Concerns about the Water Supply at the Flying L
There has been much conversation about our water supply, especially since the residents are under strict water restrictions and we see the golf course watering around the clock. We have a good water supply however it is not unlimited, and we need to protect it. There are reasons to be concerned and below are some facts to come up with a plan to insure water in the future.
The Flying L gets its water from the Trinty Aquifer, which is huge but more specifically, the pocket within the Trinity supplying us is called the Middle Trinity. There are 2 wells that supply water for the residents and the resort has its own wells used to water the golf course. The city of Bandera also has one well in the Middle Trinity but long-range plans for the city suggest they are planning 2 more wells in the Middle Trinity. The golf course uses effluent from our sewer plant to water, but this accounts for only about 10% of the water they use. They also catch run off water when it rains, but that too is very small. So, the vast amount of water being used on the golf course comes from the same source as that of the residents.
The Flying L gets its water from the Trinty Aquifer, which is huge but more specifically, the pocket within the Trinity supplying us is called the Middle Trinity. There are 2 wells that supply water for the residents and the resort has its own wells used to water the golf course. The city of Bandera also has one well in the Middle Trinity but long-range plans for the city suggest they are planning 2 more wells in the Middle Trinity. The golf course uses effluent from our sewer plant to water, but this accounts for only about 10% of the water they use. They also catch run off water when it rains, but that too is very small. So, the vast amount of water being used on the golf course comes from the same source as that of the residents.
The State of our Water Supply
At the end of June this year, the level of water in the aquifer was close to historic lows. In 2015, the water was the lowest we have on record, and it is only 6’ above that level now. It did rain after the 2015 readings and the aquifer recovered. The difference now is the golf course has added almost 1000 additional sprinkler heads and very powerful pumps to keep the course green.
We had excellent rain fall in the Spring of this year and normally this would have brought the level of the aquifer up but what has happened, the aquifer has dropped by 55’ in May and June. Last summer, we saw a 75’ drop in the water level. The aquifer keeps trying to recover, but it cannot keep up. The pumps in the PUD wells are in about 100’ of water and can be lowered, but the quality of the water deteriorates the lower we go.
Based on last year’s numbers, the residents are using about a third as much water as the golf course. The residents are doing their part to conserve, you can tell by the brown lawns through out the community.
We had excellent rain fall in the Spring of this year and normally this would have brought the level of the aquifer up but what has happened, the aquifer has dropped by 55’ in May and June. Last summer, we saw a 75’ drop in the water level. The aquifer keeps trying to recover, but it cannot keep up. The pumps in the PUD wells are in about 100’ of water and can be lowered, but the quality of the water deteriorates the lower we go.
Based on last year’s numbers, the residents are using about a third as much water as the golf course. The residents are doing their part to conserve, you can tell by the brown lawns through out the community.
A Few Facts about the wells on the Golf Course
The golf course has several wells used to pumps water from the same source as the PUD wells used for the residents. The golf course has a permit from the state to pump 300-acre feet of water a year which is the equivalent of putting 2’ of water over the entire golf course. To put this into perspective, this is very close to the amount of water used by the entire city of Bandera last year. The golf course only used about a third of their permitted amount last year and it appears they are using more this year. So, if they are only using a third of their permit and we see our aquifer going down, what would happen if they used what they are permitted?
What do We Do
The Stevens have done a marvelous job with the resort, and we can certainly understand their desire to have the course as green and beautiful as possible. The residents have just as big an investment, relatively speaking, and there needs to be restrictions shared by all. The PUD has been in communication with the City of Bandera to bring effluent from the city to the Flying L to supplement the water used on the golf course, but talks have stalled and not going anywhere. The only recourse for permit restrictions is the Bandera County River Authority and Ground Water District (BCRAGD). They are the agency, representing the State, here in Bandera County who issues permits and sets restrictions on water usage.
You can file a formal complaint using this link at BCRAGD website. It is for all types of concerns.https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUUzyw4P_3jeFAENCBD1y1uAnYfg0eekfpM2BjbKdFkk5BOw/viewform
Also, the BCRAGD has a board meeting where you can voice your concerns next Thursday, July 18th at 10 am at their office. BCRAGD Office, 440 Fm 3240Bandera, TX 78003
Google map address https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=440+Fm+3240+Bandera+TX+78003
You can file a formal complaint using this link at BCRAGD website. It is for all types of concerns.https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUUzyw4P_3jeFAENCBD1y1uAnYfg0eekfpM2BjbKdFkk5BOw/viewform
Also, the BCRAGD has a board meeting where you can voice your concerns next Thursday, July 18th at 10 am at their office. BCRAGD Office, 440 Fm 3240Bandera, TX 78003
Google map address https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=440+Fm+3240+Bandera+TX+78003
Remember, BCRAGD is our partner, and we need to remain respectful. Working together, we can protect our water source for years to come