Groundwater News and Upcoming Events:
News
November 16, 2011
Our treasured springs need protection
The canary is in the coal mine and he's thirsty. Without thoughtful stewardship, public treasures such as Jacob's Well, Hays County's historic perennial spring, as well as the private legacies of the many unnamed springs feeding Block Creek on Kendall County's historic Hillingdon Ranch could stop flowing forever. Read full Statesman.com commentary by David K. Langford and David Baker.
September 28, 2011
Draft Water Plan Says Texas "Will Not Have Enough"
Draft Water Plan Says Texas "Will Not Have Enough" "The primary message of the 2012 state water plan is a simple one," the introduction states. "In serious drought conditions, Texas does not and will not have enough water to meet the needs of its people, and its businesses, and its agricultural enterprises." Read full Texas Tribune article.
State Water Plan comment period open through October 25th
The Texas Water Development Board has posted the 2012 State Water Plan in draft form for public review and comment. This is your opportunity to provide input to the State of Texas about the future of our water resources. An email option makes it easy to send comments. Several public meetings will be held to gather input including October 3rd in San Antonio followed by a formal public hearing in Austin on October 17th. Learn more from TWDB.
September 14, 2011
Groundwater Districts lowers tax rate to a penny per $100 valuation
In these times of severe drought and water shortages, it’s hard to believe that Travis and Comal Counties still have not formed Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs) like the rest of the Texas Hill Country. One reason is that some people fear a new tax. Last week in Burnet County, the GCD voted on a lower new tax rate, only one cent ($0.01) per $100. Learn the myths and truths of GCD’s.
August 23, 2011
County adds clout to water rules
Kendall County Commissioners Court gave their consent to the declaration of a local disaster by County Judge Gaylan Schroeder during their regular meeting Monday, giving the Kendall County Sheriff’s Department, constables and the county attorney authority to assist the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District in detecting and prosecuting violators of groundwater use restrictions. Violators can be fined up to $1,000 or confined in the county jail for up to 180 days. Read full Boerne Star article here.
August 5, 2011
Hill Country must focus on long-term water goals
Population in the Hill Country is projected to continue to rapidly increase, thus the number of folks threatened by a serious water shortage also will increase. Perhaps the only benefit might be that residents of the Texas Hill Country would create a long-term plan to prevent such situations from occurring in the future. It will take many people working together to achieve this goal. Read full SA Express article here.
July 7, 2011
No Watering in Fredericksburg Mon – Fri
Coming off its driest January-June period in 49 years -- and with still no rain in sight -- the City of Fredericksburg is this week implementing Stage 4 water rationing to limit outdoor watering to just one day a week. Read more from the Fredercksburg Standard here.
July 5, 2011
Austin residents digging more wells
Read this alarming news report - Travis County is one of just a few areas recognized with critical groundwater issues and yet wells continue to be drilled without permitting or oversight. Read more about the lack of a groundwater conservation district in Western Travis County here. More on Hill Country Groundwater resources here.
June 16, 2011
Edwards Aquifer Authority reports Stage III restrictions imminent across region
With little prospect for rain in the foreseeable future, additional reductions in pumping from the Edwards Aquifer appear to be imminent, according to information presented Tuesday to the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors during its monthly meeting. In a report to the board, Authority staff indicated that soaring temperatures and the continued lack of rain are likely to result in further drought-induced pumping restrictions for Edwards Aquifer users across the region. Read more
Cow Creek GCD moves to a Stage 5 Drought Condition
At their June 13th, 2011 Board Meeting, the Cow Creek GCD’s Board of Directors moved from Drought Stage 4 - Severe Drought to Drought Stage 5 - Extreme Drought. General Manager Micah Voulgaris recommended the move, citing the lack of rainfall, historic lows in several of the District's monitor wells and the extremely low stream flow levels in the Guadalupe River. here.
June 10, 2011
Water Policy in Texas Legislature Rode on One Word
With the Big Dry upon us, the longstanding fight over the water percolating under the surface in nine major and 20 minor underground aquifers was bound to get contentious before the end of the 82nd legislative session. And it did, at least for a while, because of a single word. Read full Texas Tribune article here.
June 8, 2011
Desired Future Conditions Threaten the Colorado River
The adopted Desired Future Conditions for our aquifers will cause the Colorado River to lose its base-flow by 2060. Environmental Stewardship illustrates this point and introduces “Project Game-Changer” Learn more
June 7, 2011
Drought reveals deeper area water issues
The water in the San Marcos River and Barton Springs may be more closely related than previously thought. It's long been believed that an underground divide separates the water flowing from two springs, but a new study has found that's not always the case. "The assumption was whatever happens in the San Antonio segment of the Edwards Aquifer doesn't really impact what's going on at Barton Springs and vice versa,” Todd Votteler with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority said. “But the study shows that's not necessarily true during these really serious droughts." Read full YNN story here.
May 31, 2011
Watershed news from Wimberley Valley
Challenges Water Plan to Allow for More Groundwater Pumping Than is Available in the Hill Country, Profile of Jacob’s Well, David Baker receives the Texas Environmental Excellence Award, a Hays County Water Issues Alert: Download the newsletter here.
May 30, 2011
Groundwater Depletion is Detected from Space
Scientists have been using small variations in the Earth’s gravity to identify trouble spots around the globe where people are making unsustainable demands on groundwater, one of the planet’s main sources of fresh water. Read more from the New York Times here.
May 14, 2011
Monthly fee of $3 for SAWS is pushed
By increasing its average monthly water bill $3, San Antonio Water System could help pay for a new management program for the Edwards Aquifer that would free San Antonio from the threat of a federal lawsuit or loss of control of its main water source, according to a leading water policymaker. Read more from SA Express-News here.
April 27, 2011
Attorney Discusses Emerging Fracking, Groundwater Issues
In Texas oil and gas is definitely still king, and nowhere is that more evident than in South Texas, where the Eagle Ford shale play is making money hand over fist for many fortunate landowners. However, as wonderful as that income may be, rarely do such treasures come without at least some give and take, and mostly it’s give on the part of the landowners. Read full Livestock Weekly here.
April 19, 2011
600+ Hays County Citizens Sign Petition Asking County Commissioners for Election on HTGCD Decision
Citizens petition for an election to affirm or reverse the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District decision granting a permit to Wimberly Springs Partners, owners of an active golf course in the city of Woodcreek and undeveloped acreage in Woodcreek North. Read more from the Citzens Alliance for Responsible Developement.
April 14, 2011
State Representative proposes cutting Western Travis from the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area (PGMA)
The PGMA designation is given when critical groundwater shortages are expected - and to recommend some action to manage groundwater. Western Travis absolutely should remain in the PGMA and strengthen groundwater management, not ignore it. Statesman Article here.
March 31, 2011
Senate Passes SB 332
The Texas Senate passed a much-discussed piece of groundwater legislation, voting 28-3 to approve a bill stating that landowners in the state have a "vested ownership interest" in the groundwater beneath their land...Texas Tribune report.
More on SB 332.
Petition Challenges Water Plan to Allow for More Groundwater Pumping Than is Available in the Hill Country
The Wimberley Valley Watershed Association has filed a Petition Appealing the 30’ Desired Future Condition (DFC) Drawdown Set by Groundwater Management Area 9 (GMA-9) for the Trinity Group Aquifers in Hays County and is calling for the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD) and GMA-9 to determine the 30’ DFC as unreasonable and unsustainable. Read more
Two reports give conflicting views of future water supply
A report released last month by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority regarding water planning in Kendall County and Fair Oaks Ranch is based on estimates of available groundwater that are substantially different - 67 percent less - than estimates released by the Texas Water Development Board on Feb. 7. Read full Boerne Star article here.
Water policy must consider the groundwater and surface water connection
"Ground water and surface water are not separate categories of water any more than liquid water and ice are truly separate. The designations 'ground water' and 'surface water' merely describe the physical location of the water in the hydrologic cycle. Indeed ground and surface water form a continuum." Full report from GWPC. Yet in Texas policy, we treat these resources separately.
March 30, 2011
Groundwater proposal gets a compromise – Serious concerns are still alive
KUT covered the story yesterday, “It’s a critical time for groundwater districts right now”. Read or listen to the story here. Sierra Club released a statement today still opposing the bill, “The Legislature would be subjecting virtually every action by a groundwater district to a potential “takings” claim. Full media release - For history and resources about SB 332 click here.
March 16, 2011
Japan earthquake displaced water in Edwards Aquifer
The water level of Texas' Edwards Aquifer was displaced about a foot Friday after energy released from a massive earthquake near Japan put the squeeze on the underground rock formation that supplies drinking water for much of Central Texas. Read the full Statesman.com article here.
March 7, 2011
The Texas Water War: Is there a solution and who decides?
Environmental Stewardship, Independent Texans, Neighbors for Neighbors and The Texas Drought Project will be hosting and open forum conference to discuss groundwater issues March 19th in Cedar Creek. Details and Registration - Conference Agenda
Read more about the Texas Water Wars here.
March 4, 2011
Texas Debates Who Owns Its Water
At a crowded hearing earlier this week, members of the state Senate’s Committee on Natural Resources heard testimony on a bill that would declare that landowners have a “vested ownership interest” in the water beneath their land. A less-discussed second bill recognizes both landowner rights and the “compelling public interest” of effective groundwater management. Read full Texas Tribune article here.
March 2, 2011
Capitol awash with water issues
Senate committee takes up measure that would equate groundwater with private property. Read full Statesman.com article here.
March 1, 2011
Who Owns Texas' Groundwater?
Water is simple. Water policy, water law? Clear as crude. Today, in an interminable hearing, the Senate Natural Resources Committee discussed two bills that would, depending on your view, do nothing, radically change, slightly modify, clarify, or confuse Texas groundwater law. Read full Texas Observer article here.
February 17, 2011
Our Water is Our Future – Citizen unite in opposition the Uvalde water pipeline
The Keep Our Water Association has launched campaign in response to an ongoing movement by private investors to pass legislation that will allow the transport Edwards water away from the rural western region. The mission: To protect and preserve the wellbeing of the western portion of the Edwards Aquifer and those citizens and businesses that are affected by it. Learn more here.
February 8, 2011
The Saga of the Hill Country PGMA
"The fate of these unprotected areas – including southwestern Travis County adjacent to BSEACD – is anybody’s guess at this point…” Read the full article here and the entire issue of The Aquifer Bulletin published by the BSEACD here. This resource includes timely articles about groundwater resources.
November 17, 2010
Will Water Rights Be on the Legislature's Agenda?
Next legislative session, during the few minutes not taken up with the budget, redistricting and immigration, an old stand-by of an issue could creep onto the agenda: water. Observers say legislative proposals on groundwater rights are probable, given that Texas is just wrapping up a controversial process for planning the allocation of water from aquifers, while environmentalists will be pushing more measures for water conservation. Read more from the Texas Tribune here.
November 15, 2010
Animating Groundwater Issues
The Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District developed an animated video explaining the complexities of Hill Country aquifers and groundwater management. As Milan explains, “Here's a modern educational tool that will serve well to increase the understanding of the behavior of something that many years ago was considered "mysterious and occult" by Texas law-groundwater.” Read more
October 20, 2010
Travis County commissioners ban development that uses Trinity Aquifer water
Travis County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year ban Tuesday on nearly all new development in western parts of the county that would rely on water from the Trinity Aquifer. Read full Statesman.com article here.
October 10, 2010
Environmental Stewardship calls for citizen action – to keep groundwater for local use
The water marketers have taken steps to get Bastrop and Lee county groundwater against our wishes.” The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) and the South Central Texas Regional Water Planning Group (Region L) move towards a $400 million pipeline from Bastrop, Lee and Burleson counties to San Marcos and San Antonio. Learn more here.
October 5, 2010
Water Symposium will air Sunday, October 10th on TPR
Last week’s water symposium sparked conversation about the rule of capture, water marketing and rainwater harvesting. Listen to Representatives Hilderbran, Callegari and Miller discuss water policy on Newsmaker at 8:00 pm, October 10th, KSTX 89.1. More about the Texas Water Symposium here.
September 15, 2010
Two questions hold key to future of the aquifer
If the 26 members of the Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program can reach a compromise in the next two weeks on two cantankerous issues, they may solve a two-decade-old dispute about the allocation of water from the aquifer. Read full San Antonio Express article here.
August 31, 2010
Texas Completes Key Groundwater Planning Step
An intensive process to plan out the maximum depletion of aquifers over the next half-century has been completed just ahead of the Sept. 1 deadline. Read full Texas Tribune article here.
August 18, 2010
TCEQ recognizes need for Hays, Travis, Comal Groundwater District
The TCEQ issued a report that draws the conclusion that an order be issued to create a Groundwater Conservation District to include Western Travis, Hays and Comal Counties. The report was filed June 30th and is available online here. More information here. A hearing has been set for set for October 28, 2010 at the Hays County Courthouse at 10:00 a.m. Click here for details.
TWCA Fall Meeting Scheduled for October 13-15
State Representative Doug Miller and TWDB Board Member Thomas Weir Labatt III will headline the fall meeting of the Texas Water Conservation Association (TWCA), scheduled for October 13-15, 2010, at the Crowne Plaza Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio. The program will also include numerous presentations on surface and groundwater management. Registration information and a full agenda should be available on the TWCA website by mid-August.
August 10, 2010
GMA 9 Releases June 26th minutes
Minutes from the GMA 9 meeting to determine “desired future conditions” are posted here. The GMA 9 DFC resolution can be uploaded here.
August 5, 2010
Viewpoint: Comal County needs groundwater conservation district
In the state of Texas, the state owns surface water, including lakes and rivers. But groundwater is a private-property rights matter. In this regard, the state has declared that the preferred method of managing groundwater in Texas is by a groundwater conservation district. (Comal) county has no such groundwater conservation district atop the Trinity Aquifer, which spans about two-thirds of our county. Read full San Antonio Express community article here.
July 30, 2010
The Future of Water: GMA 9's 30-foot drawdown decision could crimp future growth
After nearly four years of hydrology modeling and politicking, representatives from groundwater districts in Kendall and eight other Hill Country counties decided Monday to limit the drawdown of aquifer levels to no more than 30 feet over the next 50 years. Read full Boerne Star article here.
July 21, 2010
Future Water - Guest Article re: critical Hill Country groundwater decision on July 26th
Beneath many places in the Texas Hill Country, more groundwater is being pumped out than can be replaced through the water cycle. “What does a Desired Future Condition (DFC) have to do with your water?” On 26 July 2010, you can comment on this question. Read more here.
July 20, 2010
KUT News highlights the Hill Country Groundwater Dilemma
This month, parts of Central Texas will decide how much water will be in the aquifers below the land for the next 50 years. The decisions will affect Dripping Springs, Johnson City, Wimberley and other towns south and west of Austin that rely on groundwater supplies. Erika Aguilar of KUT News reports, click here.
July 13, 2010
Critical Groundwater decisions are being made now – participate locally
Hill Country Groundwater Districts are meeting over the next few weeks to prepare for the Regional GMA9 meeting on July 26th. Local groundwater districts need your input. The Hill Country region is about to establish a Desired Future Condition (DFC) for groundwater supply. What will this mean for your well? For spring flow? For your ranch? Read more here.
June 14, 2010
GMA 9 Public Meetings to examine progress on the DFC process
Groundwater Conservation Districts in the Texas Hill Country are jointly planning a “Desired Future Condition” (DFC) goal for groundwater resources in our region. Public meetings will be held June 21 in Kerrville, June 23 in Boerne and June 24 in Dripping Springs. Learn more here.
May 14, 2010
Public hearing set June 14 on new groundwater rules
After a months-long, sometimes contentious process to formulate new groundwater rules for Kendall County, a public hearing on the matter has been set for the board’s regular meeting June 14. Read full Boerne Star article here.
May 4, 2010
Reality of Drought-An Update
“...to sustain these flows, the efforts of private property owners, whose land stewardship practices can reduce runoff and improve recharge, are directly linked to the responsibilities of a Groundwater Conservation District, through which locally elected Directors strive to equitably manage this resource for all.” Read the report and preceding articles here.
GMA 9 Joint Planning Meeting Monday May 10 in Kerrville
Hill Country Groundwater District boards and staff meet regularly to work towards common desired future conditions for this region. On this agenda, to be held in May 10th in Kerrvile, planners will be briefed from Texas Water Development Board staff about recent progress with water availability models. Stay informed. Read full agenda here.
April 22, 2010
A Watershed Case
On the surface, it’s a case about an oat-and-peanut farm and two South Texas men who wanted enough water to operate it. But underneath lies a century-old tug-of-war over who really owns the water beneath the land. At the core of the case is how the court will interpret Texas law, which currently acknowledges not only landowners’ rights to water beneath the land but also the authority of groundwater districts to regulate it. Read full Texas Tribune article here.
April 20, 2010
TWA calls for Legislature to reaffirm groundwater as a vested, real property right
TWA President Tina Y. Buford on Thursday told members of the House Committee on Natural Resources that TWA strongly believes it is in the best interests of the citizens of our state to continue to recognize this right because this vested, protectable right promotes conservation and management of our groundwater. Read more here.
April 14, 2010
GMA 9
The GMA 9 “desired future conditions” process continues. Ron Fieseler recently released a status report for the GMA 9 process as of April 2010, click here to read. Texas Water Matters is always an excellent resource on groundwater and surface water planning.
Hays Trinity GCD featured on KDRP Saturday April 17th
During the drought Groundwater Management in the Texas Hill Country was a topic of conversation everywhere you turn. We have to keep that conversation alive while creeks are flowing; managing groundwater for our growing region remains a challenge. Learn about the history and intentions of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District with Jack Hollon on “Cedar Lady” this Saturday morning at 9:00 am on 99.9 FM, or http://www.kdrplive.org.
April 1, 2010
Public input sought on water plan
Today in Victoria is the first of seven meetings that will be held across South Texas to gather the public's input about the the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's plan to collectively manage Edwards Aquifer and ensure protection of the ecosystems that those species and people depend on for clean water. Read full San Antonio Express News article here.
February 28, 2010
State aims to make groundwater rules more uniform
With just about every drop of river water already spoken for, suppliers, especially in Central Texas, are turning to underground water in counties to the east as the next big source. But they face a problem because groundwater districts, set up as individual fiefdoms meant to reflect local histories and philosophies about water and land use, have different permitting rules and sensibilities. Read full Statesman.com article here.
February 24, 2010
GMA9 decides on more public hearings
The board of GMA9 has decided to hold three more public hearings — in Kerrville, Wimberley and Boerne — in the coming months before it establishes new Desired Future Conditions for the Edwards Aquifer. Read full Kerrville Daily Times article here.
February 13, 2010
Cow Creek GCW plans to challenge GMA ruling
In an effort to protect Boerne’s surface water sources, the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District board approved a resolution Monday challenging the Texas Water Development Board’s recent decision that the desired future conditions adopted by the executive committee of Groundwater Management Area 9 are unreasonable. Read full Boerne Star article here.
January 29, 2010
Texas Water Development Board earns “Atta Boy”
Preserve Our Water commends the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for its decision regarding the protest of the Groundwater Management Area 9 Desired Future Condition (DFC) for the Edwards/Trinity aquifer component. Read full Preserve our Water release here.
January 22, 2010
Texas Water Development Board finds GMA 9 future conditions unreasonable
In a special meeting Thursday in Austin, the Texas Water Development Board said the desired future conditions adopted by the executive committee of Groundwater Management Area 9 are unreasonable. The board of directors of the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District has strongly backed the GMA-9 position and Cow Creek Board President Tommy Mathews is a member of the GMA-9 executive committee. Thursday’s ruling was a significant blow to local water planners. Read full Boerne Star article here. Read comments about this article here.
January 18, 2010
Groundwater Conservation Districts
Most of the water consumed in Texas is groundwater. As the demand for this precious resource grows, so does its need for management and protection. Read full TECQ article here.
January 11, 2010
The Desired Future Conditions Conference - Jan 20-21 in Austin
The Texas A&M Graduate Water Program, Texas Agrilife Extension and the Texas Water Development Board have planned a conference addressing pumping limits for Texas’ aquifers and the desired future condition process. Read about the details and how to register here.
January 7, 2010
Attorney Calls For Centralized Groundwater Management In Texas
“I am convinced that the current system of groundwater management in Texas is an obsolete model and has no place in Texas in the 21st century.” That was one of the opening remarks offered by Steve Kosub, water resource counsel for the San Antonio Water System, at a recent Texas Water Law conference sponsored by the University of Texas School of Law. Read full Livestock Weekly article here.
December 19, 2009
Growth vs future water supply
Months of behind-the-scenes work paid off Monday night with a quiet public hearing and unanimous approval of a revised management plan for the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District. The plan deals with numerous hot-button issues, including predictions of managed available groundwater, projected total water supply in Kendall County and groundwater management policies. Read full Boerne Star article here.
December 1, 2009
TCEQ Establishes Office of Water
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has announced formation of a new Office of Water, effective Dec. 1. The new office will encompass the three existing major water divisions in the agency: Water Planning, Water Supply, and Water Quality. “The new office is in recognition of the fact that the state’s population is expected to double in the next 30 years,” said Chairman Bryan W. Shaw, Ph.D. “So the agency must put even more focus on water issues to ensure that there will be adequate water quality and quantity for future demand.” Read full media release here.
November 19, 2009
LCRA reopens the tap as drought wanes
In another signal of how much the Central Texas drought has eased, the Lower Colorado River Authority on Wednesday released customers from mandatory watering restrictions in place since August. Read full Statesman.com article here.
November 18, 2009
LCRA Board Approves Drought Measures - Turns focus to planning for future
At its meetingWednesday, Nov. 18, the LCRA Board approved drought measures aimed at managing the ongoing Colorado River Basin Drought. The Board’s approval followed weeks of expert staff analysis, public input from customers and stakeholders and deliberation among Board members. Read full media release here.
November 17, 2009
Balancing water needs of aquifer's many users
Water restrictions put in place during this year's drought are nothing compared with those of the future if management of the Edwards Aquifer is not changed, scientists say in a new report. Read full San Antonio Express - News article here.
November 6, 2009
TWDB hears latest round in regional water spat
Another round in a battle between Hill Country water planners was fought in Kerrville Monday at a Texas Water Development Board hearing. The conflict centers on a decision about “desired future conditions” made on Aug. 29, 2008, by the executive committee of Groundwater Management Area 9, which is made up of one representative from each of the groundwater districts in Kendall, Bandera, Blanco, Comal, Hays, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, Travis and northern Bexar counties. Read full Boerne Star article here.
October 13, 2009
Water limits fuel debate
A swirl of debate overwhelmed the Oct. 9 quarterly meeting of the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District. After nearly two hours of give-and-take during the public comment part of the meeting, directors spent another two hours arguing over just the first of two dozen action items on the agenda. The topic of production limits on permitted wells, proposed in the district's new rules, drew the most attention - Read full Bandera Bulletin article here.
October 12, 2009
TCEQ Wastewater Quality Limits Are Too Lax
Protect Lake Travis Association continues to educate residents regarding the immediate threat of sewage effluent being discharged into Lake Travis and upstream. Comments are due October 30th. This is the time to speak up and contact your local elected officials. Read more here.
October 6, 2009
Two vulnerable areas in the Texas Hill Country could finally benefit from groundwater management planning
TCEQ staff is recommending that the western Comal County territory be added to the Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District and the southwestern Travis County territory be added to the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District. All written comments must be received by November 12th, 2009. Read more here.
October 3, 2009
Sanchez: Water shortage flush with cause for major concern
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a personal visit is priceless. Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan store and supply drinking water for many Central Texans and are only 39 percent full. A pessimist would say the glass is 61 percent empty. Read full Statesman.com commentary here.
October 1, 2009
TCEQ ignores stakeholder’s recommendations for Edwards Aquifer rule on Direct Discharge Permits
Imagine the Hill Country stream near you with a wastewater treatment plant dumping treated effluent into it. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality identified a stakeholders committee to review and comment on wastewater discharge rules for the Barton and Onion Creek watersheds of the Edwards Aquifer. This came after the much debated Belterra permit application which was granted in spite of multi-jurisdiction united opposition. The stakeholder’s committee says don’t do it, but TCEQ seems to be moving ahead with a proposed new rule to make direct discharge permits in this fragile region okay. Read more here.
September 11, 2009
Aquifer District Adopts Additional Rules to Protect Groundwater
The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District has changed its rules to manage more equitably its groundwater resources and to respond more effectively to severe and prolonged droughts. At its Board meeting last night, the District’s Board of Directors approved a sweeping set of rule changes to accomplish those objectives. Read full media release here.
August 20, 2009
An argument for the TCEQ ‘no-discharge’ rule
There is nothing like a long, serious drought to make us really appreciate the wonderful asset that is Lake Travis. And while we all worry about when the rains and water will return, there is one thing we have not had to worry about in a very long time – the threat of pollution in the form of sewage effluent discharged into Lake Travis and upstream. Read full North Lake Travis Log Op-ed here.
August 23, 2009
Our Water Supply, Down the Drain
In the United States, we constantly fret about running out of oil. But we should be paying more attention to another limited natural resource: water. A water crisis is threatening many parts of the country -- not just the arid West. Read full article here.
August 17, 2009
Cities petition to release treated wastewater in river watershed
Cities up and down the Colorado River, including Marble Falls, are being asked to join in a petition to change rules that have stood for a decade against releasing discharge from wastewater treatment plants into the watershed. Read full Highlander article here.
August 8, 2009
Austin water treatment plant debate
City Council keeps treatment facility on pace for spring construction as some members begin to question need, cost. Read the full Statesman article here. A special meeting has been called for September 17th to debate this issue before a definitive vote in October. Previous news on this issue here.
June 30, 2009
Where the first raindrop falls
John Graves said it best in Texas Rivers: “The loss of our primeval forests and prairies, the extinction or increasing rarity of many species of living things, the disruption of our waters’ flow and their pollution — all these evils and more … are the price we have paid for progress and prosperity and our nation’s power, for getting to the point we have reached today.” What point have we reached? Gunnar Brune’s Springs of Texas (1973) gives a clue. “Texas originally had 281 major and historically significant springs, other than saline springs. Sixty-three springs, many with important historical backgrounds, have completely failed.” - Read full TPWD article here.
June 13, 2009
Breakdown of LCRA-San Antonio water deal has rippling implications
When the San Antonio Water System accused the Lower Colorado River Authority in May of reneging on a huge water deal, more than money was at stake. The potential $2.2 billion water-sharing project ran aground after the river authority said it might not have enough water to meet the needs in its basin area while also shipping water to San Antonio. Read full article here.
June 11, 2009
Water users express concerns about groundwater supplies during drought
Groundwater users in the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District expressed concerns about groundwater supplies holding up if the current Critical Stage drought worsens. The District held town two hall meetings on June 2 and June 8 in Sunset Valley and Buda to review and get feedback on proposed rule changes that would better prepare the District to regulate and conserve groundwater resources during extreme drought. Read full release here.
June 8, 2009
The Back Porch - Water and wildlife in the marketplace
Texas contains nearly 200,000 miles of streams and rivers. Thirteen of the state’s 15 rivers flow through metropolitan areas supply-ing water for more than 22 million people. Twenty percent of those people depend on a single river: the Trinity. To supply water for people while balancing the needs for wildlife, positive things must happen on the landscape — 95 percent of which is in private hands. - Read full TPWD article here.
June 4, 2009
$182M bond sale approved for pipeline project
Last Thursday, May 21, was a banner day for those who support the construction of the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority tri-city water infrastructure project - those opposing the project weren't quite so happy. In a hearing in Austin, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved the sale of $182 million in bonds to fund Phase 1A of the project, which will include a pipeline along Trails End Road in Cedar Park and a water treatment plant with 17 million gallons per day capacity. See full Hill Country News article here.
May 27, 2009
Assault on water plan
Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District vice president Wayne Brown, a leading critic of the CTGCD’s proposed regulations, told a Burnet County water issues meeting Friday that the district’s attorney made regulations more confusing after two public hearings in the past year criticized the rules as too long and too complicated. See full Highlander article here.
April 29, 2009
Hearing set for Llano River sand and gravel application
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is being asked to permit the mining of sand and gravel along a nearly one-mile stretch of streambed in the Llano River. Kingsland businessmen Joe Long and Mark Stephenson have petitioned TPWD to annually remove or disturb 240,000 cubic yards from an island in the middle of the river, approximately three miles above the Kingsland Slab. Under state law, the TPWD manages, controls, and protects sand and gravel extraction in navigable rivers of the State. In deciding whether to grant or deny the permit, the agency must consider the project’s impact on fish and wildlife habitat, navigation, and in some cases, recreational activity. Read full article here.
April 22, 2009
Council Okays Sale Of Water -- For Now
Following a lengthy discussion at Monday night’s meeting, the Fredericksburg City Council agreed to supply local golf resort Boot Ranch with ground water for its golf course from a nearby well until an effluent line can be completed from the city’s waste water treatment plant. The motion to supply water to the golfing community located near RM 965, passed by a 4-1 margin, with councilman Tom Musselman casting the only dissenting vote. The new plan, which comes at the request of Boot Ranch, calls for the city to sell a maximum 40.5 million gallons of water until an Aug. 1 cut-off date. By then, it’s believed that the golf facility will have completed the effluent pipe project and have the pump stations on-line. Read full Fredericksburg Standard article here.
April 14, 2009
Texas Groundwater Management: Change urgently needed
Surface water in Texas belongs to the state. It can only be used with the state’s permission. The management of groundwater is another rather complicated, even strange story, considering how critical and urgent groundwater conservation is for Texas. Action by this legislative session to move toward more effective groundwater management is ongoing. Read the full article here.
Some bills strengthen, some weaken Groundwater Conservation Districts
Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCD) are local units of government authorized by the state legislature and ratified at the local level to manage and protect groundwater. Ninety-seven GCDs have been created in the state. The total includes 93 established (confirmed) districts and four unconfirmed districts. The 93 established districts cover all or part of 145 of the state's 254 counties. This leaves about half of Texas subject to the rule of capture. Read the full article here.
February 5, 2009
Groundwater use at resort leads to public outcry in Bandera County
"Flying L Public Utility District’s (PUD) 256 customers have been under Stage 3 water restrictions since July 2008, when both wells supplying homeowners with water had dropped to 345 feet," writes Stephanie Parker for the Bandera County Courier. "Stage 3 restrictions means that outdoor watering is restricted and households are limited to 15,000 gallons of water per billing period. In July, Flying L PUD President Bob Dawson said that 97 percent of PUD customers complied and used less than the allotted 15,000 gallons." Read the full Courier story here.
January 21, 2009
Preserve Our Water reports 'exceptional' drought in Blanco County
In their most recent water news alert, Preserve Our Water has released a story on the severity of the drought in Blanco County, an update on the GMA 9 Desired Future Conditions debate, a Texas Legislature preview and a review of drought conditions in the news. Read these stories and more here.
BSEACD releases Aquifer Bulletin for January - April 2009
According to the Barton Springs/ Edwards Aquifer Conservation District: "The District’s Board of Directors declared Critical Stage Drought for the District area on December 11, 2008, and both drought indices, Barton Springs and the Lovelady Well, remain below their respective Critical thresholds (Figure 1). This is only the second time in the District’s 21-year history that a declaration of this severity has been issued, and comes six months after the Board declared Alarm Stage Drought on June 23, 2008." Read this full story and the rest of the bulletin here.
January 19, 2009
Rep. Leibowitz Files Bill to Prohibit Discharge of Treated Sewage Effluent into Edwards Aquifer Waterways
From the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance: "State Representative David McQuade Leibowitz (District 117) late Tuesday filed a bill that many believe is much needed to protect the quality of water in the Edwards Aquifer. H.B. 595 states 'The commission (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality-TCEQ) may not issue a new permit authorizing the discharge of sewage effluent directly into any water in the contributing or recharge zone of the San Antonio or Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer.'" Read the full release here.
December 12, 2008
Groundwater conservation district considers annexing SW Travis County
"Growing pressure by the state to increase water well regulation could cause parts of western Travis County, including the Oak Hill area, to be regulated under the authority of a Groundwater Conservation District," writes Adrienne deWolfe for the Oak Hill Gazette. "The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has asked the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) to consider annexing Oak Hill." Read the full Gazette story here.
November 2, 2008
Groundwater District to discuss annexation of SW Travis County
Come to the town hall meeting November 6 at Bee Creek's United Methodist Church, located at 3000 Bee Creek Road in Spicewood to discuss annexing SW Travis County into the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Groundwater Conservation District (BSEAGCD). The meeting lasts from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will include information on how groundwater protection can be achieved in this vulnerable area, as well as a session for public input to help assess the area's annexation. Read the details here.
TCEQ has a new Water Quality division
"The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recently formed a new Water Quality Planning Division dedicated to improving water quality with Kelly Keel as director," reports the Texas Water Resources Institute. "The division has three sections: Planning and Implementation, Monitoring and Assessment and the Houston Laboratory." Read the full story here.
News from Preserve Our Water
In the latest edition of Preserve Our Water's newsletter, the organization discusses: Current Blanco County drought conditions, Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District's drought stage, Jacob’s Well running dry, Central Texas' drought, an update to the GMA 9 Desired Future Conditions, and our own Hill Country Alliance 2009 Calendars. Read more after the jump.
Central Texas still running dry
"As winter nears, federal authorities describe South Texas, the Panhandle and most of West Texas as not experiencing even mild drought," writes Asher Price for the Austin American-Statesman. "But across Central Texas, drought has stifled water supplies already taxed by a hot summer and never-ending demand. Exact definitions differ, but drought is often described as a period when an area receives less than 75 percent of its average annual precipitation. Average yearly rainfall for Austin is 34 inches; so far this year, 15 inches have fallen." Read the full Statesman story here.
Why the 'rule of capture' is broken
"More than a decade of hard work by the Edwards Aquifer Authority could be washed down the drain by a recent 4th Court of Appeals opinion," writes Bruce Davidson for the San Antonio Express-News. "And a process being conducted by groundwater districts across the state to establish desired aquifer levels over the next 50 years is also in jeopardy...The EAA is preparing a discretionary petition for review asking the state's high court to weigh in on the matter." Read the full story here.
October 28, 2008
Texas drought could break 1950 record
"The current Texas drought could rival the record drought of the 1950s if weather conditions don't change soon," writes David Tewes for the Victoria Advocate. "Canyon Lake on the Guadalupe River has reached its lowest level ever since it was created in the early 1960s, breaking the previous record low set on Nov. 24, 1984." Read the full Advocate story here.
Back to Groundwater Resources
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The Latest News
LCRA was selling water from Burnet County well that's now dry
The Lower Colorado River Authority was selling water from the Spicewood Beach water system less than four weeks before the well serving the area ran dry, officials said Wednesday. Read full Statesman.com article.
Panel discussion with the Imagine Austin Citizens' Advisory Task Force, February 10
The University of Texas will host the next installment of its City Forum series, February 10, with a panel discussion on the City of Austin's long-awaited comprehensive plan, Imagine Austin. Learn More
TWDB to Decide “Desired” Future of Trinity Aquifer on March 1st
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) was scheduled to review two challenges and decide on the reasonableness of the Desired Future Conditions for the Trinity Aquifer in the Texas Hill Country at their February 1st board meeting. At the request of WVWA, the Board President granted a continuance yesterday and moved the agenda item to the March 1st scheduled board meeting. TWDB is expected to rule on a protest to the Desired Future Condition (DFC) goal adopted by GMA 9, a goal that some argue is not sustainable. The proposed DFC allows for an average of 30 feet of additional groundwater decline over the next 50 years (an average of 19 feet across Hays County). Read More
Travis County passed new rules to protect water resources
After months of vetting by a diverse volunteer stakeholder committee made up of scientists, developer interests, landowners, residents and groundwater planning professionals Travis County Commissioners unanimously passed recommended new subdivision rules dealing with water use. “Already built or planned subdivisions and those with five or fewer lots that use surface water or have a rainwater collection system to back up groundwater would be exempt from the rules.” Read a brief from the Austin American Statesman that includes a link to the feature article from earlier this week here. Read Travis County staff summary to the Court here.
Spicewood Beach and neighbors getting water trucked in
A Central Texas community has run out of water amid a statewide drought, prompting the Lower Colorado River Authority to start trucking in water. Read more from Statesman.com.
Rethinking water: Growing population, limited supply mean costs destined to rise, experts say
Is water too cheap? Perhaps the most obvious indication that it is, said Michael Webber, a University of Texas professor who heads a research group focused on water and energy, is how freely we use it. A growing population requires more water, which the state says can't come from one source. Addressing the state's water needs requires a range of solutions, most of which are expensive. Read more from Statesman.com.
New Study shows billboards hurt nearby property values
A new study shows that billboards negatively affect the values of neighboring properties. It also found that cities with strict billboard controls are experiencing greater economic prosperity than those with controls that are less strict. Read full article in Scenic America's newsletter, Scenic Overlook.
Couple's fight with pipeline company pits Texans' love of oil vs. love of land
The Gipses are one of hundreds in the Crossroads with pipelines crisscrossing their property. For the Gipses and others, their worries aren't about fracking or possible pollutants. For them, the problems start with two legal words: eminent domain. Read full VictoriaAdvocate.com article.
Night Skies showing Venus and the Moon
The HCA photo contest opens on March 1st which is just one month away. Right now the night sky is displaying a wonderful show of the Moon and Venus. Check out these beautiful, inspirational photos. Many local efforts are underway to retrofit outdated lighting in order to protect the night skies. Keep up with this issue and talk with your neighbors about protecting starry skies in the Hill Country.
Lawyer was the bridge over troubled waters
Robert Gulley returned to San Antonio after 44 years to accept a job with the expectation he would fail. His task was to get a 26-member committee representing industry, environmental groups, farmers and cities to agree on how to share the Edwards Aquifer. Read more from SA Express-News.
Burnet/Llano County Water Issues Meeting, January 26
The Central Texas Water Coalition (CTWC), together with Burnet County, will hold an informational session on the region’s most pressing water issues. Area residents and business owners will be able to engage in a Q&A session with a panel of representatives from LCRA, TCEQ, TWDB, Corp of Engineers, and CTWC. Details
LCRA water plan revisions are ready for public comment
“Releasing a new proposed model for managing its water, the Lower Colorado River Authority published its draft water plan Tuesday, detailing stricter guidelines for releasing water to rice farmers and nearly doubling water reserves for cities and power plants.” The plan is posted at LCRA.org. Comments are due February 9th and can be submitted electronically. The LCRA Board will consider the plan at its February 22 meeting. Read more from the Austin American Statesman.
Medina Lake withers on
Medina Lake not been this low in more than two decades, and the lake is expected to continue to lose a few inches every day as the 15-month drought continues. Every drop means less water available for farmers and the city of San Antonio. Read full Houston Chronicle article.
LCRA: Spicewood Beach wells have two to three weeks of water remaining
The well supplying water for about 1,100 residents near Spicewood Beach in Burnet County is at risk of running dry in two to three weeks because of prolonged drought conditions…"We are hopeful that conservation efforts will extend the life of the well, but even so, it is likely the well will become unusable in the next few weeks." Learn More
Drought Emergency Planning Workshops
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will be hosting drought emergency planning workshops throughout the state in January and February 2012. The workshops will provide local government officials, board members, and their water system operators information and tools to prevent and mitigate water outages. Learn More
Wildfire Preparedness Seminar, January 30 in Kerrville
The Upper Guadalupe River Authority has partnered with Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Kerr County, and Headwaters GCD to bring a wildfire preparedness seminar to our area. Topics will include the current status of the drought, wildfire prevention and preparedness, local burning regulations, and a legislative forecast. Details
Wind Turbines + Transmission: A Performance Art Show
Andy Wilkinson designed the project to capture the changing landscape of wind industry through the voices of those involved and impacted by areas of development. He has interviewed farmers, landowners, wind developers, municipal leaders, and environmentalists. The event takes place at TTU in Junction, Thursday evening 1/26. Learn More
Texas' Water Rights System Gets Tested in Drought
Earlier this month, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a notice to a handful of East Texas groups in the Sabine River Basin: Their rights to river water will be suspended because a hunting and fishing club needs more water. The club's right to water predates the others' rights — literally. Read full Texas Tribune article.
Texas Fracking Disclosures to Include Water Totals
Starting Feb. 1, drilling operators in Texas will have to report many of the chemicals they use in hydraulic fracturing. Environmentalists and landowners are looking forward to learning what acids, hydroxides and other materials have gone into a given well.
But a less-publicized part of the regulation is what some water experts are most interested in: the mandatory disclosure of the amount of water needed to “frack” each well. Experts call this an invaluable tool as they evaluate how fracking affects water supplies in the drought-prone state. Read more from Texas Tribune.
Let’s teach our kids about Major Rivers, Watersheds and Aquifers
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has a great program to educate 4th and 5th graders about water resources. Talk this up with your local Hill Country elementary school teachers, let them know that now is the time to order materials. Let’s work together to help the next generation understand watershed systems, the relationship between groundwater and surface water and the importance of conservation. Learn more, register for webinar and place an order here.
Develop water strategy to slake Texans' thirst
The state's population is expected to nearly double by 2060, from 25.4 million people to 46.3 million, according to the state water plan. New management strategies and supply projects are needed to meet the state's residential, business and agricultural water needs. Failure to act could result in devastating business losses, lost jobs and reduced incomes, the state plan says; public health and economic development will suffer. More from Statesman.com.
1,800-home development in western Travis County to go forward
Home construction at the stalled, 1,400-acre Sweetwater development in western Travis County is likely to start by March. On Tuesday, Travis County commissioners unanimously approved aspects of the project that allow Sweetwater's developer to sell lots and continue building roads for the new residential community at Texas 71 near Bee Creek Road. Read full Statesman.com article.
Could water, power woes threaten state's economy?
Dwindling supplies of water and electricity are imperiling the state's economic future, a Texas Senate committee was told Tuesday. Read more from Statesman.com.
Water rate hike provokes county officials
Kerr County commissioners and the county judge had harsh words for the proposed Aqua Texas water rate increase but have basically no way to fend off the new charges. According to the TCEQ, customers have a 150-day comment or protest period after they receive notice of the proposed rate increase. Read full Kerrville Daily Times article.
KLRN Broadcast: Eagle Ford: Opportunity and Challenge
“Predictions on the billions of dollars in oil and natural gas that will come out of the Eagle Ford shale project are mind boggling... The environmental impact of fracking hasn't been effectively measured yet, and many claim the process pollutes well water, or even might cause earthquakes. Read about the program hosted by Robert Rivard. Tune in to KLRN San Antonio, Thursday, January 12th from 8 – 9 pm.
The Future of Texas Drought, January 12
The Central Texas Water Coalition's January 12 meeting will feature, "The Future of Texas Drought," a presentation by Texas State Climatologist, John Nielson-Gammon. Travis County Commissioner Karen Huber will be on hand to talk about her recently released Lake Travis Economic Impact Study, and Burnet County Judge Donna Klaeger will discuss the proposal for the studies of Burnet and Llano Counties. Learn More
After exceptionally hot and dry 2011, more drought forecast for new year
After enduring the record-setting heat and dry conditions of 2011, drought-weary Texans are being greeted with forecasts of more of the same for the new year. Read more from TexasClimateNews.org.
The 2012 State Water Plan was sent to the Governor on January 5, 2012
“The primary message of the 2012 State Water Plan is a simple one: In serious drought conditions, Texas does not and will not have enough water to meet the needs of its people, its businesses, and its agricultural enterprises.” Learn more from TWDB. Read what Tom Mason, former LCRA General Manager has to say about the plan here.
Keeping rural roots alive without leaving the city
A great story featuring thoughts of Wendell Berry and Wes Jackson, two sustainable agriculture pioneers… “We came here as poor people on rich land, but now we are rich people on poor land," Jackson said. "As we made 'progress,' we didn't realize what we were undoing in the process. Our society is built upon the withdrawal on the "capital stock of the earth." Read story from Statesman.com.
Private Lands, Public Benefits: Innovations to Sustain the Private Lands that Provide Food, Fiber and Water Policy
In early December, the Texas Agricultural Land Trust and Texas Department of Agriculture hosted Private Lands, Public Benefits in Austin, Texas. The full day conference showcased examples of unique, market based approaches to land and natural resource conservation. Topics included; land fragmentation and loss of rural lands, purchase of development rights or “PDR” programs, the value of natural ecosystems and conservation easements. Learn more about the conference and access speaker presentations. Learn more about Land Conservation and Conservation Easements.
Environmental impact of CREZ
December 23rd was the final day to submit public comments for the LCRA draft Environmental Assessment (dEA), draft Habitat Conservation Plan (dHCP) and related Incidental Take Permit (ITP). The Study Area includes six counties (Tom Green, Schleicher, Kimble, Kerr, Gillespie and Kendall) The impacts of these 18-story high lattice towers used to build 178 miles of industrial scale transmission lines (known as CREZ projects) will change the Hill Country region forever. Hearings will be set soon, you can find out more and review documents at USFW. Comments filed by SOSHE and CVA are posted on our CREZ Issue page.
The Texas Water Crisis
Texas water authorities at every level are on alert. Last summer’s extremely hot, dry weather was a wake-up call. Now more than a dozen Texas towns are in danger of running out of water. Texas is in a water crisis. To make it official, the Texas Water Development Board December report says the state reservoirs are extremely low even after some autumn rain. More from CleanHouston.org
Dangers of fracking still becoming clear
The word "fracking" may sound funny, but it describes a drilling practice that has created a serious boom in natural gas production in Texas and elsewhere, and with the boom has come serious worries about fracking's effects on the environment. More from Statesman.com.
Final piece of aquifer plan approved
In a brief, anticlimactic ending to a painstaking, four-year-long process, the Edwards Aquifer Authority board voted Wednesday to approve the funding for a habitat conservation plan that should keep the region's main aquifer under local control. The plan calls for habitat restoration at the springs, storing water in an underground reservoir built by SAWS, and for all municipal and industrial pumpers to pay farmers not to pump during droughts. Read more from SA Express-News.
Travis County park purchase to add access to Pedernales River
Earlier this month, Travis County commissioners closed on a 770-acre ranch owned by Eugene and Jean Reimers in southwestern Travis County near the Hays County line that will connect Milton Reimers Ranch Park and Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve. More from Statesman.com
EAA Board Approves Funding Agreement for Habitat Conservation Plan
The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) Board of Directors approved a funding and management agreement on Tuesday, December 28, that details how the EAA will pay for implementing a habitat conservation plan (HCP) aimed at protecting threatened and endangered species whose only known habitats are the aquifer-fed Comal and San Marcos springs. More from AACOG.com
Commissioners endorse preserving night skies, PEC offers support
Kimble County and the PEC agree to work together to protect nights skies. “As Judge Murr stated, the night sky is part of the region’s scenic beauty that brings significant economic and financial benefits to the community.” Read more from the Junction Eagle. More from HCA on Night Skies here.
Water planners urged to base needs on centuries, not decades, of drought data
Over the past 500 years, Central Texas has seen droughts far worse than the 1950s drought of record, according to a report commissioned by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and published Wednesday in the December issue of the Texas Water Journal. Researchers warn that makers of water policy should broaden their planning to factor in the possibility of droughts far worse than the spell that set the bar more than a half-century ago. Read more from Statesman.com.
Texas Tree Ring Study Warns of Long Droughts
A new study of tree rings adds to evidence that Texas has experienced at least one 10-year drought every 100 years, as well as several "mega-droughts" lasting 15 to 30 years over the centuries. Read full Texas Tribune article.
Growth of large private water companies brings higher water rates, little recourse for consumers
Across the state, a growing number of suburban Texans are getting their water from large, private corporations owned by investors seeking to profit off the sale of an essential resource. State figures show private companies are seeking more price increases every year, and many are substantial. Read full Statesman.com article.
Water a hot topic in Hill Country despite recent rains
"Statistics provided by the Texas Water Development Board show that groundwater withdrawal from the Hill Country's Edwards and Trinity aquifers increased dramatically between 1975 and 2010. In 1975, less than 10,000 acre-feet were withdrawn annually; that shot up to 41,000 acre-feet in 2010. Mix in recent drought years, and a picture of a thirsty Hill Country natural world comes into sharper focus." Read more from SA Express-News.
Hays County Master Parks Plan Draft Available for Public Review
The draft of the new Hays County Parks, Open Space and Natural Areas Master Plan has been completed and is available for public review through 5 p.m. January 11, 2012. It has not yet been endorsed or adopted by the Hays County Commissioners Court. Read More
Rainwater harvesting system should make this year's wish list
Dear Santa, I've been reasonably good and would like pearl earrings, an electric lap blanket, a digital reading device and, oh yes, a rain water harvesting system. With water being a top concern, you may want to add this to your Christmas wish list. Capturing rain water is a great way to improve your water resources. Read more from MyWestTexas.com.
LCRA downsizes staff, reapproves selling water system for $140 million
The Lower Colorado River Authority has eliminated about 200 jobs in a cost-saving measure and reapproved selling off one of its largest water and wastewater systems for $140 million. Read more from Statesman.com.
New rules for fracking approved
The Texas Railroad Commission approved a rule Tuesday requiring oil and natural gas drillers to disclose most of the chemicals they use in hydraulic fracturing. Read full SA Express-News article.
Vote sinks aquifer funding
The Edwards Aquifer Authority board failed Tuesday to approve funding for a plan to assure continued pumping from the region's main aquifer and protect springflows in San Marcos and New Braunfels. The 8-7 vote against the funding agreement means it will be very difficult if not impossible to meet the deadline established by the state Legislature for a habitat conservation plan. Read full SA Express-News article.
Wildlife Tax Valuation Workshop
The Cibolo Nature Center and Texas Parks and Wildlife are presenting a three part Wildlife Tax Valuation Workshop in January. This indepth seminar is especially for owners with more than 20 acres and emphasizes wildlife management strategies that improve native habitat and increase species diversity. Details
Texas State Parks need $4.6 million to help keep parks open
Record drought and heat, devastating wildfires, and a drop in visitation have led to a critical situation for state parks. See how you can help.
Texas’ multibillion-dollar cost to build wind energy lines raises doubts
Texas electricity regulators proposed the $5 billion project a few years ago to bring West Texas wind power to North Texas and Houston. But the markets and the political mood have changed. Carbon dioxide is no longer the most popular foe. Now it’s electricity shortages and blackouts. Read full DallasNews.com article.
Hill Country Landowners take action to protect springs and property rights
So, what happens when local residents and landowners don’t agree with the groundwater management plan handed down by a regional governing body that affects the future of a precious, local groundwater resource?
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has a process for such situations, and it’s now playing out with precision in the Wimberley Valley of Hays County. Read More
A sustainable Hill Country eats locally
December 3rd – December 10th is the 5th Annual Edible Austin Eat Drink Local Week! Hosted by Edible Austin, this is Austin’s premier local food event, celebrating local seasonal food and foodmakers in Central Texas and raising money for Urban Roots and Sustainable Food Center. Learn more about Hill Country sustainable agriculture here.
Regional Rail from San Antonio to Georgetown
Project Connect is a collaboration of transportation agencies exploring “high-capacity transit” for our region. Check out this news segment from KUT and KXAN. Open house public meetings will be held in the Austin area December 6, 8 and 9. Learn More
Submit Your Nominations for the Texas Rain Catcher Award
Time is running out to submit your entry for the 4th Annual Texas Rain Catcher Award. The Texas Water Development Board's (TWDB) Texas Rain Catcher Award is a "rainwater harvesting" competition and recognition program designed to promote rainwater technology, educate the public, and recognize excellence in the application of rainwater harvesting systems in Texas. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 31. More information on eligibility, benefits, judging, entries and past winners is available on the TWDB's Innovative Water Technologies website.
Read more Hill Country newsEmphasized
Upcoming Events
February
February 1-3 in San Antonio - Texas Trails & Active Transportation Conference - Details
February 7 in Austin - Texas Enterprise Speaker Series Presents: What's the Future of Energy? | Details
February 7 in Kerrville - Drought Emergency Planning Workshop - Details
February 9 in New Braunfels - Drought Emergency Planning Workshop - Details
February 10 in Austin - City Forum, Imagine Austin: Looking Back, Looking Forward - Details
February 15-17 in San Antonio - Texas Transportation Forum - Details
February 22-24 in Austin - Texas Land Trust Council's 2012 Statewide Land Conservation Council - Details
February 23-24 in San Antonio - 13th Annual Changing Face of Water Rights Course - Details
March
March 7-9 in Dallas - Texas Water Conservation Association (TWCA) 2012 Annual Convention - Details
March 30-April 1 in San Marcos - Texas Rainwater Catchment Association's 2012 Conference - Details
April
April 25-28 - 13th Annual Nature Quest - Learn from Hill Country nature experts through field trips, workshops, nature by kayak and programs along the Clear Frio, Nueces & Sabinal Rivers - Details
April 27-29 in Fredericksburg - Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival - Details
May
May 5 in Bandera - 12th Annual Medina River Cleanup - Details
August
August 28-30 in Austin - Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts: Texas Groundwater Summit - Details
See more upcoming events
2012 Texas Hill Country Calendar
This spectacular combination of art, literature and nature is intended to inspire new and creative ways of protecting this fragile region.
Click here to purchase
Imagine a place where vibrant communities draw strength from their natural assets to sustain their quality of life. A place where citizens care about protecting the special qualities of a region – their region. A place where people and partners band together to envision a better economic future, tackle shared challenges and care for the natural, scenic, and recreational resources that define the place they call home.
~This is a Conservation Landscape
Helpful Mapping Resources - Beautiful and informative maps of the region to print and share.
HCA Dynamic Mapping Tool - This dynamic online mapping tool includes water resource information, regional geography, natural resource information, jurisdictional boundaries and more using GIS layers in an easy to use Google Earth platform.
