Board postpones two conservation areas in Donley

WHITE DEER – Donley County groundwater conservation areas C-15-1 and C-15-2 were major topics of discussion when the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors held their monthly meeting on Wednesday, September, 23, at the District’s office.

Many representatives from Donley County were present to address the Board with concerns about turning the Study Areas into Conservation Areas, areas in which the Board could implement more intense monitoring and additional conversation, which could include restrictions on water pumpage.

C.E. Williams, General Manager of the District began with a presentation showing the decline rate and use of water in the areas over the past several years. The two areas of concern have steadily been declining over the acceptable rate since 2007. Representatives were given the opportunity to address the Board members regarding the issue.

One representative said he knows how hard they have been pumping their wells over the last several years, but he urged the Board to hold off until after the results of the 2016 winter water level measurements. The District takes measurements in the wintertime, usually in a period when producers are not pumping, to receive more accurate measurements of the static water level, which is a representation of what the well produces.

Another issue concerning the representatives was the meters used on the wells. A few of the representatives believe the meters do not always provide accurate readings. Williams said if there is ever a problem with a meter the District needs to be notified immediately where corrective action can be taken.

“These are the type of things we need to know, and we won’t know about these issues unless you tell our technicians or call the office to inform us. We also want you to know, you are welcome to accompany our technicians while they check the meters on your wells or observe well level measurements. All you need to do is let us know in advance.”

Williams also reminded that meters are required on all wells in a Study Area, not just these areas in Donley County, but all counties currently in Study Areas. The Districts’ meters are the most cost effective method we have identified for those who are required to use them, but those producers are allowed to purchase their own meters if they feel the Districts’ is not sufficiently accurate. Ultimately, the Board decided against sending these areas to a public formal hearing, the next step in the Conservation Area process, and the meeting was adjourned.