For Atascosa County residents who rely on groundwater for their homes, farms, ranches or businesses, questions about how that water is managed can quickly become personal. A public forum planned for September will give residents a chance to put those questions directly to the people involved in managing, regulating and overseeing the county’s groundwater resources.

Atascosa County and the Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District will co-host a Public Information Forum on Groundwater in Atascosa County from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at the Atascosa County Justice Center, 1405 Campbell Avenue in Jourdanton.

The meeting is intended to help residents better understand current groundwater conditions, groundwater management, district authority, permitting and the rules and processes that affect groundwater users and landowners across Atascosa County.

Why the Atascosa County groundwater meeting matters

Groundwater is closely tied to daily life in rural and growing parts of South Texas. For homeowners with private wells, agricultural producers, ranchers, developers and other landowners, decisions involving groundwater management can affect everything from water availability to permitting and long-term planning.

That makes the Sept. 10 forum more than a routine government meeting. It is structured as an opportunity for residents to hear directly from officials and then ask questions during a moderated public question-and-answer session.

According to Atascosa County, the presentation will address the responsibilities of the Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District, including groundwater management, district authority and permitting, along with other topics connected to the district’s role.

The accompanying event flyer also identifies current groundwater conditions and rules and processes for groundwater users and landowners as major areas of discussion.

For residents searching for information about Atascosa County groundwater rules, water well permitting, landowner groundwater rights or Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District regulations, the forum is designed to provide a direct source for answers.

Groundwater district representatives will join the panel

The county’s announcement lists several representatives of the Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District who are expected to participate.

They include Atascosa County Directors Amanda Wheeler and Wes Shahan; Governor-appointed Director Weldon Riggs; Darrell Brownlow, president and Wilson County director; General Counsel Monique Norman; and General Manager Aarin Teague.

Their participation gives residents an opportunity to hear from both district leadership and the staff responsible for navigating the legal and administrative side of groundwater management.

State and Atascosa County officials also scheduled to participate

The panel is also expected to include state and county officials, broadening the conversation beyond the water conservation district itself.

Those listed include Texas State Rep. Don McLaughlin, Texas State Sen. Pete Flores, members of the Atascosa County Commissioners Court, County Attorney Molly Groesbeck Solis, County Project Manager Curtis Vickers, County Rural Development Director Britni Van Curan, County Fire Marshal Ronald Sanchez and County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Pansza.

The Atascosa County Commissioners Court will facilitate the meeting. County officials emphasized that no action will be taken by Commissioners Court during the forum; the gathering is intended for informational purposes.

That distinction matters for residents who may be wondering whether Sept. 10 will involve a vote, ordinance change or other immediate county action. Based on the county’s announcement, the purpose is education, discussion and public questions rather than formal decision-making.

Residents can submit groundwater questions in advance

People who already have questions about groundwater use in Atascosa County do not have to wait until the meeting begins.

Residents who cannot attend — or who would simply like their question considered in advance — may use the county’s online question submission form. Questions must be submitted by noon Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, to be considered during the public Q&A portion of the meeting.

That option could be especially useful for landowners looking for clarification about groundwater permitting, district processes or other issues specific to their property.

The county said additional information, including the meeting agenda and question-submission information, will be available through the Atascosa County Commissioners Court section of the county website.

Livestream available for residents who cannot attend

For residents across Atascosa County who cannot make the drive to Jourdanton on a Thursday evening, the county plans to livestream the groundwater forum on the Atascosa County YouTube channel.

That gives residents throughout the county another way to follow a discussion that could be particularly relevant to rural households, agricultural operations and property owners whose water supply depends on groundwater.

The event flyer encourages residents to come prepared to ask questions about groundwater in Atascosa County, reinforcing the meeting’s emphasis on public access and practical information.

What Atascosa County residents need to know

The Public Information Forum on Groundwater in Atascosa County is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Atascosa County Justice Center, located at 1405 Campbell Avenue in Jourdanton.

Residents can expect discussion of current groundwater conditions, Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District authority and responsibilities, permitting, and rules and processes affecting groundwater users and landowners. A moderated public Q&A will follow the presentation.

For a county where water questions can touch homes, property, agriculture and future growth all at once, the forum offers residents something increasingly valuable: a chance to hear directly from the officials involved and ask how groundwater management applies to their own corner of Atascosa County.

My Neighborhood News will continue following groundwater, development and other issues affecting Atascosa County residents as additional information becomes available.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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