Bryan Rallies To Protect Its Water Supply
In a heated battle to safeguard its precious water resources, the City of Bryan has taken a bold stand. Together with Texas A&M University System, Brazos County, and the City of College Station, the folks in Bryan are making sure that out-of-state interests don’t come in and raid the Brazos Valley Water supply!
What’s the Buzz?
So, what’s got everyone buzzing? On November 8, several property owners from Robertson County, including UW Brazos Valley Farm LLC, filed a motion for a summary judgment in the ongoing lawsuit. Meanwhile, a San Francisco-based company named Upwell LLC is looking to siphon off an astonishing 100,000 acre-feet of water every year from the Simsboro Aquifer. This aquifer is a vital source of water for local communities, agriculture, and educational institutions in and around the Brazos Valley.
Now, just to put things into perspective, that 100,000 acre-feet of water is more than double the amount used annually by the combined cities of Bryan, Calvert, College Station, Franklin, and Hearne. Can you believe it? It’s a staggering quantity of water that these cities depend on every day!
Why the Fuss?
The City of Bryan isn’t just about to sit by and watch this water get drained away without a fight. Mayor Bobby Gutierrez expressed the community’s concerns over the long-term sustainability of their water resources. “Our community has worked diligently to protect and manage these water resources,” he stated. And it’s easy to see why that matters so much to residents. Water isn’t just a resource, it’s a way of life!
A Collaborative Effort
This isn’t just a solo effort by the City of Bryan; it’s a collaborative endeavor. The city’s partnership with Texas A&M University System, Brazos County, and College Station shows a united front against potential threats to their water supply. Each of these entities recognizes the importance of protecting this precious resource, and together, they’re determined to push back against Upwell LLC’s ambitious plans.
Legal Action on the Horizon
As part of their strategy, the City has filed a formal protest with the state office of administrative hearings along with the lawsuit in the state district court. They are making it quite clear: they will not stand idly by while an out-of-state entity exploits their local resources.
What’s Next?
As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on how this situation develops. Residents of Bryan and the surrounding Brazos Valley have a lot at stake, and they are eager to see their city take the necessary steps to defend their water rights. It’s a classic tale of “local against outsider,” and in this case, the locals are adamant about protecting what belongs to them.
Community Support
The community’s support is palpable. Local folks are rallying together, armed with information, and looking for ways to contribute to the ongoing efforts. Residents are signing petitions, attending town hall meetings, and talking amongst themselves about what they can do to protect their water supply. After all, this is not just about water; it’s about preserving a way of life for generations to come.
Conclusion
The fight to protect the Brazos Valley Water is far from over, but the City of Bryan has taken the first steps to ensure that its water resources remain secure. As legal battles loom and conversations continue, one thing is clear: the community of Bryan values its water, and they are ready to protect it at all costs!
