3D model of Trinity Aquifer awaits final OK
A map of this area of the Trinity Aquifer could be rendered in three dimensions following the approval of an interlocal agreement among the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District and neighboring conservation districts. Courtesy image
The Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors approved the commission of a regional three-dimensional model of the Trinity Aquifer during its regular meeting on Friday, Feb. 17. The board approved an allocation of $15,000 toward the project in November 2022.
The district hopes the 3D model will help it manage groundwater in Burnet County, which is facing historically unprecedented low levels in recent years.
The project’s total cost of $110,000 will be paid for through an interlocal agreement with neighboring districts.
The Central Texas district is partnering with the Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District and the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District to commission the Trinity Aquifer model from LRE Water Consultation Services.
Once all three districts have given final approval, the model will be delivered within one year, according to the contract.
Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District General Manager Mitchell Sodek believes all districts will give the OK before the end of February.
“I think, for us, there is value in sharing our data that we are collecting and getting to join the other counties that are adjacent to us in getting a visualization tool that I think will greatly help, not only on the district level but on the GMA 8 level,” he said.
GMA 8 refers to Groundwater Management Area 8, which encompasses dozens of counties stretching from Burnet County to the Oklahoma border.
The portion of the Trinity Aquifer that will be modeled is drawn on by groundwater users in much of eastern Burnet County, western Williamson County, northwestern Travis County, and southwestern Bell County. All three districts represent groundwater management across these coverage areas.