A half-day hearing/trial has been set next week Government Center, 3d Floor, in the suit filed by the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association and concerned citizens against the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. The Plaintiffs are WVWA and individual citizens who have appealed to the District Court to require the HTGCD to hold a contested case hearing on the application of Wimberley Springs Partners to pump millions of gallons of groundwater from the Trinity Aquifer in the vicinity of Jacob's Well for a golf course development. The WVWA encourages the public and concerned citizens to attend the hearing...
A half-day hearing/trial has been set next week Government Center, 3d Floor, in the suit filed by the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association and concerned citizens against the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. The Plaintiffs are WVWA and individual citizens who have appealed to the District Court to require the HTGCD to hold a contested case hearing on the application of Wimberley Springs Partners to pump millions of gallons of groundwater from the Trinity Aquifer in the vicinity of Jacob's Well for a golf course development. The WVWA encourages the public and concerned citizens to attend the hearing. on June 19 at 9:30 a.m.at the Hays County
Judge Dwight L. Peschel from Guadalupe County has previously ruled that the District’s refusal to grant a contested case hearing was arbitrary and capricious and a denial of procedural due process. The hearing/trial next Wednesday will determine whether Judge Peschel’s prior ruling will be incorporated in a final judgment in the case.
The Hays County District Courts have moved to the new Government Center at 712 South Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, TX 78666.
GPS locators/maps do not have the correct location of our new building and may show you a similar, private address that is not close to the Government Center.
To find the Government Center: take the Wonder World Drive exit off of IH-35 and head west, or head east on Wonder World Drive from Hunter Road. At the bottom of the Wonder World Drive railroad overpass, turn North on South Stagecoach Trail.
The Government Center is a large, stand-alone building at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Proposed Woodcreek North Golf Course and platted lots
Neighbor to Neighbor News June 13, 2013 Hill Country NewsHays County Town Hall Meeting about Sports Complex Lighting June 20th Hill Country people appreciate the Night Sky and one growing concern is the proliferation extremely lit sports fields. A town hall meeting focused on the new Central Texas Field of Dreams, will take place at the fire station at 7520 Creek Road in Dripping Springs, Thursday June 20th from 6 – 8. Learn about lighting sports parks from IDA here. Learn about HCA’s Night Sky Program here...
Neighbor to Neighbor News June 13, 2013
Hill Country News
Hays County Town Hall Meeting about Sports Complex Lighting June 20th Hill Country people appreciate the Night Sky and one growing concern is the proliferation extremely lit sports fields. A town hall meeting focused on the new Central Texas Field of Dreams, will take place at the fire station at 7520 Creek Road in Dripping Springs, Thursday June 20th from 6 – 8. Learn about lighting sports parks from IDA here. Learn about HCA’s Night Sky Program here. After Rice Farmers Cut off Last Year, Water Use Cut in Half in Central Texas A great illustration from State Impact of the change in water use with rice farmers cut off last year. Municipal use is now a much bigger piece of the pie, but how much of that 47% is used for watering lawns? Read more from State Impact here. Also, a telling report from Native American Seed about water conservation and taking care of your land. The TCEQ will conduct a public meeting regarding the LCRA water management plan on June 26th.
Subdivision May Threaten World's Largest Bat Colony This is another unfortunate example of why thoughtful planning with county authority is so necessary. "The land in question is in Comal County, outside of San Antonio city limits. But the San Antonio Water System has agreed to run water mains and sewer lines to the proposed subdivision — the first such agreement SAWS has made with a subdivision entirely within Comal County. The oversized water mains the agency intends to build would also allow easy expansion to future subdivisions in the area. Read more from the Read more from the Texas Tribune.
A Challenging Future for Hill Country Water Citizens Alliance for Responsible Development (CARD) sums up Hill Country water challenges well, “For the Hill Country to remain viable and for our property to hold its value, there must be water available for our sustenance. Recognizing the limits placed on us and working together, we can find solutions that will support life in the Texas Hill Country for many years into the future”. Read more from CARD, be involved and spread the word.
Rainwater Revival Awards Grants to Hill Country Schools
Three Hill Country schools have each been awarded $1,000 grants to further their plans to bring rainwater harvesting to their schools and education about water resources to their students. “The innovation and enthusiasm that these schools, through their administrators and teachers, bring to their students is very gratifying,” said Karen Ford, a Hill Country Alliance board member and chair of the annual Rainwater Revival. “These students will learn the importance of water conservation and that conservation is easy, fun, and a very important thing to do.” Learn More
Upcoming Events
June
June 15 in Cedar Park - Texas rainwater harvesting at a crossroads - a town hall meeting - Details
June 18 in San Antonio - Sierra Club meeting, "The Battle for the Warbler" - Details
June 21 in San Antonio - Edwards Aquifer Authority presents: Groundwater - Texas Style - Details
June 24 in Kerrville - Hill Country Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Monthly Meeting - Drought: Past, Present and Future - Free and open to the public - Details
June 26 in Austin - TCEQ Stakeholder Meeting on LCRA Water Management Plan - Details Details
August
August 20 in San Antonio - Sierra Club meeting, "The Inner Workings of the Edwards Aquifer" - Details
August 22-29 in San Marcos - 2013 Texas Groundwater Summit - Details
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EcoCalendar Events Thursday 6/13/2013 *"Shades of Green" Talk Radio Program on KOOP 91.7 FM 1:00pm - 2:00pm [Note: Each week featuring EcoBrandi with the Austin EcoCalendar at the top of the hour...
Planning Ahead Mark Your Calendar: Tickets are on sale now for the Edible Austin Sipping Social! Friday, June 21st 1920's themed celebration of Texas' drink heritage and recent craft beer and spirits laws passing! Plus taste treats from artisanal foodmakers! Get your tickets here. Event info here.
(Photo: Patrick Dove AP) Richard Wolf, USA TODAY 2:16 p.m. EDT June 13, 2013 Decision could impact multistate water compacts that are common throughout the West.Story Highlights
Border war with Texas tested multistate water compactsJustices assert states' rights over federally approved dealsBattle critical for nearly 2 million residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth areaWASHINGTON — With water, water virtually everywhere, the Supreme Court ruled Thursday that thirsty Texas counties can't run a pipeline into Oklahoma for more drops to drink...
(Photo: Patrick Dove AP)
Richard Wolf, USA TODAY 2:16 p.m. EDT June 13, 2013
Decision could impact multistate water compacts that are common throughout the West.
Story Highlights
WASHINGTON — With water, water virtually everywhere, the Supreme Court ruled Thursday that thirsty Texas counties can't run a pipeline into Oklahoma for more drops to drink. The decision, which upholds two lower court rulings, is a victory for states' rights over multistate water compacts that are common throughout the West. Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote the opinion for a unanimous court.
On one side of the dispute was Texas, accused of trying to divert water from Oklahoma under terms of a four-state compact that entitled each state to up to 25% of the water from a segment of the Red River. On the other was Oklahoma, asserting that Texas can get the water from within its borders or elsewhere.
"This is a major victory for Oklahoma, with all nine justices agreeing with our argument that Texas does not have the right to come into Oklahoma and take our water," Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt said. "This unanimous decision will affect all western states governed by multistate water compacts." The battle was being watched closely by other states with interstate compacts similar to the one the two states share with Arkansas and Louisiana. There are more than two dozen compacts nationwide, mostly in the West, and at least nine with similar provisions.
The battle is critical for nearly 2 million residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth area who get water from the Tarrant Regional Water District. The fast-growing area needs far more water than it has; it warns that if it goes dry, other areas reliant on such compacts could as well.
Under the 35-year-old compact, each of the four states is entitled to no more than 25% of the water. The dispute was over where they could go to get it. Because the main stem of the river is salty, tributaries such as the one in Oklahoma that enticed Texas are considered preferable.
The Lone Star State had lost in both lower federal courts, which ruled that Oklahoma can bar such water invasions. Texas contended that the four-state compact, approved by Congress, should trump state laws, and the U.S. Department of Justice agreed.
During oral argument in April, Lisa Blatt, the attorney representing Oklahoma, said Texas' claim was unprecedented. If granted, she said, it would produce "open season for Oklahoma water" and lead to a situation in which "every state could have crisscrossing pipelines into every state."
A court ruling could have a big impact on how the state manages water. Just as Gov. Rick Perry and lawmakers finalize plans to spend $2 billion on water-supply projects around the state, a court decision could force Texas to rethink its water-planning process...
A court ruling could have a big impact on how the state manages water. Just as Gov. Rick Perry and lawmakers finalize plans to spend $2 billion on water-supply projects around the state, a court decision could force Texas to rethink its water-planning process.
Last week, Texas’ 11th Court of Appeals ruled that two regional plans feeding into the 2012 state water plan — a 300-page document that underlies the Legislature’s new water initiatives — contained conflicting recommendations.
In the case, Texas Water Development Board v. Ward Timber, the appellate court upheld a lower court’s decision and ruled against the Texas Water Development Board, the architect of the state water plan.
It ruled in favor of landowners concerned about the proposed construction of a reservoir on their property, and urged the water board to come up with a “a more considered plan.”
The water board could appeal to the Texas Supreme Court. But if the ruling is upheld, the upshot, according to some water experts, is that Texas’ water planning process is now far more open to legal challenges.
“There’s a very real opportunity here to create some chaos in the planning process at a time when we really can’t afford much more uncertainty,” said Jason Hill, an attorney with Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend. Hill was not involved in the case but followed it closely and represents groups that want to build other reservoirs in Texas.
The case revolves around the proposed construction of a huge Northeast Texas reservoir known as Marvin Nichols. The water-hungry Dallas area wants to build the $3.4 billion reservoir in Red River and Titus counties, and a water planning group that includes Dallas recommended including the reservoir in the 2012 state water plan. In 2011 the TWDB adopted the Dallas area’s water plan, reservoir and all, and later folded the reservoir proposal into its state water plan.
The Texas water plan, published every five years by the TWDB, is essentially a compilation of 16 different regional plans. Projects included in the water plan will be eligible for funding from the $2 billion water fund that the Legislature created this session (but voters must still approve in November).
Problems arose because a different water planning group — one that includes Red River and Titus counties — does not want the Marvin Nichols reservoir to be built. Its water plan, also submitted to the TWDB, recommended against constructing the reservoir, citing the harm that would come by flooding the rural landscape.
The TWDB also adopted this area’s water plan, including its concerns about the reservoir, in 2011. The 2012 state water plan notes the “opposition to Marvin Nichols” as among the highlights of that region’s plan.
In 2011, landowners in the path of the proposed reservoir, including Ward Timber, a forestry company, filed a lawsuit saying that the TWDB had approved two regional plans containing conflicting information.
The water board, the court said, needs to work with the regions to resolve the conflict before approving their water plans. The water board had argued that it only got involved in conflicts between regions when different regions wanted to draw from the same water source, as opposed to when one region did not want a project built in its area. But the court batted this argument down.
It is unclear whether the 2012 state water plan constrains other similar conflicts, in which one region does not want another region’s project built on its land. But Hill says the ruling could open up the state water planning process for future lawsuits from people who do not water projects on their land.
“All Ward Timber basically said through the regional planning process was, ‘We don’t want Marvin Nichols, period,’” he said. “What the court has done is given them the opportunity to throw down the gauntlet.”
In addition to affecting the current plan, the decision could affect the process for compiling the next water plan, due to be published in 2017, Hill said.
Merry Klonower, a spokeswoman for the water board, said that the agency has no comment, since the attorney general’s office is currently reviewing the decision. Lauren Bean, a spokeswoman for the attorney general, said the AG’s office represented the water development board and also had no comment. She noted that the state has until early July to file an appeal.
Another follow-up lawsuit is pending that could overturn the entire water plan, according to Rick Lowerre, an attorney with the Austin firm Lowerre, Frederick, Perales, Allmon & Rockwell that represented the landowners in the 11th circuit case.
That suit was filed in January 2012 in Travis County District Court, and whether it proceeds depends on the outcome of the current case. It “appeals the entire water plan — basically says the water plan is invalid,” Lowerre said. In theory, that could force the state to rely on the 2007 water plan for its running list of water projects that can be funded, while the 2012 state water plan gets fixed.
In effect, the follow-up lawsuit could force the state to redo the water plan, Lowerre said. The ruling last week, by contrast, merely establishes that the water plan contains a conflict between regions.
Environmentalists generally oppose reservoir construction, and Ken Kramer, a water expert with the Sierra Club in Texas, welcomed the court’s decision last week.
“The [TWDB] was given the directive by the Legislature to resolve interregional conflicts in the water planning process, and the courts are right in saying that the agency needs to live up to that responsibility,” he said in an email. “This will be even more important now as the board is being given new legislative direction on prioritizing water projects for possible state financial assistance.”
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A water wise word from our friends at CARD 5/21/2013Some believe a knight on a white stallion will ride in and solve the water shortage creeping up on western Hays County and the Wimberley Valley. The solution was supposed to be big pipelines bringing imported groundwater in from east of IH 35. The Hays County Water and Sewer Plan developed in 2010 called for a 16" pipeline running from the San Marcos area into the Wimberley Valley to supplement existing groundwater pumped by area water supply companies and individual well owners from the local Trinity Aquifer...
A water wise word from our friends at CARD
5/21/2013
Some believe a knight on a white stallion will ride in and solve the water shortage creeping up on western Hays County and the Wimberley Valley. The solution was supposed to be big pipelines bringing imported groundwater in from east of IH 35. The Hays County Water and Sewer Plan developed in 2010 called for a 16" pipeline running from the San Marcos area into the Wimberley Valley to supplement existing groundwater pumped by area water supply companies and individual well owners from the local Trinity Aquifer.
On May 15, 2013 a game-changing decision was made by the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District which covers Lee and Bastrop Counties. Forestar Real Estate Group, Austin and the Lower Colorado River Authority had asked the Lost Pines GCD to grant them the right to pump groundwater to users west of IH 35. Forestar requested 45,000 acre-feet (14 billion gallons) per year. The LCRA asked for 10,000 acre-feet (3 billion gallons) per year. After a long and contentious water rights battle, the ten directors of the Lost Pines GCD decided to issue reduced groundwater pumping permits: Forestar at 12,000 acre feet (4 billion gallons) per year and LCRA at 5,000 acre feet (1.6 billion gallons) per year. Hays County had issued a request for proposals (RFP) from companies able to supply supplemental water, in anticipation of groundwater pumping permits being approved east of IH 35. Hays wanted 25,000 to 50,000 acre feet (8 billion to 16 billion gallons) per year. With permits for groundwater pumping severely reduced by the action of the Lost Pines GCD, the water available to Hays County will likely also be reduced.
It is generally conceded that surface water from area lakes and rivers is already fully committed to end users by the various river authorities. It is not clear what the Hays County Commissioners Court will do in this new reality. So the knight has tied his horse to a cedar tree and is scratching his head along with the rest of us wondering what to do about our looming water shortage.
The current groundwater situation for western Hays County is summarized as follows:The Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD) which regulates pumping by water supply companies has agreed to a modeled available groundwater (MAG) pumping of 9,600 acre feet per year (3 billion gallons) for all users, both permitted and exempt, of which 50% is currently pumped by the 6,500 exempt private wells that are not regulated.This pumping rate will cause a 19' average drawdown of the local aquifer over the 50 year planning cycle. Many private wells, area springs such as Jacobs Well, and spring fed rivers such as the Blanco are expected to go dry if this pumping rate is carried out as planned. Because private wells are not regulated by the HTGCD, and with the growth anticipated within western Hays County over the next 50 years, studies show that private wells will consume 95% of the groundwater available for pumping, leaving only 5% available for public water supplies.
A great dilemma exists as to proper management of the area's limited groundwater supply to serve the needs of western Hays County's existing development and anticipated new growth. Because we all live, work, and play in this beautiful part of the Texas Hill Country and want to continue to enjoy the lifestyle that exists today, we must find strategies that reduce our water problems. First we must recognize that we live on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert and arid conditions are now the norm. In many urban areas 70% of the water consumption is used for outside irrigation. In the Hill Country we must strictly limit water used for outside landscape irrigation, decorative ponds, recreational lakes, and swimming pools. Landscape plans for Hill Country residences and commercial development should use xeriscape design and drought tolerant plant materials. New low-water-use grasses have been developed and are successful in the Hill Country. For homes with adequate roof area, rainwater collection with properly sized storage tanks will provide a reliable and pure source of water for residential use. State and local governments should encourage/require installation of rainwater collection systems on all new home construction. Incentives are needed to convert existing homes to rainwater. Public education programs should be started to show people the great advantages of rainwater. Current State law limits the ability of large buildings to use rainwater as a water supply for the building by requiring very expensive treatment and testing processes, much higher than well water supply. State law should be changed to allow/encourage rainwater use for commercial applications and make it more attractive than using well water.
Large buildings (schools, grocery stores, warehouses, etc) within the Hill Country generate huge quantities of rainwater runoff which, if captured and stored, could be used as a supplement to the groundwater used by local water supply companies without big expensive pipelines. Development regulations within area cities and Hays County should recognize that water availability will be the limiting factor for the future and set regulations accordingly. New subdivisions can be built with planning that limits ground area coverage and preserves open space to allow aquifer recharge. Homes should be built with rainwater collection as the water supply source, not well water. Highly treated wastewater can be used for landscape irrigation.Land owners with larger tracts can dedicate conservation easements to preserve open space, protect endangered species, and enhance aquifer recharge while the owner enjoys a tax benefit.
For the Hill Country to remain viable and for our property to hold its value, there must be water available for our sustenance. Recognizing the limits placed on us and working together, we can find solutions that will support life in the Texas Hill Country for many years into the future.
Friends of Blue Hole Regional Park announce Blue Hole Concerts For The Park 2013. All funds raised go to maintain the park. Come on out for a great cause and great music! Purchase tickets and see full line-up of artists 3-Day and VIP passes availableTickets also available at the gate.Friday June 7th Doors Open 5 pmFriends of Blue Hole Fundraiser- 5 pm to 7:30 pm $45 donation Complimentary hors’ oeuvres; beer & wine available...
Friends of Blue Hole Regional Park
announce Blue Hole Concerts For The Park 2013. All funds raised go to maintain the park. Come on out for a great cause and great music!
By Karen Huber, Local Contributor 512.797.9028 Christy Muse, Executive Director Hill Country Alliance (christy@hillcountryalliance.org)www.HillCountryAlliance.org 512.560.3135
It’s not about the birds; “it’s about the economy, folks!” It’s about our “habitat” — the health of the human race not just that of the whooping cranes. The recent federal court ruling, faulting the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in the deaths of 23 endangered whooping cranes, directly relates to maintaining prosperity...
It’s not about the birds; “it’s about the economy, folks!” It’s about our “habitat” — the health of the human race not just that of the whooping cranes. The recent federal court ruling, faulting the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in the deaths of 23 endangered whooping cranes, directly relates to maintaining prosperity. The judge ruled that the agency has a statutory obligation to ensure enough fresh water flows downriver to the coast to provide viable habitat for critters like blue crabs, which sustain the whooping cranes – and ultimately us.
Fresh water mixing with salt water in the estuaries of the Gulf Coast provides “brackish” water needed to maintain nurseries for most gulf and ocean seafood. You can bet that if your favorite seafood doesn’t breed in brackish water, it eats something that does. In fact, 97 percent of the Gulf of Mexico commercial seafood landings rely on estuaries and wetlands to survive.
So why are elected officials such as Attorney General Greg Abbott and Gov. Rick Perry’s former TCEQ appointee Kathleen Hartnett White screaming foul over the rulings? Perhaps “the best defense is a good offense.” The commission is responsible for administering most environmental rules and regulations. Yet Abbott said TCEQ was not at fault because the Austin headquarters was too far removed from the realities of crane habitat to draw the link. Really? That is the agency’s job. What actually is at stake is a political desire to promote business — at any cost.
Create jobs, sure, but not at the expense of existing jobs and certainly not at the expense of an entire region’s economic health.
The food chain from Texas bays and estuaries generates more than $1 billion annually, including recreational fishing and nature tourism — the fastest-growing segment of Texas’ tourism industry. And, a 1997 study concluded healthy estuaries result in an overall economic value rendered at $11,000 per acre per year, putting the annual value of San Antonio Bay alone (the whooping cranes’ home) at more than $1.3 billion.
Political sorts screaming “We can’t let birds take priority over human needs” just doesn’t hold water. So take note, voters. Without understanding that sustainable life for the human species relies in no small part on healthy rivers, oceans and sea life, we may be letting short-term interests trump long-term prosperity.
Even more political is Abbott’s criticism that the judge’s ruling prevents water reserved for environmental purposes from being permitted for other uses. That charge is superficial. The law sets out provisions for critical environmental flows, and in the current drought there simply is not enough water for all those who want it. The judge appears to be trying to put some “teeth” into an issue whose resolution has languished for years. So, the issue gets dammed up in a legal mess including archaic laws regarding priority water rights and other conflicting rules and regulations by the plethora of water policymaking entities.
So what does a bird’s-eye view of this mess offer? Those joining TCEQ in the lawsuit included big biz like the chemical industry and river authorities representing regional interests who want more residential and industrial growth. Water for residential use is needed, but an important part of that equation is that the greatest percentage of residential water use is for landscaping. What is more important, high-water-demand St. Augustine lawns or healthy bird habitat that translates into healthy estuaries and oceans?”
Don’t be fooled by political rhetoric bemoaning birds as more important than people. It’s really all about people and a prosperous future. Second, water policymaking in Texas is hugely fragmented and needs to be streamlined. Checks and balances should ensure that existing economies and jobs are not put at risk because one set of competing water interests cries “foul” and blames the “fowls” or environmentalists without regard to the bigger picture and the true economic impacts. While a Travis County commissioner, I championed the economics of Central Texas’ water needs, and we must consider similar economic priorities on the Gulf end of river systems. Third, a healthy economy is directly tied to the prudent use of our natural resources and how to best manage those for now and the future.
Texas has a water crisis and understanding possible solutions requires voters to look beyond the faucets, the political rhetoric and regionalism and work with local and state interests for balanced solutions that work for all. If “Peter is robbed to pay Paul,” we all lose.
Huber is an advocate for sustainable and fair water policy.She is a former Travis County Commissioner and currently serves on the Texas A & M Sea Grant Program Advisory Committee.Karen is an active member of the Hill Country Alliance Water Team, a diverse group of science and policy experts collaborating on Hill Country water issues.
Hill Country Alliance is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to raise public awareness and build community support around the need to preserve the natural resources and heritage of the Central Texas Hill Country. To learn more about Hill Country Alliance initiatives, please visit the HCA website www.hillcountryalliance.org
A Water News Bulletin from the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment and The Texas Tribune.
Welcome to In the Flow, a water news wrap-up and analysis prepared every other week by The Texas Tribune and the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University. We bring you the latest news and events concerning the river systems of Texas and important water issues on a state and regional level. In the Flow Vol: 1 Issue: 6: ...
A Water News Bulletin from the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment and The Texas Tribune.
Welcome to In the Flow, a water news wrap-up and analysis prepared every other week by The Texas Tribune and the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University. We bring you the latest news and events concerning the river systems of Texas and important water issues on a state and regional level.
by Kate Galbraith Just as Gov. Rick Perry and lawmakers finalize plans to spend $2 billion on water-supply projects around the state, a court decision could force Texas to rethink its water-planning process.
by Jay Root Gov. Rick Perry signed a major water infrastructure bill into law on May 28. Speaking to reporters afterward, he remained coy about his political future and wouldn't say if he will add any items to the special session agenda.
The Lower Colorado River Authority came out of the legislative session a winner after legislators failed to pass a measure that would have limited its water-planning flexibility, writes Asher Price of the Austin American-Statesman.
According to a new study, the use of desalination of seawater or brackish water, combined with long-haul transfer, would be a considerably more energy-intensive solution for supplying drinking water than conventional treatment.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has notified the Lower Colorado River Authority that it plans to study the LCRA's water plan before advancing it for a vote.
by Maurice Chammah The city of Fort Worth has appointed a task force to see whether the city might save money by putting some of its water services in public-private partnerships. Experts say a number of issues could arise if such partnerships are instituted.
by Kate Galbraith and Ryan Murphy Texas endured the worst drought in recorded state history in 2011, and it has yet to bounce back. Using data from the Texas Water Development Board's reservoir status tracker, our auto-updating map visualizes the current state of Texas reservoirs.
The Texas Water Conservation Midyear Conference will be held in Galveston this month. Water experts from around the state will address issues like drought contingency planning and the state water plan.
Actions by the 83rd Texas Legislature in the Regular Session to Advance WaterConservation, Curb Water Loss and Respond to Drought Conditions by Ken Kramer The following is a review of actions taken by the 83rd Texas Legislature in the regular session to advance water conservation, curb water loss, and respond to drought conditions. It is not an exhaustive enumeration of all the water-related legislation that might be characterized at least in part as fostering these objectives. For example, it does not discuss all of the water funding legislation passed by the Legislature...
Actions by the 83rd Texas Legislature in the Regular Session to Advance Water
Conservation, Curb Water Loss and Respond to Drought Conditions
by Ken Kramer
The following is a review of actions taken by the 83rd Texas Legislature in the regular session to advance water conservation, curb water loss, and respond to drought conditions. It is not an exhaustive enumeration of all the water-related legislation that might be characterized at least in part as fostering these objectives. For example, it does not discuss all of the water funding legislation passed by the Legislature. All of the actions below are subject to action by the Governor. The Governor has not acted on any of these items as of the date of this compilation (5/28/2013).
Appropriations (SB 1)
The Texas Legislature retained current funding and staffing levels for the Texas Water Development Board’s base Water Conservation Education & Assistance activities (Strategy A.3.1. in the TWDB appropriations) - $1,380,848 each fiscal year - and added the following new funding:
·$1 million out of General Revenue for FY 2014 for grants to water conservation education groups to be awarded by a competitive process that may require private matching funds
·$1.8 million for FY 2014 and $1.8 million for FY 2015 out of the Agricultural Water Conservation Fund for the Texas Alliance for Water Conservation Demonstration Project, a partnership project in the Texas Panhandle to enhance agricultural water efficiency to extend the life of the Ogallala Aquifer
·$1.5 million for FY 2014 and $1.5 million for FY 2015 from General Revenue to be used for grants to groundwater conservation districts for agricultural water conservation (grants will go only to districts which require metering of water use and may only be used to offset half the cost of each meter)
The Texas Legislature provided $407,414 for FY 2014 and $326,474 for FY 2015 from General Revenue to the TWDB as part of its appropriations for Water Resources Planning (Strategy A.2.2) to develop an online tool to consolidate reporting requirements related to the water use survey, annual water loss report, and annual water conservation report and make those reports viewable by the public online.
Legislation - The Texas Legislature passed the following bills and sent them to the Governor:
HB 4 (Ritter, et. al./Fraser) – among its extensive provisions for establishing a new fund for implementation of the state water plan and for restructuring the Texas Water Development Board, HB 4 does the following:
·Requires the TWDB to undertake to apply not less than 20% of the money disbursed in each five-year period to support projects, including agricultural irrigation projects, that are designed for water conservation or reuse
·Requires the TWDB to undertake to apply not less than 10% of the money disbursed in each five-year period to support projects for rural political subdivisions or agricultural water conservation
·Prohibits the use of state financial assistance for a water project if the applicant has failed to submit or implement a water conservation plan
·Requires regional water planning groups in their prioritization of projects for state financial assistance to consider at a minimum such factors as the feasibility, viability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of a project – factors which should work in favor of conservation projects
·Requires TWDB in its process for prioritization of projects to receive state financial assistance to consider (among other criteria) the demonstrated or projected effect of the project on water conservation, including preventing the loss of water (taking into consideration whether the applicant has filed a water audit that demonstrates the applicant is accountable with regard to reducing water loss and increasing efficiency in the distribution of water)
HB 857 (Lucio III/Hegar) – requires each retail public water utility with more than 3300 connections to conduct a water audit annually to determine its water loss and to submit that audit to the TWDB [a retail public water utility with 3300 or less connections will continue to be required to conduct and submit a water audit once every five years computing the utility’s system water loss during the preceding year] – the initial annual water audit must be submitted by May 1, 2014
HB 1461 (Aycock/Fraser) – requires each retail public water utility required to file a water audit with the TWDB to notify each of the utility’s customers of the water loss reported in the water audit (TCEQ will adopt rules to implement this requirement, but the notice may be done through the utility’s annual consumer confidence report or on the next bill the customer receives after the water audit is filed)
HB 2615 (Johnson/Fraser) – increases the penalty for failure of a water rights holder to submit an annual water use report to TCEQ [in part because the penalties previously were so low, only about 60% of water rights holders outside watermaster areas reported their annual water use by the deadline] and requires TCEQ to establish a process for submitting these reports electronically through the internet
HB 2781 (Fletcher/Campbell) – makes a number of changes in current law governing the use and oversight of rainwater harvesting systems; for example HB 2781 does the following:
·Requires a privately owned rainwater harvesting system with a capacity of more than 500 gallons that has an auxiliary water supply to have a specified mechanism for ensuring physical separation between the rainwater system and the auxiliary supply [to prevent any possible contamination]
·Requires the permitting staff of each county and municipality with a population of 10,000 or more whose work relates directly to permits involving rainwater harvesting to receive appropriate training (provided by TWDB) regarding rainwater harvesting standards
HB 3604 (Burnam, Lucio III/Hegar) – requires an entity to implement its water conservation plan and its drought contingency plan, as applicable, when it is notified that the Governor has declared its respective county or counties as a disaster area based on drought conditions; clarifies the authority of TCEQ to enforce this requirement [previously the law only required the entity to implement either plan, despite the fact that water conservation should be an ongoing activity as contrasted to short-term responses to drought conditions; during the 2011 drought a number of entities in drought disaster areas reportedly did not implement mandatory water use restrictions]
HB 3605 (Burnam, et. al./Hegar) – does the following:
·Requires a retail public water utility that receives financial assistance from TWDB to use a portion of that assistance – or any additional assistance provided by TWDB – to mitigate the utility’s system water loss if based on its water audit the water loss meets or exceeds a threshold to be established by TWDB rule
·Requires TWDB in passing on an application for financial assistance from a retail public water utility serving 3300 or more connections to evaluate the utility’s water conservation plan for compliance with TWDB’s best management practices for water conservation and issue a report to the utility detailing the results of that evaluation
·Requires TWDB not later than January 1 of each odd-numbered year to submit to the Legislature a written summary of the results of the evaluations noted above
·Requires plans and specifications submitted to TWDB with an application for financial assistance to include a seal by a licensed engineer affirming that the plans and specifications are consistent with and conform to current industry design and construction standards
SB 198 (Watson/Dukes) – prevents a property owners’ association (HOA) from prohibiting or restricting a property owner from using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf but allows an HOA to require the property owner to submit a detailed description of a plan for the installation of such landscaping or turf for review and approval by the HOA to ensure to the extent practicable maximum aesthetic compatibility with other landscaping in the subdivision; the legislation also states that the HOA may not unreasonably deny or withhold approval of the plan or unreasonably determine that the proposed installation is aesthetically incompatible
SB 385 (Carona/Keffer) – authorizes a municipality or a county or a combination thereof to establish and implement a program to provide directly or through a third party financing for a permanent improvement to real property that is intended to decrease water or energy consumption or demand, with the repayment of the financing of a qualified project to be done through an assessment collected with property taxes on the assessed property; sets out the procedures, requirements, and options by which such a program may be established, implemented, and operated by the local government through contracts and other mechanisms
SB 654 (West/Anchia) – specifically grants to municipalities the authority to enforce through a civil action ordinances related to water conservation measures, including watering restrictions [although some municipalities have taken the position that they already had this authority, this legislation makes it clear that they do and gives municipalities more flexibility in enforcing water conservation ordinances since there may be a reluctance to use criminal law in this regard]
SB 700 (Hegar/Kacal, Raney) – does the following:
·Requires the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to develop a template for state agencies and higher education institutions to use in preparing their respective comprehensive energy and water management plan (such a plan is already required)
·Requires each agency and higher education institution to set percentage goals for reducing its use of water, electricity, gasoline, and natural gas and include those goals in its energy and water management plan
·Requires that plan to be updated annually (currently updates are required biennially)
·Requires SECO biennially to report to the Governor and the LBB the state and effectiveness of management and conservation activities of the agencies and higher education institutions
·Requires SECO to post that report on its website
This review was compiled by Ken Kramer, Water Resources Chair, Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. For additional information: 512-626-4204 (cell) or kenwkramer@aol.com.
Join us for a screening of the new film WATERSHED The film is Executive Produced and Narrated by Robert Redford and Directed by award-winning filmmaker, Mark Decena, WATERSHED tells the story of the threats to the once-mighty Colorado River and offers solutions for the future of the American West. There will be a discussion after the film and update on current local water issues in the Wimberley Valley.
Join us for a screening of the new filmWATERSHED The film is Executive Produced and Narrated by Robert Redford and Directed by award-winning filmmaker, Mark Decena, WATERSHED tells the story of the threats to the once-mighty Colorado River and offers solutions for the future of the American West. There will be a discussion after the film and update on current local water issues in the Wimberley Valley.
Executive produced & narrated by Robert Redford Produced by the Redford Center and Kontent Films
Executive Produced and Narrated by Robert Redford and Directed by award-winning filmmaker, Mark Decena, WATERSHED tells the story of the threats to the once-mighty Colorado River and offers solutions for the future of the American West.
As the most dammed, dibbed, and diverted river in the world struggles to support thirty million people and the peace-keeping agreement known as the Colorado River Pact reaches its limits, WATERSHED introduces hope.
Can we meet the needs of a growing population in the face of rising temperatures and lower rainfall in an already arid land? Can we find harmony amongst the competing interests of cities, agriculture, industry, recreation, wildlife, and indigenous communities with rights to the water?
Sweeping through seven U.S. and two Mexican states, the Colorado River is a lifeline to expanding populations and booming urban centers that demand water for drinking, sanitation and energy generation. And with 70% of the rivers’ water supporting agriculture, the river already runs dry before it reaches its natural end at the Gulf of California. Unless action is taken, the river will continue its retreat – a potentially catastrophic scenario for the millions who depend on it.
In WATERSHED, we meet Jeff Ehlert, a fly fishing guide in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado rancher Dan James, Delta restoration worker Edith Santiago, Navajo Council member Glojean Todacheene, Rifle Colorado Mayor Keith Lambert, Los Angeles native Jimmy Lizama and a group of Outward Bound teens rafting down the Colorado River as they all reflect a compelling new water ethic—one that illuminates how letting go of the ways of old can lead to a path of coexisting with enough for all.
The Redford Center created WATERSHED as a inspirational social action tool for people who want to engage. Promoting personal water conservation pledges of 5% – symbolic of the small amount of the rivers’ flow required to reconnect the river to its delta – and garnering donations to help purchase the water rights necessary to restore the connectivity, WATERSHED is a central tool in a larger grassroots effort focused on saving the Colorado River and supporting the communities throughout the river basin.
Contact Information Wimberley Valley Watershed Association David Baker
Even with more money, water problems likely to persist in Texas To hear Texas’ top policymakers talk, the creation of a $2 billion water development fund to help pay for everything from desalination projects to pipelines over the next half-century will avert the state’s water crisis.
Gov. Rick Perry, for one, warned lawmakers that if they did not act, Texas could lose its competitive edge in attracting business to the state. Both Lt. Gov...
Even with more money, water problems likely to persist in Texas To hear Texas’ top policymakers talk, the creation of a $2 billion water development fund to help pay for everything from desalination projects to pipelines over the next half-century will avert the state’s water crisis.
Gov. Rick Perry, for one, warned lawmakers that if they did not act, Texas could lose its competitive edge in attracting business to the state. Both Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus put the item at the top of their to-do lists.
The Legislature, in its herky-jerky way, appears ready to deliver. Lawmakers this weekend were putting the finishing touches on legislation creating the fund, including a proposed constitutional amendment asking voters to authorize it.
On paper, then, Texas’ water problem would appear to be largely solved. Yet profound problems persist on the water front, ones the money might do little to sort out.
These include fragmented water planning and regional competition within Texas; frosty relations with neighboring states and Mexico when it comes to sharing water; legal discord between surface water and groundwater interests, even as major water authorities try to meld the two in their supplies; and balancing growing industrial and municipal demands with those of farmers and wildlife.
With the effects of drought evident across the state, Texans are engaged on the issue: Overall, water issues ranked fifth among a list of 10 major issues facing the country, after government spending, health care, the economy and national security, according to a poll commissioned earlier this year by the Institute for Science, Technology and Public Policy at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
But don’t expect lawmakers to return to Austin in 2015 with much appetite for water, said Ken Kramer, who lobbies on water issues for the Texas office of the Sierra Club. “It’ll be a little bit of an uphill battle,” Kramer said. “If the Legislature acts on a big issue, lawmakers tend to think they’ve taken care of it.”
Lingering problems Even if voters give the green light to a $2 billion fund that will loan out low-interest money for pipelines and other infrastructure, specific problems could continue to stymie the development of water resources in Texas. Many of them are internecine in nature, with regions of Texas and whole states pitted against one another. They include struggles over reservoir building between water-rich East Texas and the thirsty Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex; a lawsuit between a North Texas water district and Oklahoma; and decades-long claims by Texas officials to get impounded water upstream of the Lone Star State in Mexico and New Mexico.
Within Texas, transferring river water from one basin to another is fraught with territorial and political hurdles. The state’s own water planning process, established by lawmakers in the 1990s as a way to systematically go about forecasting needs, is broken into 16 regions, each of which contemplates only its own demands and supplies.
“It’s essentially a balkanized state planning process,” said state Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, who has been deeply involved on a range of water matters. “There’s no dialogue with other regions; there’s no interbasin transfers. Those issues have to be rectified.”
In the meantime, Larson said, Texas officials could be brokering deals with Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Mexico. Larson said that beyond simply paying for water, the state can try more creative measures, such as supplying electricity for its neighbors in exchange for water.
Legal complications
Nor is the water money likely to solve thorny legal problems that bedevil water development. As water authorities such as the Lower Colorado River Authority, which controls the chief reservoirs of Central Texas, branch out from rivers and lakes to supply water in their basins to meet growing demand, they are turning to underground aquifers.
The major problem: In Texas, river and lake water belongs to the state, and underground water belongs to the property owner whose land sits above the aquifer.
That means two different sets of laws and regulatory schemes, creating a nightmare for the river authorities. In the latest example, the LCRA finds itself in a quagmire as it seeks permission from a rural groundwater district to pump water for a Bastrop County power plant.
At the same time, these river authorities and other water suppliers are facing court orders to ensure a steady supply of water for endangered and threatened species in their basins. The state environmental agency and the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, which serves Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Lockhart and Luling, were recently scolded by a federal judge for apportioning too much water for human use and not keeping enough in the Guadalupe River for endangered wildlife.
That case is under appeal.
The water money could eventually be used for pipeline projects that help alleviate that and other problems. Water from the Edwards Aquifer, for example, could be pumped, treated and stored and then piped to the Guadalupe in times of drought.
Conservation effort questioned
Some environmentalists worry that the water money amounts to a state effort to build its way out of this and other problems — rather than encouraging the public to cut back on water use, a cheaper and more efficient way to stretch supplies.
Legislative proposals call for at least 20 percent of the fund to go to conservation projects, but Kramer said that isn’t enough.
“Simply putting money into new infrastructure is working at cross-purposes with things that need more attention, like conservation,” he said. “If people perceive there’s a shortage of water, there’s more of an incentive to cut back on nonessential uses.”
But Laura Huffman, director of the Texas office of the Nature Conservancy, was more bullish about the Legislature’s action.
The conservation earmarks “will enable Texas to significantly reduce the amount of water we use in cities, energy and industry, and agriculture,” she said in a statement.
“Continuing with the status quo would threaten not only our natural resources, but our ability to grow and prosper,” she said.
photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman / Caleb Bryant Miller Multiple Bills Are Key to Holding Fragile Must-Pass Budget Deal in Place by Aman Batheja UPDATED: House Speaker Joe Straus announced Tuesday evening his plan to delay consideration of a must-pass resolution related to a broader budget deal until Wednesday. announced Tuesday evening his plan to delay consideration of a must-pass resolution related to a broader budget deal until Wednesday. ...
photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman / Caleb Bryant Miller
UPDATED: House Speaker Joe Straus announced Tuesday evening his plan to delay consideration of a must-pass resolution related to a broader budget deal until Wednesday. announced Tuesday evening his plan to delay consideration of a must-pass resolution related to a broader budget deal until Wednesday.
Michael Wines of The New York Times reports on how the rapidly dwindling supply of water in the High Plains Aquifer has hurt farmers from the High Plains to Texas.
by Mose Buchele, KUT News/StateImpact Texas A dispute over permitting in the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District may foreshadow fights the rest of the state could soon face as crippling drought conditions persist.
Austin-based journalist Ari Phillips documented his travels through Central Texas to learn about the state of the Hill Country's springs and the groundwater underneath them.
by Kate Galbraith and Ryan Murphy Texas endured the worst drought in recorded state history in 2011, and it has yet to bounce back. Using data from the Texas Water Development Board's reservoir status tracker, our auto-updating map visualizes the current state of Texas reservoirs.
The Southwest Stream Restoration Conference, which will feature workshops and presentations on stream and watershed management in the Southwest, will be held in San Antonio from May 28 to May 30.
Governor Perry - Sign SB 198!Join the thousands of Texans, and many of your neighbors, who want to give homeowners the chance to save water and money! Send a message to the Governor and ask him to sign SB 198 today!
The Texas Legislature passed SB 198, a landmark bill called for by Clean Water Action that would remove the ability of homeowner associations in Texas to ban drought-resistant landscaping, or xeriscaping...
The Texas Legislature passed SB 198, a landmark bill called for by Clean Water Action that would remove the ability of homeowner associations in Texas to ban drought-resistant landscaping, or xeriscaping. Many or most of Texas' HOAs – estimated to number around 25,000 -- have rules in place that require turf grass in all or most of homeowner's front yard. SB 198 is a compromise that will still allow HOAs to give prior approval to, and lay down guidelines for, revisions to a homeowner's front yard, as long as they do not unreasonably restrict or ban xeriscaping.
Now we only need Governor Rick Perry to sign the bill so that thousands of Texans can save water – and money – on their own property if they choose to do so. Send a message to the Governor today! You can also call him and double your impact - (512) 463-2000
For clean water, David Foster, State Director
Clean Water Action Austin Office 600 West 28th St, Suite 202 | Austin, TX 78705 | 512.637.9482 Clean Water Action National Office 1010 Vermont Ave | Suite 400 | Washington D.C. | 20005 | 202.895.0420
Register now for Groundwater to the Gulf: A summer institute for Central Texas Educators! Every year, water experts from over 13 agencies in Central Texas combine forces to take 50 teachers to the aquatic hotspots in and around Austin. We go caving, canoeing, hiking, and splash in streams--all in the name of science. It is the most fun, free way to earn 22 continuing education credits. Sign-up is limited to 50 teachers... and there are about 8 slots left...
Register now for Groundwater to the Gulf: A summer institute for Central Texas Educators!
Every year, water experts from over 13 agencies in Central Texas combine forces to take 50 teachers to the aquatic hotspots in and around Austin. We go caving, canoeing, hiking, and splash in streams--all in the name of science. It is the most fun, free way to earn 22 continuing education credits.
Sign-up is limited to 50 teachers... and there are about 8 slots left. It's free, but you have to mail in a $50 check--which we give back once you complete the training. Join us! More info below!
Register by May 31 to reserve your place and freebies (lunches, t-shirt, coffee cup, water bottle, arctic bandana, teaching materials, etc.)
Hill Country News Save Bracken Cave Reserve What happens when you put 10,000 people next to more than ten million bats (and sensitive Edwards Aquifer recharge land)? Bat Conservation International (BCI), GEAA and others are urging participation this Wednesday, May 22nd in San Antonio. Learn more from BCI. You can also find extensive information about this issue from GEAAincluding how to contact your elected officials. We simply cannot afford to continue to make these kinds of mistakes in the Hill Country...
Neighbor to Neighbor News May 20, 2013
Hill Country News
Save Bracken Cave Reserve What happens when you put 10,000 people next to more than ten million bats (and sensitive Edwards Aquifer recharge land)? Bat Conservation International (BCI), GEAA and others are urging participation this Wednesday, May 22nd in San Antonio. Learn more from BCI. You can also find extensive information about this issue from GEAAincluding how to contact your elected officials. We simply cannot afford to continue to make these kinds of mistakes in the Hill Country.
A water generation gap portends confrontation between Texas’ past, future “If people understand how rich this state is in springs, and how those springs provide most of the flow for many of our rivers, then maybe they’ll pay more attention to how they’re depleting them...” Sharlene Leurig, Andy Sansom and David Langford, all friends of HCA’s, share stories in this thoughtful article about Hill Country water resources. A must read from Texas Climate News.
2013 Scholarship Contest Winners Announced The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District has announced the winners of the Kent S. Butler Memorial Groundwater Stewardship College Scholarship Essay Contest and its Aquatic Science Adventure Camp Scholarship program. Read More
We'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the amazing volunteers that donate their time and effort to further HCA's mission. Thank you for being a part of the HCA family.
May 22 in San Antonio - Join GEAA at City Hall in San Antonio on May 22nd - GEAA invites you to engage the Mayor and City Council of San Antonio in a dialogue about development on the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, and whether or not to expand SAWS service into Comal County - Details
May 22 in Fredericksburg - Texas Watershed Steward Workshop on water quality and availability issues related to the Pedernales River - Details
May 23 in Austin - Westcave Preserve presents: “Welcome to the Wild Country,” an introduction to the unique assemblage of wildlife and plants of the Texas Hill Country - Details
May 28 in San Antonio - Native Plant Society of Texas, San Antonio meeting - Topic: Gardening for butterflies using native and adapted plants - Free and open to the public - Details
May 29 in Wimberley - Screening of the new film by Robert Redford, "Watershed" - Details
May 30near Hunt - Range and Wildlife Management Field Day - For landowners, land managers and brush control contractors operating in possible endangered species habitats - Details
June
June 1 in Junction - "Well Trained" - A one day training for people who rely on household wells - Details
June 7 in Hunt - Streamside Landowner Workshop: Understanding Riparian Areas - Details
June 18 in San Antonio - Sierra Club meeting, "The Battle for the Warbler" - Details
By By Paul J. Weber And Ramit Plushnick Masti AP News
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — New revisions to a major water bill calls for ousting the six-member Texas Water Development Board and its top official before the state embarks on a new $2 billion fund to provide low-interest loans for projects.
A historic drought in 2011 spurred Gov. Rick Perry and lawmakers to propose the fund, which would provide communities the money to push ahead with long-needed infrastructure projects...
By By Paul J. Weber And Ramit Plushnick Masti
AP News
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — New revisions to a major water bill calls for ousting the six-member Texas Water Development Board and its top official before the state embarks on a new $2 billion fund to provide low-interest loans for projects.
A historic drought in 2011 spurred Gov. Rick Perry and lawmakers to propose the fund, which would provide communities the money to push ahead with long-needed infrastructure projects. The revamped bill is being returned to the Texas House and Senate for final approval with just one week remaining in the 140-day legislative session, in which the urgency of water funding has snagged budget talks and led to Perry to threaten lawmakers he would extend their work into June should they not deliver on the fund.
The measure, obtained by The Associated Press, calls for a drastic overhaul of the water board, cutting the number of board members in half and requiring regions to prioritize projects, something lawmakers have blasted the current board for failing to do. None of the current board members would be eligible for reappointment — meaning the entire current six-member state water board, as well as executive administrator Melanie Callahan, would be replaced.
Billy Bradford, current chairman of the Texas Water Development Board, did not return a phone message Sunday seeking comment.
Agency spokeswoman Merry Klonower said the agency cannot comment on proposed legislation. As of Friday afternoon, she said they had not seen the proposed bill.
Republican House Speaker Joe Straus favorably greeted the revised bill, which is a compromise between House and Senate negotiators that was wrapped up this weekend.
"Speaker Straus has stressed the importance of meeting our growing state's water needs for well over a year and in building the agenda for this session, and is pleased that there is a way forward to fund the state water plan," spokeswoman Erin Daly said Sunday.
Environment groups applauded the revised bill that was wrapped up this weekend. Laura Huffman, state director of the Nature Conservancy, said the proposal would provide good oversight of the distribution of funds.
"If you look at the water plan right now, it's a completely unstructured capital improvement program," Huffman said Sunday.
The combination of the water board setting priorities based on a community's ability to repay a loan and regions considering a project's viability is key, she added.
"I also like the fact that the state is not just writing a blank check. That's incredibly important," Huffman said.
The overhaul would only take effect if Texas voters in November approve the creation of the new water fund, which would be called the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas. It would be initially stocked with $2 billion to finance projects in the state water plan, and lawmakers say that money would multiply through interest earnings and revenue bonds.
Some lawmakers have criticized the state water board, which has overseen water planning in the state for decades, as inefficient. The proposed bill aims to address those issues.
Bradford, the board's current chairman, has defended the agency's performance and management.
One major change calls for the three new board members — all of whom would be appointed by Perry — to serve full-time. Currently, board members are appointed by Perry but serve part-time.
Board members and the agency have rebuffed criticism that they don't prioritize projects, saying they don't have that authority. In March, the AP obtained an $8 billion list of priority projects the agency had compiled after repeated prodding by lawmakers. Those projects included several in large population areas, but the agency's criteria for compiling the list was unclear.
The proposed bill requires regional planning boards to prioritize projects using set standards, including how soon it is needed, as well as its feasibility, viability and sustainability. A comprehensive and approved list would have to be submitted by September 2014.
The board itself would then establish a point system for awarding loans, giving the highest grades to those that serve large populations and provide assistance to diverse urban and rural areas. Consideration would also be given to a town or city's available capital to help finance a project.
Before anything could happen, though, Perry would need to appoint new, full-time board members by September 2013. The bill says that one member would have to have engineering experience, another would need a background in finance and the third would have to be from either the field of law or business.
The water board was established in 1957 as a direct response to a nearly decade-long drought that remains the basis of all water planning in Texas. The agency distributes grants and low-interest loans to towns and cities and oversees the publication of a statewide water plan every five years. That plan has been unfunded, and state lawmakers prioritized providing money for the projects this session.
Despite strong opposition from the citizens and elected officials of Wimberley and Hays County, the Texas House and Senate have approved the Needmore Ranch Municipal Utility District (MUD) #1 for approximately 4,020 acres of the 5,000-acre ranch just east of Wimberley. While the existence of a giant MUD district, with special powers far beyond traditional property rights, has serious potential to do great harm to the Wimberley area and its other property owners, local citizens won a partial victory in their intense stand against legislation circumventing local input and opinion...
Despite strong opposition from the citizens and elected officials of Wimberley and Hays County, the Texas House and Senate have approved the Needmore Ranch Municipal Utility District (MUD) #1 for approximately 4,020 acres of the 5,000-acre ranch just east of Wimberley.
While the existence of a giant MUD district, with special powers far beyond traditional property rights, has serious potential to do great harm to the Wimberley area and its other property owners, local citizens won a partial victory in their intense stand against legislation circumventing local input and opinion.
Acknowledging the overwhelming opposition to the MUD by area citizens and local elected officials, Representative Jason Isaac authored last minute amendments to House Bill 3918 and presented them on the floor of the House. The amended bill was approved and sent to the Senate for concurrence. The amendments include:
Eminent domain is prohibited except to provide right of way for importation of groundwater or surface water from sources other than the local Trinity or Edwards Aquifers.
If a residential subdivision or planned community is developed within the MUD, water for that development must be imported - presumably, but not clearly stated - from sources other than the Trinity or Edwards Aquifers.
If a residential subdivision or planned community is built, the MUD must develop a wastewater treatment plant in coordination with the state TCEQ, Hays County, and Wimberley.
Land adjacent to the MUD may not be annexed into the MUD except by a petition signed by the owners of two-thirds majority of the assessed value of the land to be annexed.
The amendments made to the Needmore Ranch MUD appear to be significant steps toward protection for the water resources of the Wimberley Valley and western Hays County. Water needed for development inside the MUD would come from connections to a pipeline that might in the future be built along RR 12 from the San Marcos area, bringing groundwater from Lee and Bastrop County aquifers.
Hays County currently is seeking a water supplier to bring in up to 50,000 acre feet (16 billion gallons) of groundwater annually to serve future growth and to reduce groundwater pumping within Hays County.
Citizens Alliance for Responsible Development (CARD) thanks County Commissioner Will Conley, Judge Bert Cobb, Wimberley Mayor Bob Flocke, City Administrator Don Ferguson and the hundreds of citizens of Hays County and the Wimberley Valley who attended the Town Hall meeting April 25, wrote letters, made calls and signed petitions to help achieve this compromise.
CARD strongly supports property rights, including the right of the Needmore ownership to develop the property in accordance with the subdivision rules of Hays County and applicable provisions of State and Federal law. We hope the property owner will review the Growth Corridor Plan - available on the CARD website (www.cardtexas.org, under Current Events) - and help maintain the low density and rural character that has always been the hallmark and attraction of central Hays County.
Fern Bank Springs aka Little Arkansas The USFWS is having a hearing about the critical habitat designation for this spring, and is holding their hearing on May 17 in San Marcos at the Activity Center. The informational meeting will be held from 5:30p.m.-6:30 p.m.followed by a break and then the public hearing will be held from 7:00 p.m.–8:30p.m http://www.fws.gov/southwest/docs/comalNRdEA.pdf
Southwest Region (Arizona ● New Mexico ● Oklahoma ●Texas) www.fws.gov/southwest/ For Release: May 2, 2013 Contacts: Adam Zerrenner, 512-490-0057, ext. 248, Adam_Zerrenner@fws.gov Lesli Gray, 972-569-8588, Lesli_Gray@fws...
Fern Bank Springs aka Little Arkansas
The USFWS is having a hearing about the critical habitat designation for this spring, and is holding their hearing on May 17 in San Marcos at the Activity Center. The informational meeting will be held from 5:30p.m.-6:30 p.m.followed by a break and then the public hearing will be held from 7:00 p.m.–8:30p.m
Southwest Region (Arizona ● New Mexico ● Oklahoma ●Texas) www.fws.gov/southwest/ For Release: May 2, 2013 Contacts: Adam Zerrenner, 512-490-0057, ext. 248, Adam_Zerrenner@fws.gov Lesli Gray, 972-569-8588, Lesli_Gray@fws.gov
SERVICE ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF DRAFT ECONOMIC ANALYSIS FOR THREE ENDANGERED COMAL INVERTEBRATES The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today released an analysis that estimates the cost related to the revised proposed critical habitat for the Comal Springs dryopid beetle, Comal Springs riffle beetle and Peck’s cave amphipod over the next 20 years. In addition, the Service is announcing the reopening of the comment period for 30 days to allow all interested parties the opportunity to comment on the draft economic analysis, the amended determinations sections and the revised proposed critical habitat rule.
The Service will hold a public informational meeting followed by a public hearing on Friday, May 17, 2013, at the San Marcos Activity Center. The informational meeting will be held from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. followed by a break and then the public hearing will be held from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. On October 19, 2012, the Service proposed revised critical habitat for the three endangered Comal invertebrates. The Service is proposing approximately 169 acres in four units in Comal and Hays Counties, Texas. Critical habitat is a term in the Endangered Species Act that identifies geographic areas containing features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species, and which may require special management considerations or protection. Designation of critical habitat does not affect land ownership, establish a refuge or preserve and has no impact on private landowners taking actions on their land that do not require federal funding or permits. When specifying an area as critical habitat, the Endangered Species Act requires the Service to consider economic and other relevant impacts of the designation. If the benefits of excluding an area outweigh the benefits of designating it, the Secretary may exclude an area from critical habitat, unless that would jeopardize the existence of a threatened or endangered species. The draft economic analysis quantifies economic impacts of the conservation efforts for the three Comal invertebrates associated with the following categories of activity if these activities are federally assisted or carried out: changes to existing flow regimes; introduction or augmentation of nonnative species; and physical, biological, or chemical changes to the proposed revised critical habitat area. Total present value impacts anticipated to result from the critical habitat designation of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
News Release Public Affairs Office PO Box 1306 Albuquerque, NM 87103 505/248-6911 505/248-6915 (Fax)
all units for the three Comal invertebrates is $14,000 for water use actions and $57,000 for other actions over a 20 year period. All three Comal species are freshwater invertebrates found in spring systems – Comal, San Marcos, Hueco, and Fern Bank – associated with the Edwards Aquifer, one of the most prolific artesian aquifers in the world. The Trinity Aquifer may also provide some water to these spring systems, especially at Fern Bank Springs. The Comal Springs dryopid beetle and the Comal Springs riffle beetle are found in both Hays and Comal Counties. The Peck’s cave amphipod is only found in Comal County. Comments on the revised proposed critical habitat will be accepted until June 3, 2013, and may be submitted by one of the following methods: (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Search for Docket No. FWS–R2–ES–2012–0082, which is the docket number for this rulemaking, and follow the directions for submitting a comment. (2) By hard copy: Submit comment on the listing proposal by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–R2–ES–2012–0082; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042–PDM; Arlington, VA 22203. For additional information, contact Adam Zerrenner, Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin Ecological Services Field Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78758; by telephone at 512-490-0057, extension 248; or by fax at 512-490-0974. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339. America’s fish, wildlife and plant resources belong to all of us, and ensuring the health of imperiled species is a shared responsibility. The Service is actively engaged with conservation partners and the public in the search for improved and innovative ways to conserve and recover imperiled species. To learn more about the Endangered Species program, go to http://www.fws.gov/endangered/.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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Coalition Position on PermitsThe people of Bastrop and Lee counties gained a MAJOR VICTORY at last night's Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District hearings. The Board of Directors listened ... and they acted on our behalf. THANK YOU Lost Pines BOARD MEMBERS!1) LCRA's request for 10,000 acre-feet/year was cut back 50% to 5,000 acre-feet/year except in years when the counties are in drought conditions.
2) Forestar's request for 45,000 acre-feet/year to export was cut back 75% to 12,000 acre-feet/year...
Coalition Position on Permits
The people of Bastrop and Lee counties gained a MAJOR VICTORY at last night's Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District hearings. The Board of Directors listened ... and they acted on our behalf.
THANK YOU Lost Pines BOARD MEMBERS!
1) LCRA's request for 10,000 acre-feet/year was cut back 50% to 5,000 acre-feet/year except in years when the counties are in drought conditions.
2) Forestar's request for 45,000 acre-feet/year to export was cut back 75% to 12,000 acre-feet/year.
3) Environmental Stewardship and a group of landowners were accepted for timely filing of their request for "party status" at the End Op contested case hearing to be held before the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
Lead by a coalition of Environmental Stewardship, Neighbors for Neighbors, Lost Pines Sierra Club, Groups United to Advocate Responsible Development ("GUARD") and Independent Texans, and with another large turnout of concerned citizens and landowners, the Board heard testimony for almost two hours before getting down to business. When they did get down to business, they had heard the wishes of the people and elected to ignore the recommendations of the General Manager.
After considering the General Manager's recommendation to approve, Board member Prinz said "we're going to do it a little different" and proceeded to cut back the applications by Forestar and the LCRA in order to protect the adopted desired future conditions of the District. Persuaded by the Bastrop Commissioners Court resolution on LCRA's request, the Board adopted the "extreme drought conditions" limitations and incorporated these conditions into their permit.
Earlier, the Board set the stage for their dramatic actions by granting a contested case hearing for End Op and denying the request by Aqua Water Supply Corporation for contested case hearing on the Forestar and LCRA applications. These actions set the stage for the general meeting where the Forestar and LCRA applications were reigned in to pumping levels that can be defended and that reasonably protect the Simsboro aquifer from over-pumping.
We owe the Board of Director a tremendous vote of GRATITUDE for patiently listening to our comments and concerns over the last few months and then acting to protect our precious groundwater resources. Please write the Board members, the County Juges, and your Commissioners and thank them for leading our counties through to this victory.
Please use these links to write emails of gratitude:
Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District Hearings
LCRA's Contribution to BANKRUPTCY
LCRA's contribution to Water Bankruptcy
The following Images demonstrate the impact of LCRA's pumping of 100% of the requested 10,000 acre-feet/year, and 25% of the requested amount on the Simsboro Aquifer in Bastrop and Lee Counties.
Currently the LCRA pumps water from the Colorado River to Lake Bastrop to provide for the cooling needs of the LCRA power plant located on the reservoir.
The LCRA is requesting a permit for groundwater so that they can maintain their ownership of the Colorado River surface water and sell that amount to users in the Highland Lakes and elsewhere in the basin. Pumping of groundwater from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer (including the Simsboro) from the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District Permits and other Groundwater Districts in GMA-12 are predicted, by their own models, to BANKRUPT flows from the aquifers into the Colorado River (Image 3 below). Based on this modeling, the Colorado River will likely go from being a "gaining" river to a "losing" river.
The Lower Colorado River Authority has never taken a serious look at these impacts in order to protect the river, but rather, are seeking to participate in the pumping that will damage the river. NOTICE: Please keep in mind that the images below are for the PROPOSED permits ONLY (124,226 acre-feet/year) and DO NOT include EXISTING permits (45,365 acre-feet/year).
Image 1: Draw-down impact of LCRA pumping around Lake Bastrop and the Colorado River. Image 2: Draw-down impact of LCRA pumping if reduced to 25% of the requested pumping. Image 3: Pumping of groundwater from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer (including the Simsboro) from the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District Permits and other Groundwater Districts in GMA-12 are predicted, by their own models, to bankrupt flows from the aquifers into the Colorado River. The Colorado River will likely go from being a "gaining" river to a "losing" river. The Lower Colorado River Authority has never taken a serious look at these impacts in order to protect the river, but rather, are seeking to participate in the pumping.
Draw-down: A Visual Perspective
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What does "draw-down" resulting from groundwater pumping look like on a map? As you may know, the Desired Future Conditions are established in terms of the draw-down, in feet, of aquifers in Bastrop and Lee counties and throughout the District.
Recently, Environmental Stewardship obtained visual images based on the Groundwater Availability Model (GAM) used by the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District to evaluate the impact of proposed pumping from current permit applications on the Simsboro Aquifer. Draw-down, measured in feet, is indicated on the contour lines of the maps below. Click on Maps below to Enlarge
NOTICE: Please keep in mind that the images below (except for Image 1) are for the PROPOSED permits ONLY (124,226 acre-feet/year) and DO NOT include EXISTING permits (45,365 acre-feet/year).
Image 1. PERMIT THIS - The draw-down, in feet, expected when the Adopted Desired Future Conditions (DFC) are met in Bastrop and Lee counties. The dark area in Burleson County is from Post Oak Savannah GCD pumping. Click on Map to Enlarge
Image 2. NOT WATER BANKRUPTCY - The draw-down, in feet, expected if ALL current applications are approved and pumped to the maximum permitted. Notice the red area in Lee county where draw-down is 1000 ft, and orange area in Bastrop County where draw-down is 750 ft. Click on Map to Enlarge
Image 3. WATER BANKRUPTCY - The majority of draw-down, in feet, in Lee County is from the proposed Forestar well field. Click on Map to Enlarge
Image 4. WATER BANKRUPTCY - The majority of draw-down, in feet, in Bastrop County is from the proposed End Op well field, which is directly below Houston Toad habitat. Click on Map to Enlarge
PERMIT THIS: If permitted at all, individual permits should first be reduced to levels actually supported by the application and then all permits reduced overall as necessary to an aggregate level that, including existing permits, protects the Adopted Desired Future Conditions. In summary, if permitted at all, Forestar and End Op qualify for less than 5% of the water they are seeking. In addition, the district needs to factor in the impact of existing permits before issuing any new permits. This has not been done. (See Image 1).
Image 5. This image depicts Forestar pumping reduced to 25% of requested pumping volume but DOES NOT include existing permits. Click on Map to Enlarge
Image 6. This image depicts End Op pumping reduced to 25% of requested pumping volume but DOES NOT include existing permits. Click on Map to Enlarge
Lost Pines Groundwater Statistics
Below are some statistics about current applications, existing permits and facts from the Lost Pines Management Plan.
Current Simsboro Aquifer Applications Pending:
- 45,000 acre-feet/yr Forestar Group Contested
- 10,000 acre-feet/yr LCRA Contested
- 56,000 acre-feet/yr End Op Contested
- 3,226 acre-feet/yr Manville WSC Approved
- 3,360 acre-feet/yr Heart of Texas Withdrawn
- 1,613 acre-feet/yr City of Bastrop Approved
119,199 acre-feet/yr TOTAL APPLICATIONS FOR SIMSBORO WELLS
- Total Available Groundwater (MAG) in the District by 2060 is 58,888 acre-feet/yr.
- Bastrop County projected water demand by 2060 is 65,266 acre-feet/yr.
- Lee County projected water demand by 2060 is 6,603 acre-feet/yr.
- Current discharge to surface waters from all aquifers is 78,612 acre-feet/yr.
- Net recharge to all aquifers (recharge - discharge) is 7,249 acre-feet/yr.
- Current pumping for all aquifers in the District is 47,811 acre-feet/yr (website)
- Current permits for all aquifers 73,000 acre-feet/yr (Austin-American Statesman)
New Website and Blog
We are excited to announce that we have a new website and blog. The site contains the same information that was on our old site, but now includes the ability to BLOG. This means the site is MUCH MORE INTERACTIVE by allowing you, the reader, to make comments on specific pages and information posted. We look forward to having a conversation with you about your interests and concerns.
Environmental Stewardship is a charitable nonprofit organization whose purposes are to meet current and future needs of the environment and its inhabitants by protecting and enhancing the earth's natural resources; to restore and sustain ecological services using scientific information; and to encourage public stewardship through environmental education and outreach.
We are a Texas nonprofit 501(c) (3) charitable organization headquartered in Bastrop, Texas.
ELEMENTAL Monday, June 3rd at 7 pm Stateside Theater, 719 Congress AvenueFollowed by a Q&A with Director Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee For advance tickets & group sales, contact: sara@filmpresence.com "A rare, fresh look at environmental issues and sustainability...Director Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee ties these threads together masterfully." -John Fink, The Film Stage Elemental tells the story of three individuals united by their deep connection with nature, confronting the most pressing ecological challenges of our time.
The film follows Rajendra Singh, a former Indian government official, on a 40-day pilgrimage down India’s once pristine Ganges river...
"A rare, fresh look at environmental issues and sustainability...
Director Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee ties these threads together masterfully."
-John Fink, The Film Stage
Elemental tells the story of three individuals united by their deep connection with nature, confronting the most pressing ecological challenges of our time.
The film follows Rajendra Singh, a former Indian government official, on a 40-day pilgrimage down India’s once pristine Ganges river. Singh works to shut down factories, halt construction of dams, and rouse the Indian public to treat their sacred “Mother Ganga” with respect.
In northern Canada, Eriel Deranger mounts her struggle against the world’s largest industrial development, the Tar Sands, an oil deposit larger than the state of Florida. A young mother and native Denè, Deranger struggles with family challenges while campaigning tirelessly against the Tar Sands and its proposed 2,000-mile Keystone XL Pipeline, which are destroying Indigenous communities and threatening an entire continent.
And in Australia, inventor and entrepreneur Jay Harman searches for investors willing to risk millions on his conviction that nature’s own systems hold the key to our world’s ecological problems. Harmon finds his inspiration in the natural world’s profound architecture and creates a revolutionary device that he believes can slow down global warming.
Posted by Mary Simon on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 In late March, as we neared completion of construction on their new home, the sisters –Candy and Sue (see related story) — began to fret just a bit. “There’s been no rain. Should we go ahead and buy some water for the tank?”
Wayne shook his head. “Wait,” he told them. “Let’s see what happens. April showers, right?”
We broke ground in October. It took just a little over six months to build their home...
In late March, as we neared completion of construction on their new home, the sisters –Candy and Sue (see related story) — began to fret just a bit. “There’s been no rain. Should we go ahead and buy some water for the tank?”
Wayne shook his head. “Wait,” he told them. “Let’s see what happens. April showers, right?”
We broke ground in October. It took just a little over six months to build their home. The 30,000 gallon rainwater tank was one of the first things to be installed, and we had a truck deliver about 2,000 gallons of water for use during construction. The metal roof went on in December. (If you’re collecting rainwater, you want a metal roof.) Gutters and pipes were installed in January, and they were connected and ready for rain in February. And then it didn’t rain. And it didn’t rain. Remember?
And then came April, woohoo. A couple of good storms the first two weeks of April dumped up to four inches of rain in the area. Now, we didn’t have a rain gauge to the measure the specific rainfall at Candy and Sue’s house. But take a look at the photo and see what happened. I snapped this photo in mid-April. The red bobber indicates the tank’s water level. Almost half full, right? How is that possible, with just 4” or so of rain?
Well, get out a pencil, and let’s do the math. The sisters’ house has 3,532 square feet of air conditioned space. Add the garage, front porch, the lovely screened porch at the back of the house, and two-foot eaves on all sides, and you’ve got 5,661 square feet of total house coverage. The roof surface is a whopping 6,289 square feet. Got all that? Now here’s the magic: One inch of rain on 1,000 square feet yields about 600 gallons of water. Every time it rains one inch, the sisters harvest 3,773.4 gallons of water, or about 12% of the tank’s capacity. Those 4 inches of rain during the first two weeks of April produced about 15,093 gallons of water. The tank is half full.
If you’ve lived long enough in central Texas, you’ve figured out by now that our rain often comes in big bucketfuls all at once. Yes, we’ve got water problems in Texas, but the answer falls from the sky. We’re all drinking rainwater; it’s just that some people choose to catch and store it locally instead of waiting for it to flow into rivers, lakes, and aquifers, where it’s stored and later pumped miles and miles (at great cost) to reach homes and businesses.
The sisters decided to invest in a 30,000 gallon tank rather than a 20,000 gallon tank in order to have extra storage capacity to capture as much rainfall as possible during the “rainy” periods of the year. Chris Maxwell-Gaines of Innovative Water Solutions, who designed and installed the system, calculates that a “20,000-gallon tank would be sufficient to supply a 4-person household. Their system should allow them ample water supply even during drought years.”
Of course, the way the home operates and the behavior of its inhabitants have a lot to do with water use. Naturally, the sisters’ home was designed, built, and furnished to conserve water — the way the plumbing runs were laid out, the water heating system, the water-saving plumbing fixtures. A moderately conservative person might use around 50 gallons of water indoors. Outdoors, the sisters plan to leave the landscape in a natural state, so they won’t be using much water outdoors. However, they have installed a pool/spa that holds 1,500 gallons of water. Once it’s filled, it will need to be replenished occasionally. And the sisters do anticipate occasional long-term house guests. Installing the bigger 30,000-gallon tank has given them peace of mind.
You might be asking about now, “But is it really feasible to supply an entire household with its potable water from a rainwater harvesting system?” Yes. Here’s what Chris Maxwell-Gaines of Innovative Water Solutions had to say in a report to the lender’s underwriter:
For more evidence of the ability of rainwater harvesting systems to supply an entire household with its water, my company conducted a survey of about 70 of our potable water system owners in 2012. We asked them to look back over 2011 which was one of the worst year of drought since the 1950s. In 2011, our region only received about 16” of rainfall. We found that only 30% of the homeowners had to get water delivered during the year and a majority of this 30% only had to get one water delivery. It is our best guess and experience that due to the conservation technology of the rainwater systems, property owners use a much smaller quantity of water since they can directly see the entire supply of water for their household. Contrast this with a home that is supplied by a well: The homeowners can’t determine how much water is left in their well as they can with a rainwater harvesting system. If the water level in their rainwater cistern is getting low, they can proactively change their water usage patterns in order to extend their water supply. The costs to top-off their systems, which is a rarity, should not average more than a few hundred dollars per year according to cost data received from local water delivery companies in our region.
Question: “You mean, I can buy water for my rain tank?” Sure, you can buy a little water if you need it, say a couple thousand gallons to tide you over ’til the next big rain. You can buy water and store it in a rain tank. You can’t buy and store water in a well that’s gone dry.
Overall, rainwater as the sole water source for a home is more sustainable, more durable, more secure, and less costly over time than a well. Plus, you know where your water comes from and . . . you know what? It sure does taste good.
Question: “What about financing?” It is possible to get financing for a rainwater harvesting system as the sole source of water for a residence, but it requires a lender who knows how to get it done. The financing for the sisters’ project was arranged by Green Energy Money, whose appraisal process quantifies the homeowner’s return on investment for energy efficiencies — and for rainwater harvesting. Security National Mortgage Company provided the permanent financing. Plus, the sisters’ home is in Hays County, which offers a property tax exemption for water conservation initiatives, including rainwater harvesting.
Want to know more? Drop us a line, or leave a comment, and I’ll ask Chris Maxwell-Gaines to weigh in and help answer any questions. – Mary See Solluna Builders, LLC Resources page for links to more information about rainwater harvesting.
Aqua Texas, Inc., issued the following Boil Water Notices to front doorsteps today:
City of Woodcreek residents living on Brookhollow & Doolittle that are West of Jack Miller need to BOIL WATER until further notice. Residents living on Augusta Dr & Augusta Lane need to BOIL WATER until further notice.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes...
Aqua Texas, Inc., issued the following Boil Water Notices to front doorsteps today:
City of Woodcreek residents living on Brookhollow & Doolittle that are West of Jack Miller need to BOIL WATER until further notice. Residents living on Augusta Dr & Augusta Lane need to BOIL WATER until further notice.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice.
For further information contact Aqua America Customer Service at 1-877-987-2782. If a customer wishes to contact the TCEQ, they may call 512-239-4691.
John Sone City Manager City of Woodcreek O-512.847.9390 manager@cityofwoodcreek.com
by Kate Galbraith Texas Tribune Groundwater levels in Texas’ major aquifers dropped considerably between 2010 and 2011, as the state's drought intensified, according to a report published recently by the Texas Water Development Board. The report showed significant declines in the Ogallala Aquifer, which underlies much of the Panhandle. The water board monitors 26 wells in the Ogallala, and water levels dropped in all but one during the 2010-11 period. The average drop was 3.5 feet, with a median decline of 1.8 feet...
Groundwater levels in Texas’ major aquifers dropped considerably between 2010 and 2011, as the state's drought intensified, according to a report published recently by the Texas Water Development Board. The report showed significant declines in the Ogallala Aquifer, which underlies much of the Panhandle. The water board monitors 26 wells in the Ogallala, and water levels dropped in all but one during the 2010-11 period. The average drop was 3.5 feet, with a median decline of 1.8 feet.
“This year of a drought — it has affected even the groundwater levels to a greater extent than I’ve ever seen,” said Janie Hopkins, who manages the water board's groundwater division. The figures for 2011-12, which will probably be ready for publication around August, are also expected to be gloomy. There will probably be a “continuing downward [trend] in the majority of these wells, but just at a less rapid rate,” Hopkins said.
According to the report, the greatest decline during 2010-11 occurred in the Trinity Aquifer of Central Texas, where 33 monitor wells showed a median drop of 16.7 feet, and an average drop of 19.7 feet. (The water board also includes one well in the Edwards-Trinity Plateau in that calculation.) In South Texas’ Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, median water levels of the monitor wells dropped by 4.4 feet in 2010-11, with average declines of 17.1 feet.
In discussing the Carrizo-Wilcox, the water board noted: “Irrigation pumpage during the drought has increased substantially in the Wintergarden area of [south-central] Texas, particularly Zavala, Wilson, and Atascosa counties. Pumping of groundwater has also increased to support oil and gas exploration and production activities related to the Eagle Ford Shale.”
A Carrizo Aquifer well in nearby LaSalle County showed the greatest change for a single well since 2003, dropping some 136 feet.
Some aquifers rebound with good rain, Hopkins noted. To understand what the drops really mean, it helps to look at an individual well’s overall depth and rate of change. In the Ogallala, for example, a well in Hansford County contained water at around 70-f00t depths in 1950. Now pumpers hit water at 150 feet, and the well's overall depth is 185 feet.
Some Ogallala wells show similar declines; others are holding relatively steady, reflecting that geologic and topographic conditions can differ considerably by well.
“You can have lots of variability within a short distance,” Hopkins said. She cited the “heterogeneity of the rocks, even with one formation.”
One Ogallala well used in the water board's research went dry about 18 months ago, she said. To check the real-time levels of the water board's monitor wells, click here. Hopkins said that the agency, which has experienced budget-tightening like the rest of the state, has had no funding for equipment such as well recorders or transmitters for the past few years, though local groundwater conservation districts often provide such funds. More funding would also potentially allow the water board to publish groundwater reports in a more timely fashion, she said.
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We are excited to announce that we have a new website and blog. The site contains the same information that was on our old site, but now includes the ability to BLOG. This means the site is MUCH MORE INTERACTIVE by allowing you, the reader, to make comments on specific pages and information posted. We look forward to having a conversation with you about your interests and concerns. 
