Brackish Groundwater Exploratory Project Contract Study

Study Summary:

The TWDB seeks collaboration with stakeholders on an exploratory brackish groundwater project. Exploratory in this context means that the average total dissolved solids concentration of the target aquifer has not been field-verified (with water quality samples), or that average production of the brackish resource has not been field-verified (with long-term aquifer testing).

TWDB will provide funding to Envision Water, LLC not to exceed $150,000, to 1) survey stakeholders and recommend potential exploratory brackish groundwater well projects, and 2) act as the liaison between TWDB and the project owner during the data collection task. Additional funding, not to exceed $250,000, will be allocated for field data collection and aquifer test analyses. The TWDB will only provide funding for collecting geophysical data, conducting aquifer tests, and/or water quality sampling.

Stakeholder survey

Candidate stakeholders include: 1) entities with a recommended brackish groundwater water management strategy (WMS) in the 2022 State Water Plan, 2) groundwater conservation districts (GCDs) with a designated brackish groundwater production zone (BGPZ) within their jurisdiction, or 3) any other entity interested in completing a brackish groundwater supply well before August 2026. Envision Water will survey potential stakeholders, score the candidate projects, and create a report summarizing the survey results. After completion of the report, Envision will pause work as TWDB reviews the report.

Field data collection and collaboration

Envision will function as the liaison between TWDB and the entity selected for the Project for field data collection. TWDB will provide funding assistance not to exceed $250,000 for collecting geophysical data, conducting aquifer tests, and/or water quality sampling. Envision will submit data cost expenses for the logging, laboratory, and/or aquifer test consultant who are providing the data collection services for the Project.

A contract study by D.B. Stephens & Associates (2021), Drilling and Logging the Ideal Exploratory Brackish Groundwater Well, provides the agency’s general guidance for data collection considerations. The original guidance document, Brackish Groundwater Exploration Guidance Manual, prepared by LBG-Guyton and Associates (2008) is also incorporated for reference.

Study Start Date:

November 2024

Study Completion Date:

August 2026

Stakeholder Meetings:

There will be a stakeholder meeting held to summarize the findings of this contract.

Final Report:

Will be posted once completed.