We at the Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association (TESPA) are dismayed and disheartened that Governor Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 1253. In the Wimberley Valley, we all rely on groundwater. Unlike places like Austin, we don’t have access to surface water from the highland lakes. Groundwater districts are the sole source of protection and proper distribution of groundwater. They protect the water coming from our wells. And they can protect the water coming out of our springs. Unfortunately, our district, the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, has been hobbled from the start. Special interests tied its funding to new construction, the very opposite of how a district should be funded. Most groundwater districts, including our neighboring BSEACD, have used and are currently funded through production fees for commercial wells. That’s what Senate Bill 1253 would have provided for HTGCD.
Governor Abbott appears to have succumbed to misinformation, disinformation, and fears peddled by opponents of the bill. That is at best unfortunate.
2027 will come, and the legislature will convene again. If we have not found a way to adequately fund the Hays Trinity Groundwater Control District before then, we’ll suit up and try again. Until then, we appreciate Senator Charles Perry’s and House Representative Erin Zweiner’s hardfought efforts to pass SB 1253, as amended. And thanks to so many in the valley who called and emailed so many elected officials, so many times. We know how frustrating democracy can be. It still beats all alternatives.
This is a fight for our grandkids and beyond. As Representative Isaac likes to say, water is life. We agree. Without a financially viable groundwater district, commercial water providers can and will keep on overpumping and flouting the district’s rules, despite drought.
Fights over water are not new. And they go well beyond our valley. TESPA will continue to fight to keep our springs, creeks, and rivers clean and flowing. That requires a healthy aquifer. We appreciate all of you who have supported, and continue to support us. https:// www.tespatexas.org/ The aquifer crisis is no longer speculative or in the distant future. Water is the issue of our time.
Andrew Weber, President, TESPA
