DRC opposes over-pumping groundwater from the Devils River basin.

In early 2014, the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) was considering a proposal from the Val Verde Water Company to pump 16.3 billion gallons per year to the city. Among a throng of other opponents, DRC developed a Fact Sheet about the effects of removing such a large volume of water from the Devils River basin and presented the findings to SAWS.

As of February 2014, SAWS rejected Val Verde Water Company’s proposal, but the water merchant continues to seek buyers for Val Verde County groundwater. Other water marketers and potential customers also have their eyes on these waters, especially as Texas continues to face drought conditions coupled with an increasing population.

With no groundwater conservation district in Val Verde County, there is no regulation of groundwater pumping and the Devils River remains at risk. DRC supports the creation of a groundwater conservation district in Val Verde County that would carefully manage for the sustainability of the aquifer and the spring flow that makes the Devils run.

DRC works to build alliances and share its mission with like-minded groups and others on the need to treasure, protect, and preserve one of Texas’ last wild, pristine places.

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