Greenbelt Municipal Water Authority continues to investigate acquiring new sources of water following the regular meeting of the Greenbelt board last Thursday, February 16.
The authority is looking at two sources that could supplement the dwindling supply in the Greenbelt Reservoir. The first is a location downstream from the reservoir’s dam, and the second is a series of wells formerly used by the City of Clarendon.
The authority’s general manager, Bobbie Kidd, told the board that Greenbelt had gotten into four of the city’s wells since the board’s January meeting.
“All we know for sure is that there is water there, but we don’t know the quantity of water or condition of the casing,” Kidd said.
Last month, the Clarendon Board of Aldermen approved a resolution allowing Greenbelt access to its former wells, which haven’t been used in more than 40 years. Greenbelt then had geologist Raymond Brady examine the wells.
Kidd said three city wells were identified as possibly being suitable for development. Greenbelt’s next steps will be to put a camera down the wells to inspect the casing and to test pump the wells.
If Greenbelt choses to develop the Clarendon wells and construct a pipeline back to its filter plant, the city would be compensated for the water. Greenbelt Chairman Don Welch of Crowell asked about the cost of the city’s water, and Kidd said an engineer would be able to set a cost for the water.
Clarendon’s Greenbelt representative Gary Campbell said he felt that supplying water was the most important issue.
“The important thing is that all five of our cities need water now,” Campbell said.
Kidd said the studying of the well casings and test pumping should be completed before the Greenbelt board meets next month.
I am wondering if I am the only one in Clarendon that is worried about Greenbelt Water Authority sucking all the water out from under Clarendon? Why on earth would our city allow our water rights to be given to GWA and sold on down the line? What happens when Greenbelt Lake does go dry? Our wells would then be depleted and goodbye Clarendon!!!! Personally I don’t want to move, I love our little town. This should be something every citizen should have a right to vote on, not just a few. If we have no water in Clarendon there goes the property values, who could sell their property then??? Stuck here with NO water????? People with water wells in Clarendon better look out too, where do you think that water comes from? Ohhh the city sold your water too………
Its easy to blame the GWA Broncofan. Next time you drive by and see a water sprinkler turned on during the heat of the day or watering the pavement (CISD) knock on their door and tell them how you feel. I agree with you, wouldnt be much left of that small little town without water. So, next time you need a shower think about those wells.
P.s.
If its yellow let in mellow, if its brown flush it down.