The Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District continues to make strides in becoming fully operational, now announcing public hearings to adopt official district rules.

The establishment of the SWTCGCD was confirmed by about 75% of voters in the Nov. 5 election, successfully covering the last unregulated pocket of the Trinity Aquifer. The district, which aims to protect the overall health of the aquifer, encompasses West Lake Hills, Bee Cave, Lakeway and other neighboring unincorporated areas.

Since its confirmation election, the district has surpassed a number of milestones including obtaining an official office location, welcoming its final director and developing a groundwater management plan. The SWTCGCD is now focused on adopting its district rules, which will establish the basis for managing groundwater in southwestern Travis County, according to a press release from the district.

Board members will host two public hearings to discuss and potentially adopt district rules, a fee schedule and the fiscal year 2020-21 budget. The public is invited to attend these meetings virtually at 6 p.m. on Sept. 22 and 10 a.m the following day.

The proposed district rules will include information related to groundwater protection, groundwater well registration, permits, administrative fees, general enforcement and more.