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 28, 2010
LCRA TSC files application with Public Utility Commission for new transmission line across Hill Country
The line would connect the approved McCamey D Station to be constructed north of Eldorado with stations in Kendall and Gillespie counties, providing more reliability and a new path for wind power to get to market. Counties that could be impacted by this CREZ project include Schleicher, Sutton, Kimble, Kerr, Kendall, Gillespie, Menard and Mason. Read more 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.
LCRA to propose routes for Kendall transmission lines to PUC July 28
With a Twin Buttes to McCamey D route approved earlier this month, LCRA Transmission Services Corporation will present proposed routes for the McCamey D-to-Kendall-to-Gillespie transmission line project to the Public Utilities Commission on July 28. Read full Boerne Star article 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.
Could New Approaches to Infrastructure Transform Our Region?
Envision Central Texas announces “Innovate or Stagnate” a regional planning forum set for September 10th in Austin. Learn more 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.
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.
PUC selects route for new transmission line that LCRA TSC will build in Schleicher, Irion and Tom Green counties
The Public Utility Commission of Texas on July 1 chose a route for a new transmission line project intended to carry renewable wind power through Schleicher, Irion and Tom Green counties to more populated areas of the state. View route map. Read more.
Comal County plans for Habitat Conservation Plan
A public meeting will be held July 27th in Comal County to consider authorization of a new HCP (Habitat Conservation Plan). An HCP is a way to conserve habitat for endangered species by establishing and managing preserves to mitigate for habitat taken by development. Learn more…
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.
July 2, 2010
Groups rally to keep high water quality
A request in 2008 by the City of Burnet to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to amend its wastewater permit would more than double its discharge rate into Hamilton Creek, which feeds into Lake Travis. Read full Community Impact article here.
July 1, 2010
Must read about LCRA, the Highland Lakes and Water Planning in Texas
“The LCRA is in a precarious and powerful position as both river steward and water marketer. The same agency endowed with protecting the Colorado River, also funds itself by selling its water.” Read the full article by Ian Dile, Texas Observer here.