Austin ordinance on private wells could be in the works

A surge in private water well drilling in Austin has led two City Council members to propose an ordinance requiring wells to be registered with the city.

In June, the American-Statesman reported that Austin homeowners drilled 47 new water wells in 2011, up from 19 the year before.

Texas Water Development Board records show that more than 150 new wells have been drilled in areas served by the city's water utility since 2006, nearly all of them in affluent neighborhoods such as Pemberton Heights, Tarrytown and Balcones.

Austin ordinance on private wells could be in the works