The Oak Ridge North City Council unanimously approved a renewal of its permit with Lonestar Groundwater Conservation District for 2020 during its Oct. 14 meeting. The renewed permit allows the city to withdraw 108,437,366 gallons of groundwater annually and was recommended by public works director Joe Sherwin. According to Sherwin, the permit accommodates the 30% groundwater reduction to which the city is committed while maintaining the city's ability to produce 70% of its annual need without having to rely on the San Jacinto River Authority for delivery of surface water. "There's going to be hiccups in our groundwater, and there's going to be hiccups in our surface water," Sherwin said. "It gives us a source of redundancy without paying immediately for the surface water. It is not going to hurt us because we are going to be ready for that." If the city uses more than its allotted amount of groundwater, it will be subject to higher rates and potential fines.