Incorporating Subsidence Prevention into Groundwater Management: Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District, Texas

Presented on Tuesday, March 17, 2015
William Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G., Independent Groundwater Consultant, Austin, TX

The Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District is responsible for groundwater management in Austin, Grimes, Walker, and Waller counties in Texas.  Prompted by predictions of subsidence in southern Austin and Waller counties due to future increases in pumping outside its jurisdiction, and a permit application that sought to pump 20 million gallons per day in Austin and Waller counties that would have resulted in subsidence, the District recently updated its rules to include subsidence prevention as part of its permit review process. 

     The new rules maintain the permit review provisions of analysis of drawdown in nearby wells, and introduce the concept of prohibiting groundwater production that would result in the “potential for measureable subsidence”.  The analysis of drawdown in nearby wells and potential subsidence during permit review is completed using numerical models, regional subsurface clay content data, site specific clay content data, and aquifer testing using a two phase investigation approach.

     Permit applicants for wells with a diameter of eight inches or greater are required to complete a two phase investigation.  The Phase I investigation results in a preliminary report that is intended to evaluate the impacts of pumping (primarily drawdown and subsidence) using existing data and the existing regional groundwater flow model of the area. The Phase II investigation is completed after an approved program of drilling and aquifer testing have been completed.  The Phase II report represents an update to the Phase I report using site specific data, information, test results and analyses (including refined local-scale models as needed).  A guideline document (referenced in the new rules) has been developed to set standards and expectations for the Phase I and Phase II investigations and reports.


MP3 Presentation Slides

William Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G.
Independent Groundwater Consultant, Austin, TX
William Hutchison has nearly 30 years of experience as the Water Resources Manager for El Paso Water Utilities, the Director of the Groundwater Resources Division of the Texas Water Development Board, and as a consultant. Hutchison received a B.S. in Soil and Water Science from the University of California, Davis, an M.S. in Hydrology from the University of Arizona, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer and Professional Geoscientist in Texas, and as Registered Professional Geologist in Mississippi.
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