Strategic Plan Review

AQUIFER MANAGEMENT & PROTECTION

TCEQ Recharge Dam Amendment Process As we seek to engage and collaborate with other agencies as partners in our mission to optimize the quantity and quality of water in the aquifer, ensuring integrity of our own existing programs is imperative to building trust and buy-in. In this regard, we have initiated the process for seeking amendments to our existing diversion permits associated with our four recharge structures to ensure future compliance with state required limitations. We have completed the technical analysis necessary and are now visiting with interested parties involved in the process (surface water rights/downstream users). We intend to file an application to amend our permits with TCEQ by the end of year. Water Quality Task Force Update In our effort to streamline and effectuate more effective water quality protection programming, we have identified a cross-functional approach within our agency to develop and implement new solutions. This is a cross-functional approach is made up of multiple teams who work collaboratively to assess and propose solutions for water quality issues relating to the recharge and contributing zones and to address areas affected by potential abandoned well hazards. For example, the facilities storage/tanks team has initiated a process using GIS layering and identifying facilities that store regulated substances with older GIS layers of sensitive features (adding contours and drainage patterns) to more directly pinpoint areas of concern and risk for appropriate preparedness and education. This mapping process will help provide understanding during the facilities registration process and give justification for our protocols. It also helps us prioritize risks of recharge zone facilities and abandoned wells accordingly. One tar- get user group, first responders, can benefit when using this information to help make them aware of the regulated substances stored on the recharge zone so they can make appropriate decisions regarding firefighting activities with the potential to impact the water quality of the aquifer ( slide 8 ).

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