Local environmental groups will be holding a public meeting Thursday to organize opposition to the Lower Colorado River Authority’s request to pump 8.15 billion gallons of water per year by 2026.

The LCRA submitted applications for pumping permits in February to the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District, which manages groundwater resources in Bastrop and Lee counties. The district is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the permit application on Sept. 26.

Thursday’s event will be sponsored by the Simsboro Aquifer Water Defense Fund and the Friends of Bastrop Water. Two meetings will be held at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at American Legion Hall in Bastrop, 3003 Loop 150 E.

"We will lead a forum addressing the process of protesting a proposed groundwater export permit for the LCRA," the environmental groups said in a flyer. "Individuals, organizations and groups from Lee and Bastrop counties are encouraged to bring their questions as well as information to share about any wells on their property."