Jefferson County commissioners voted July 21 to approve a petition that will annex land and associated water rights into the Jefferson County Groundwater District. The petition was presented to the board as a step to join a local water management program intended to reduce risk of curtailment; county staff said joining the groundwater district can provide access to pooled supplies and management tools.

Under the approved motion the county supported filing the petition and authorized a county representative to sign and transmit the paperwork; petitioners will pay a minimum enrollment contribution (discussed in the meeting as a minimum of $100). County staff said the petition will be set for a public hearing in roughly three to four weeks and that petitioners hoped to finalize administrative steps promptly.

Discussion: commissioners and staff discussed monitoring and potential additional contributions if needed; one commissioner noted the county historically uses roughly 8,000 gallons per day in certain projects and staff confirmed the petition was intended to reduce exposure to curtailment after a dry spring.

Outcome: the motion to approve the petition was moved, seconded and adopted by roll call vote. County staff will obtain signatures and forward the petition to the groundwater district to schedule a public hearing.