CONTRIBUTED BY PECAN VALLEY GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
The Pecan Valley Groundwater Conservation District (PVGCD) contracted Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc. to conduct a groundwater sampling program in DeWitt County. This project collected groundwater samples from 137 wells throughout DeWitt County over a three-year period (2022-2024) to assess groundwater chemical composition and potential environmental impacts to aquifers, and to provide a water quality baseline for aquifers of the county.
Groundwater quality samples were analyzed and divided into three analytical suites depending upon the well location. The three analytical suites were: 1) general water quality; 2) hydraulic fracturing; and 3) uranium mining. All wells were sampled with the general water quality suite; while some wells had the hydraulic fracturing or uranium mining suite added to the testing.
Most of the groundwater tested was fresh, with only 13 wells indicating TDS concentrations of 1,000 mg/L. Levels of 1,000 mg/L or greater for TDS is not a healthbased standard, but is related to aesthetic issues. There were no other trends evident in any of the other general water quality parameters.
Results from the current study, as compared to a prior county- wide evaluation of groundwater quality completed in 2018, also by Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc., showed there did not appear to be any noticeable trends in basic groundwater quality across DeWitt County, and no concerning impacts from hydraulic fracturing or uranium mining. Overall, the study results indicate that current groundwater quality is similar to that observed in the 2018 study and earlier studies by state agencies. The final report is available for viewing at the District office.
The Board of Directors and the District staff greatly appreciate the well owners who participated in this project. Without well owners’ participation, this project would have not been possible.
