Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District field tech Johnny Wells reported during the January MTGCD meeting Thursday, Jan. 4 that the district is now monitoring 12 wells around Selden following concerns raised during the December board meeting.
More than 50 were in attendance in December with many claiming that a sand excavation site in their community was digging into the water table and letting groundwater run out of the area, leading to dropping groundwater and loss of water pressure for well owners.
Wells said they will be performing regular checkups so property owners have good information in dealing with the issue.
Wells also reported providing 11 water quality tests in December with two Bosque wells high in total dissolved solids.
Public Education/ Outreach Director Stephanie Keith polled the directors on when they would like a ribbon cutting with the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce for the outdoor class/riparian zone. Directors opted for May 2 at 4 p.m. after the board meeting with tours planned from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Keith also reported that she is working on a guest policy to help deal with modern privacy concerns such as photo sharing on social media and is talking with other education directors on how they manage policies. She also responded that she has been considering maintenance of facilities as classes and groups go through. (The policy will also include no smoking/ vaping/alcohol or pets other than service animals.)
MTGCD board members unanimously voted to continue budgeting $2,500 for the 4-H water ambassador program, which allows them to sponsor kids in their district (Erath, Comanche, Bosque, Coryell) to attend educational sites and share information with the local area. Keith reported they expect two ambassadors from Coryell to be involved this year.
MTGCD General Manager Patrick Wagner reported the district was slightly dry under the Palmer Drought Severity Index and the soil was favorably moist under the crop moisture index.
MTGCD was established to conserve, preserve, and protect the quality and quantity of groundwater resources for the citizens of Bosque, Comanche, Coryell, and Erath Counties. For more information, visit middletrinitygcd.org.