CC Resolution No. 498 RESOLUTION NO. 498
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TEXAS, REQUESTING THE INTRODUCTION OF A BILL IN THE 64TH
LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS , CREATING AND ESTAB-
LISHING AN UNDERGROUND WATER AUTHORITY FOR THE HARRIS-
GALVESTON COUNTY AREA AND URGING THE PASSAGE THEREOF .
WHEREAS, the occurrence of land surface subsidence in the Harris
and Galveston County area is a serious problem that affects both the
business community and general population; and
WHEREAS, subsidence results in the loss of coastal land areas or
creates the need for expensive levee projects and greatly increases
the risks of flooding during hurricanes; and
WHEREAS, since subsidence results from the withdrawal of sub-
surface water at rates that exceed the natural rate of recharge, the
long-range solution will require:
1. Restoration of subsurface water levels to the point
necessary to halt subsidence by partially reducing
existing ground water extraction rates;
2 . Control of future ground withdrawals to rates that
maintain adequate subsurface water levels;
3. Coordination of total area water resources, both
underground and surface, consistent with avail-
ability, demand growth, and climatic conditions.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS :
Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas,
feels that the solutions to subsurface withdrawal of water as stated
above will best be accomplished by the establishment of an underground
water authority for the Harris-Galveston County Area.
Section 2 : That, the City Council of the City of Baytown,
Texas, feels that the best interests of the people of this area will
be served if this authority governing body be appointed by the local
governments within the area containing business and agricultural , as
well as public interests , and that no governmental body should be able
to appoint a majority of the authority' s governing body members; also
funding of the authority' s operation should be from state appropriation
through an appropriate state agency.
Section 3 : That, the City Council of the City of Baytown,
Texas, recommends that the authority be empowered to do the following:
1. Determine the effective boundaries of the underground
water sources as they relate to critical subsidence
areas through hydrologic studies, maximizing the
use of available data and previous investigations;
2 . Establish a regulatory system to control the
spacing and drilling of new wells and to grant
permits for existing wells above some nominal
pumping rate;
3. Require that ground water production rountinely be
reported to the authority;
4 . Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented and
planned ground water-to-surface water conversion
projects in restoring water levels and halting
subsidence. If ground water withdrawal reductions
are not sufficient to halt subsidence, apportion
well water withdrawal rates considering user cost-
to-benefit ratio for conversion to surface water;
5. Establish an area-wide long-range water management
plan in cooperation with existing area water
agencies. Such a plan should provide for economic
development while avoiding land subsidence.
Section 4 : That, the City Council of the City of Baytown,
Texas, respectfully requests the introduction of such a bill in the
64th Legislature of the State of Texas and urges the passage thereof.
Section 5 : Effective Date: This Resolution shall take effect
from and after its passage by the City Council of the City of Baytown
Texas.
INTRODUCED, READ and PASSED by the affirmative vote of the City
Council of the City of Baytown this 23rd day of January, 1975 .
TOM GENTRY, Mayor
ATTEST:
EDNA OLIVER, City Clerk
APPROVED:
NEEL RI D ON, City tto
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