter, and homeschool programs within District boundaries. Artwork must be original, made by hand, and each student may submit one entry.

Entries must be submitted using the Official Entry Form, and completed artwork should be delivered to the student’s school front office no later than March 31. Submissions will be judged anonymously based on composition, originality, relevance to the theme, and overall visual impact.

Winning students will receive cash prizes in each grade category:

• First Place: $100
• Second Place: $75
• Third Place: $50
• Honorable Mention: $25

Grade Categories:

• Category 1: K-3
• Category 2: 4-6
• Category 3: 7-12

In addition, the teacher of each winning student will receive $50 for classroom use as a thank-you for supporting student participation.

Winners will be announced in early April, and awards will be distributed later in the month. Full contest rules, instructions, and the official entry form are on our website: Student Art Contest Webpage.

We look forward to seeing how students across our community creatively show that Lost Pines truly runs on water.

For more information please call (512) 360-5088 or email cmarks@lostpineswater.org.