Water Resource Planning
News
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.
October 24, 2010
Lake Mead sinks to a new historic low
Pay attention to this reminder of how drought and growing water demands have sapped the Colorado River (the other Colorado River) and its huge reservoirs. Click here
13 seek to bring water to city
By Friday's deadline, 13 potential sellers responded to San Antonio Water System's request to help diversify its water sources. With the new approach, water sellers would compete to do the work — obtain pumping permits and pipeline easements, financing construction and, in some cases, work to change state law to allow for a pipeline to be built. Read full San Antonio Express article here.
October 21, 2010
LCRA to look for new water sources
Long reliant on one source of water for much of Central Texas, the Lower Colorado River Authority will study alternate sources to meet future demands of the growing region, according to a plan the authority’s board approved Wednesday. Read more from Statesman.com here.
October 12, 2010
State’s budgetary woes may derail water reform
While the establishment of water districts to cover the entire state may be boiling over with some municipalities, a $21 billion shortfall in the state’s budgeting is likely to curtail any serious reform measures. Read full Lake Travis View 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.
September 30, 2010
Massive deal proposed to move water from counties east of Austin to San Antonio
Hoping to broker a massive deal that would send water from beneath counties east of Austin in a $400 million pipeline to San Antonio, the general manager of a Central Texas river authority has asked the region's chief private water developers to convene in Seguin on Friday. Read full Statesman.com article here.
September 20, 2010
Watershed health important for all Texans
A Texas Watershed Steward training program will be held from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Utopia Senior Center on Main Street in Uptopia. The program is sponsored by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board in coordination with the Nueces River Authority. Details
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 24, 2010
Riparian Landowner’s Workshops scheduled for October
Riparian areas are important components of the landscape and water cycle. Please read Steve Nelle’s (NRCS) “Riparian Notes”, learn about taking care of your water resources. More information and details about upcoming workshops here.
TCEQ Considers lower water quality standards. SARA says “clean enough to swim in”.
The board of the San Antonio River Authority has come out against the state lowering water quality standards for any of the creeks and rivers it oversees. Other Hill Country river basins are looking at this issue carefully. Sign a petition supporting high standards and learn more here.
August 18, 2010
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.
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 19, 2010
Domestic use of Highland Lakes water
Ray, who has a weekend place on Lake Buchanan, waters his lawn by pumping water from the lake.” LCRA is asking property owners to pay up. Read more from Water Matters.
July 16, 2010
Uvalde says no to Californian's water pipeline
Rodney Smith's pitch to the Uvalde City Council this week was all about water, but the reception seemed more like the kind you'd see extended to a carnival hustler trying to engage the local citizenry in a game of Three-Card Monte. Read full San Antonio Express article here.
July 15, 2010
Uvalde Water Project Pipeline Concerns
There was standing room only at the Uvalde City Council meeting as citizens crowded into council chambers to hear about the Uvalde Water Project pipeline. Southwest Texas Water Resources wants to construct a 67-mile pipeline from Uvalde County to San Antonio to transport Edwards Aquifer water. City Council says “no”. Read more here.
July 13, 2010
July Issue of TP&W Magazine Explores Why Water Matters in Texas
Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine’s ninth annual water issue is on the news stand now and is a useful resource to engage readers with current water issues that affect their lives. The full text of the issue is also available on the magazine’s website.
July 8, 2010
Fredericksburg's treated sewage effluent available to golf resort
Treated sewage effluent that the City of Fredericksburg contracted in 2006 to sell to Boot Ranch is finally available to the troubled golf resort. Read full San Antonio Express article here. Read more from Fredericksburg Standard here.
June 24, 2010
Playing By The Rule
"Groundwater is covered by an archaic law that could leave use high and dry." Read the full article by Nick Patoski, Texas Observer here.
June 6, 2010
Aquatic Life Declines at Early Stages of Urban Development
The Center for Watershed Protection has been collaborating with the US Geological Survey's Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems research group to help interpret and disseminate the study results to local watershed managers and planners so they can base land use and management decisions on the best available science. Read more.
May 26, 2010
Cypress Flows, News from The River Systems Institute
What is the economic loss to Wimberley if water flow or quality declines in Cypress Creek? What is a CCN? Rainwater harvesting and water conservation tips…this newsletter is a must read for everyone in Hays County and those in the Hill Country Region who would like to learn about the importance of watershed based planning. Click here for more.
Submit comments now to shape your region’s water policies
EDF hosts “Texas Water Solutions” an informative blog for citizen participation in state water planning processes. A torrent of draft regional water plans have flooded the state this spring, as a part of the state’s regional water planning process. Public hearings and public comment periods on these draft plans present critical opportunities for Texans to let planners know their opinions about how best to meet the future water needs of people and the environment in your area. Visit the blog for more information.
May 22, 2010
Water suppliers may need to consider the health of mussels
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may decide by the end of the year whether 11 species of mussels are endangered. If the answer is yes, the state's river authorities might have to recalculate how much water they can distribute to industry, farmers and growing cities and still leave enough in Texas' already stressed rivers to keep mussels healthy. Read full Statesman.com article here.
May 3, 2010
Protecting a precious resource: Good to the last drop?
Last year State Comptroller Susan Combs urged lawmakers to take action to avoid a major water shortage in the wake of two decades of explosive population growth. Read full Amarillo Globe News article here.
April 20. 2010
Pickens wants court to derail state water plan
Billionaire T. Boone Pickens wants a court to derail state approval of a water management plan that he claims would take $10 million off the value of his groundwater rights in the Texas Panhandle. Read full Statesman.com article here.
March 14, 2010
State seeks to ease water quality rules
In a move that it says will save money and is a practical strategy for monitoring the state's waterways, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has proposed loosening its water quality standards. Read full Statesman.com article here.
March 11, 2010
Texas Water Matters
Texas Water Matters is an outstanding resource on all things related to water planning in Texas. The site is full of current information on all water planning processes. Recently the project added new features to their website illustrating the “interconnectivity” of surface and ground water supplies. Check out the Living Waters Project and specifically the latest material on interconnectivity here.
March 10, 2010
Water Conservation in Texas: Good, Bad And Ugly
Perhaps the timing isn’t best (the drought has lifted and attention has drifted elsewhere) but the National Wildlife Federation and the Sierra Club released a report this week on water conservation efforts in nineteen Texas cities. As the two groups note, the “quality and extent of water conservation programs in Texas’ cities vary considerably.” Read full Texas Observer article here.
March 8, 2010
Drop by Drop: Seven Ways Texas Cities Can Conserve Water
The National Wildlife Federation and the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club released a joint report today recommending seven common-sense water conservation measures. The report reviews 19 cities around the state to see where these measures are in place and concludes that, with some exceptions, most of the cities surveyed are not doing enough to make the most efficient use of existing water supplies. Read more...
February 10, 2010
Edward Aquifer moves towards impervious cover limits in the Hill Country
The board of the Edwards Aquifer Authority on Tuesday moved toward limiting development over the entire recharge zone of the aquifer from Hays to Uvalde counties. Controlling the amount of impervious cover, or the square footage of parking lots and roofs, on top of the recharge zone is a step the authority has contemplated since 2003 to protect water quality. Read full SA Express article here.
January 26, 2010
LCRA wants input for long range water supply planning
Now is the time to let LCRA know your ideas for managing the water in the Highland Lakes. Meetings will be held in Austin, Burnet and El Campo, you can also provide input in writing or take an online survey. Learn more...
November 19, 2009
State environmental agency rejects request to repeal discharge ban
The state environmental office Wednesday denied a request to repeal a ban on the discharge of treated wastewater into the Highland Lakes, which serve as the prime recreation and water supply reservoirs in Central Texas. The decision, made at a meeting of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ends a public policy discussion that boiled down to water quality versus water quantity. Read full Statesman.com article here.
October 21, 2009
13 Million pounds of toxics discharged into Texas rivers and streams
Industrial facilities dumped 13 million pounds of toxic chemicals into Texas’ waterways in 2007, according to a report released today by Environment Texas: Wasting Our Waterways: Industrial Toxic Pollution and the Unfulfilled Promise of the Clean Water Act. The report also finds that toxic chemicals were discharged in 1,900 waterways across all 50 states. The information detailed in this report was compiled from the Environmental Protection Agency’s database on toxic release inventories. Read full media release 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 4, 2009
Cypress Creek Project
The spring-fed Cypress Creek and surrounding Hill Country landscape is a unique and cherished natural system located in and around Wimberley, Texas. Learn about what’s being done to protect this resource, check out the latest Cypress Creek Project newsletter 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.
May 20, 2009
TPWD Hears about proposed permit to remove sand/gravel from Llano River
On May 12th, about three-dozen Llano County neighbors and their attorneys and consultants made the trip to Texas Parks and Wildlife Headquarters to discuss a proposed permit to remove sand and gravel from the Llano River. Joining them in Austin were several interested persons who offered insight into how a decision on this permit could shape state policy towards the management of rivers. Read full Llano News article here.
May 15, 2009
Silent Springs - is it too late to save Hill Country water?
Sixty feet below the shimmering surface of Jacob’s Well, an artesian spring that for thousands of years has pulsed iridescent blue-green water from the Trinity Aquifer to the surface, a sophisticated instrument measures the spring’s vital signs. The results are beamed almost instantaneously to the Internet. These days the gauge detects only the thinnest of pulses. Read the full Texas Observer article here.
March 1, 2009
Hydrologist concerned about effect of drought on Llano's water supply
"In a called meeting following Monday’s Presidents’ Day holiday, the Llano City Council on Tuesday heard a report from local hydrologist Tyson Broad on how the current drought will continue to adversely affect the city’s water supply unless we receive more rain," writes Dale Fry for the Bandera Bulletin. "Citing current stream flow figures, Broad expressed concern for the future of Llano’s water supply and recommended that the city begin now to determine at what point it should take steps to conserve its supply of the precious liquid." Read the full Bulletin story here.
February 18, 2009
A Wrap-Up of Drought Conditions in Texas
"The River Systems Institute has prepared an overview of drought conditions in Central Texas from several sources. In summary, it appears difficult to compare the current situation to the 50s because of the duration of the 50s drought, and Central Texas did have rain in 2007. But although on a shorter time frame, this drought has been more severe than even portions of the 50s drought, especially in the Central Texas." Read the full summary from the River Systems Institute at TSU here.
January 26, 2009
San Antonio Water System's hopes evaporating
"The Colorado River may be drying up as a potential source of drinking water for San Antonio," writes Jerry Needham for the San Antonio Express-News. "The San Antonio Water System is spending millions of dollars looking into bringing Colorado River water to the Alamo City, but scientific studies, and now maybe policy decisions by the board that oversees the river, continue to shrink the amount of water available and cause the estimated costs to skyrocket." Read the full Express-News story here.
November 6, 2008
NRC: Watershed boundaries are the way to manage runoff
"Although urban areas take just three percent of U.S. land, their loss of water-retaining soil and vegetation -- and their polluted runoff from impervious surfaces, lawns, vehicles, industries, and construction sites -- have harmed all urban streams, and, on a larger scale, caused most impairment of 13 percent of rivers, 18 percent of lakes, and 32 percent of estuaries, concludes the National Research Council's Committee on Reducing Stormwater Discharge Contribution to Water Pollution," Smart Growth News reports. Read the full story here.
November 5, 2008
Second symposium on Texas Water issues Nov. 13 in San Antonio
HCA is partnering with Schreiner University, Texas Tech University and Texas Public Radio to present a series of four free lectures and forums designed to engage Central Texans in the water and growth issues of our area. Read about the Texas Water Symposia here, and read the full press release for the event here.
November 2, 2008
Preserving the S. Llano River: Join the Project Nov. 15
"Environmental Defense Fund's South Llano River Project was initiated in early 2008 to begin discussions with local and regional stakeholders on the interest and feasibility of developing a plan of action to ensure the long-term protection of this rich and unique resource," writes Texas Water Matters. "Work will initially focus on the South Llano River, however there is potential for eventually widening the project area to include the greater Llano River watershed." Join the project on November 15 in Junction and read the details and pre-register to attend here.
Jacob's Well stops flowing
"Jacob's Well, the famous natural spring known to be the longest underwater cave in Texas, stopped flowing for the second time in recorded history on the evening of October 20th," reports the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association in a press release. "Jacob's Well has been hovering at between one and two cubic feet per second for the past several months. Jacob's Well is the barometer for the health of the aquifer; the well ceasing to flow at this time is a major environmental event, as it stopped for the first time in recorded history in the summer of 2000." Read more after the jump.
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.
October 22, 2008
Protecting Cibolo Creek saves more than money
"The tendency of humans to build, live and play in and near attractive riparian areas has resulted in stream banks having been stripped of vegetation, paved, compacted and littered with all kinds of trash," writes Jan Wrede, Director of Education at Cibolo Nature Center. "These highly impaired riparian zones now cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars to restore...Protecting the Cibolo Creek from degradation and preserving its natural good health is part of our generation's mandate to provide for sustainable living in this wonderful town." Read more after the jump.
October 6, 2008
Lawmakers looking into Texas water laws
The Texas Legislature is gearing up for another session and these lawmakers are working on changes to Texas Water Laws. New topics include "dam safety, new electric generation sources and technologies, mercury and arsenic emissions, water and energy needs and challenges, water salinity technology, monitoring implementation of HB 1763 as it relates to Groundwater Management Areas, related groundwater issues in areas without a groundwater conservation district, evaluation of increasing caps on export fees, and review of the powers of state river authorities," according to an article in Livestock Weekly. Read their full story after the jump.
Canyon Lake nearing record low
"Drought and an agreement to release water to help keep downstream trout alive have left Canyon Lake just inches above the lowest level ever reached after the reservoir was first filled in 1968," writes Roger Croteau for the San Antonio Express-News. "Canyon Lake's normal level is 909 feet above mean sea level, and its historic low was 899.7 feet in December 1984. On Monday the lake, which has been dropping about an inch a day, stood at 900.11 feet."'
Read the full Express-News story here.
Back to Water Resource Planning
Back to Issues
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.
