Drilling variances granted by Groundwater District
Submitted by jcht2010 on
The Texana Groundwater Board of Directors met on July 16, and discussed recent guidelines set in place that require 50 feet of cement casing for new water wells, five times more than was previously on the books.
The board took questions and listened to points made by drillers and citizens regarding how much cement casing was necessary, and what kinds of variances should be allowed, depending on what type of well was being drilled.
Board members promised to find a solution that was acceptable for drillers, customers, and the groundwater district alike, while drillers proposed situations where 50 feet of cement would be necessary, and others when it would not.
Keeping in mind their common goal of protecting the integrity of the wells, which in turn protects the aquifer, the board tossed around ideas and took suggestions on variances and waivers, in response to questions about how expensive is too expensive, before would-be customers started relying on illegal means to drill wells they couldn’t otherwise afford.
The board granted several variances of completion, which would allow drillers to complete wells with rubber factory formation packers and 10 feet of cement, which has been the way wells have been dug in the recent past.
Board members said they would consider adding more exemptions and variances into the rules to allow for those wells that may not need 50 feet of casing, and said it would be voted on after they had consulted their advisory council on the matter.
Rate this article:
- Log in to post comments
