Question 1

•	Developers and landowners should identify and protect aquifer recharge features.

Accepted Answer

The Trinity and Ellenberger aquifers, which are the primary sources of groundwater in Blanco County, tend to be recharged from surface water seeping through stream beds, direct recharge through geologic features such as sink holes, fissures, and caves, and by rainfall seepage through the ground.
Include identification of seeps, caves, fissures, and other recharge features in property surveys.  If development destroys or covers up natural recharge features this could have a significant negative impact on water recharge of the aquifers.  Ground water questions can be directed to the Blanco Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District.
Learn More… (https://bccitx.org/resources#aquifer-recharge)

Question 2

•	Rainwater harvesting should be used where practical to supplement or replace the need for groundwater and reduce strain on public water systems.

Accepted Answer

Rainwater harvesting can be an important source of high-quality water for home use.  Developers should consider using rainwater harvesting to supplement or even replace ground water for most uses.  Subdivisions should encourage homeowners to consider rainwater harvesting.  It is most efficient to do this during initial home design prior to construction; however, post-construction rainwater harvesting systems can be designed and installed.  The Blanco Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District (BPGCD) encourages consideration of rainwater harvesting in BPGCD Resolution #082523 -01 and rainwater harvesting is included in the Blanco County Subdivision guidelines.
Learn More… (https://bccitx.org/resources#rainwater-harvest)

Question 3

•	Sustainable landscaping should be used to promote water capture and minimize irrigation water requirements.

Accepted Answer

Practical approaches have been developed for establishing and maintaining a sustainable landscape that promote water capture in our Hill Country environment. Xeriscape is a popular approach well suited to Blanco County. 
Examples applicable to new developments and existing ranchlands can be found at the Learn More link.
Learn More… (https://bccitx.org/resources#sustain-landscape)

Question 4

•	Minimize or do not discharge treated wastewater into pristine streams and rivers.  Consider alternatives, including repurposing gray water for irrigation and use of drain fields.  If discharge cannot be avoided, treat to the lowest practically achievable phosphorus levels.

Accepted Answer

Large-scale discharge of treated wastewater into Blanco County waterways is not a sustainable approach and could have adverse impact on the quality of Blanco County surface and ground water.  With limited water flows during dry seasons, the streams can become primarily treated waste, rather than spring water.  The aquifers are also recharged in large part from seepage from the flowing waterways.  This means the treated water ends up in the aquifers.
Developers should be required to identify alternative approaches for wastewater.  The One Water Report, prepared by the Hill Country Alliance and National Wildlife Federation, provides a summary of water conservation approaches that are scalable from single structures up to subdivisions and ranches.  The report provides practical examples of where One Water approaches have been implemented in the Hill Country.
Learn More… (https://bccitx.org/resources#min-wastewater)

Frequently asked questions

• Developers and landowners should identify and protect aquifer recharge features.

• Rainwater harvesting should be used where practical to supplement or replace the need for groundwater and reduce strain on public water systems.

• Sustainable landscaping should be used to promote water capture and minimize irrigation water requirements.

• Minimize or do not discharge treated wastewater into pristine streams and rivers. Consider alternatives, including repurposing gray water for irrigation and use of drain fields. If discharge cannot be avoided, treat to the lowest practically achievable phosphorus levels.