King Responds to Concerns Over Well Regulation

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Elizabeth Campbell

Parker County developers and real estate agents are joining cities who believe the new Upper Trinity Ground Water Conservation District is overstepping its authority and not listening to residents’ concerns.

The developers and cities are at odds with the district over temporary rules that took effect Jan. 1 that require a 2-acre minimum for drilling a new water well and fees assessed for wells that pump over 25 gallons a minute.

The district maintains that it was created to conserve water and monitor usage, which is what voters overwhelmingly approved in 2007.

Jim Duncan, a Weatherford real estate broker and government affairs chairman for the Greater Metro West Association of Realtors, said there are concerns about the 2-acre minimum for drilling a new well. He said people are worried that landowners with lots smaller than 2 acres may not have water for their land, thus reducing its value.

“We all want to have water for our children and grandchildren, but I find it hard to believe that one set of rules fits four counties,” Duncan said.

The Upper Trinity Ground Water District serves Parker, Hood, Wise and Montague counties.