Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District; Director At-Large
The Blanco Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District Board is a political subdivision of the State of Texas. BPGCD or the District was created by an election in January 2001 when Blanco County voters approved the creation of the District with the authority to assess an Ad Valorem tax on property owners in Blanco County. The district is responsible for the conservation, preservation, protection and recharge of all groundwater and aquifers with Blanco County. To accomplish these goals, the District works to minimize the drawdown of the water table, minimize the reduction of artesian pressure, control subsidence, prevent interference between wells, prevent the degradation of the quality of groundwater, prevent waste of groundwater, preserve historic use of groundwater, give consideration to the service needs of retail water utilities, and carry out the powers and duties conferred under chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code.Election conducted by the Blanco County Election Office.
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Jimmy Klepac
(NON)
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Whitney Walston
(NON)
What in your background qualifies you to serve as a director on the BPGCD board?
What are the most pressing issues facing the groundwater board?
What are the citizens of Blanco County telling you about their water issues?
As a dedicated public servant, I've served on the Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District Board for 22 years, including 17 years as President. This experience has given me a deep understanding of our aquifers and the rules governing groundwater districts. As a long-time resident and local business owner, I understand the importance of responsible water management. I've consistently worked to balance community needs, ensuring sustainable practices that benefit everyone. I'm committed to continuing this work, building on my proven track record of leadership and service to our community.
The District faces pressing issues in managing groundwater sustainably while preserving the Hill Country's
beauty and meeting community needs. Balancing growth with personal property rights, addressing water quality concerns, and managing aquifer depletion are key challenges. Droughts, water variability, and the need for scientific management also pose significant hurdles. Additionally, the District works to prevent groundwater depletion amidst prolonged droughts and increasing development pressures in Blanco County.
Citizens in Blanco County express concerns about water being allocated to developers and the impact of growth on our groundwater supply. They ask how much growth can our aquifers support and what we're doing to address these issues. In response, the District has adopted a strategy focused on sound science-based studies to better understand our aquifer capacity. We work closely with Blanco County Commissioners to ensure sustainable growth and engaging the public through outreach initiatives. Additionally, we've developed a comprehensive database of water wells to identify potential depletion areas, helping us make informed decisions about water management.
As a fourth-generation Blanco County rancher, I have deep roots in this community and understand that water is the lifeblood of our land. Streams, creeks, and aquifers are all connected, and you cannot be a proper steward of the land without preserving our natural resources. Through my family’s water well business, I have seen firsthand the impact of over-pumping and declining recharge. My experience in municipal governance has given me the tools to advocate for data-driven solutions, such as expanding the monitor well program and strengthening groundwater policies, to ensure a sustainable future for our community.
The biggest challenge is ensuring our aquifers can sustain future growth without being depleted. Overdevelopment and over-pumping have already strained groundwater resources in surrounding areas, and we must take proactive steps to prevent the same here. The district needs to expand well spacing requirements to prevent over-concentration of wells, require test wells in new developments to be converted into monitor wells, and strengthen groundwater rules in coordination with county subdivision regulations. Additionally, investing in remote monitoring systems and in-depth aquifer studies will provide the data needed to make informed decisions about
long-term water sustainability.
Residents are deeply concerned about declining well levels and the long-term sustainability of our groundwater. Many landowners, including ranchers, have already experienced well failures and have been forced to haul water for their livestock. People want to ensure that new developments do not compromise existing water resources. Citizens are also interested in conservation initiatives, such as rainwater collection and greywater reuse, but they need more support and education on implementing these solutions. The common message is clear—water is our most valuable resource, and we must take action now to protect it for future generations.
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