Opinion: Protect Our Water

Protect Our Water (POW) made an important decision to settle with the City of Dripping Springs on their application for a wastewater discharge permit. Given the choice to continue the legal battle or forge an agreement that incorporated and addressed many of our concerns, we chose the latter – and we’re proud to have an agreement that provides additional protections, provides oversight and allows a path forward for collective, collaborative effort.

POW was formed over two (2) years ago in response to the City of Dripping Springs applying for a permit to discharge up to 995,000 gallons/day of treated sewage into Onion Creek because we had grave concerns about impacts to public health (groundwater), preserving natural resources and growing responsibly. Our organization is comprised of local residents that have done much to impact and influence how the permit will ultimately be put into place. For example, POW successfully petitioned the US EPA to evaluate the permit (and EPA required more stringent treatment as a result), POW participated in studies to confirm the existence of federally endangered salamanders in Onion Creek (not known to exist outside of Barton Springs until now), and POW participated in the Dye/Trace study that confirmed Onion Creek recharges our aquifer.

While POW remains concerned because risks remain, we proceeded with a settlement because of one critical element from the City; unlike neighboring City Liberty Hill that discharges wastewater every single day, Dripping Springs ultimately does not want to put wastewater in the creek. They want to reuse the water via irrigation – this is stated explicitly in the agreement.

Additionally, POW experienced willingness from the City to move our direction and agree on some material items that can make a big difference for our community. For example:

• Reduction in Permit Volume. The permit will be lowered from 995k gallons/day to 822.5k gallons/day.

• No Discharge Commitment. The City has committed that no discharge of any kind will occur during the first half of the permit (i.e. until City is generating 399k gallons/day). With current volume of 90k/day, this likely provides 5+ years of time to further develop demand for reuse.

• New Commission to Oversee/Assist Operations. The City has agreed to the establishment of a new City Commission to oversee and assist operations. A new entity will be established to oversee operations and create additional transparency for our community. Further, our local groundwater district will have two (2) seats reserved for their specific candidate recommendations.

• Safety and Construction Standards Established. Construction standards have been agreed to that will help protect neighbors and developments close to the plant. This was particularly important given the expansion plan.

What’s Next – Call to Action

This Settlement was a big accomplishment and it required collaboration with many protesting parties and the City. However, continued Community engagement is needed for the Agreement to really work over the life of this permit. Specifically, we need community members to serve on the new Commission. This new entity can and must be the critical catalyst that will help Dripping Springs effectively manage wastewater operations and ultimately, realize its stated goal of 100% beneficial reuse (no discharge at any time). Announcements will be made from the City calling for community members within the City limits or Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) to apply – we need you!

POW is extremely proud to serve our community. We have been encouraged by so many people that have exerted much time, effort and money to help protect our city as it grows. We look forward to remaining engaged now and into the future with you, our community. Responsible growth can only happen with strong community engagement!

On behalf of the entire Protect Our Water organization,

-Richard Beggs, President, Protect Our Water