As the ongoing drought strains local resources, the City of Port Aransas is proactively addressing the issue. The latest solution? A newly installed shallow water well dedicated exclusively to irrigation.
A Well-Timed Solution for Landscaping Needs
Colleen Simpson, Director of Parks and Recreation for Port Aransas, emphasized the new well’s importance as a sustainable addition to the city’s water strategy. While it may seem similar to wells drilled along the Nueces River, Simpson highlighted a key distinction.
“Port Aransas has a unique infrastructure—we’re located on a barrier island,” she said. “We’re essentially built on a giant pile of sand. So, our wells are much shallower—only 10 to 20 feet deep.”
These shallow wells are not intended for drinking water or household use. Instead, the city uses the well to irrigate native landscaping throughout town. City workers fill water trucks from the well and manually water designated areas.
Connecting Parks to the System
One strategic benefit of the new well was its location—conveniently situated next to McDonald’s softball field. Simpson said the team quickly linked the field’s irrigation system to the new well, allowing them to water the grounds efficiently without using the city’s main water supply.
“It turned out to be the perfect spot to fill the trucks,” Simpson added. “And since it’s right next to the field, we hooked it up to keep the grass healthy without putting more pressure on our municipal system.”
Rising Summer Demand Poses Additional Challenges
While the new irrigation well helps landscaping, broader water usage remains a concern. Scott Mack, Manager of the Nueces County Water Control and Improvement District No. 4, warned that water demand is expected to climb sharply as summer approaches.
“Our population increases significantly during the summer months,” Mack explained. “Tourists come back from the beach, and they first want to take a shower. That alone spikes water usage.”
Mack noted that in July—before the city entered Stage 3 water restrictions—Port Aransas used a staggering 71 million gallons of water. By comparison, water usage in January dropped to just 26 million gallons.
Encouraging Community-Wide Conservation
Simpson and Mack urge residents and visitors to be mindful of their water habits to ensure long-term sustainability. Mack stressed that even small changes in daily routines can make a big difference.
“If you’re doing laundry, wait until you have a full load,” he said. “The same goes for dishes—try not to run your dishwasher unless it’s full. These little things help.”
With the drought showing no signs of letting up, Port Aransas continues to adapt with creative solutions. The shallow water well is just one example of how local leaders think outside the box to preserve vital resources.