Vol 2, Issue 3

A bid by San Antonio's water utility to declare ownership of the sewage it treats and releases has sparked a regional tug-of-war — one that could become more common as Texas' thirsty water users struggle to protect their supplies.

The suggestion of new restrictions on saltwater fishing has generated heated discussion along the coast — with some claiming that small-time fishermen will be pushed out to make way for richer anglers.

A plan meant to balance the needs of the Edwards Aquifer's 2 million water users with those of threatened species will receive a national award Thursday, but the state's severe drought could hinder the proposal's success. 

Mary Ann Williamson, one of three members of the Texas Water Development Board appointed by Gov. Rick Perry last summer, has resigned. Her departure comes at a transitional time for the agency.

California's drought emergency appears as bleak as drought conditions in Texas, with record-low flows in rivers and streams, reservoirs drying up and a mountain snowpack far below normal.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has signed off on an order granting emergency drought-period powers to the Lower Colorado River Authority that will excuse the agency from releasing water to lower-basin rice farmers.

A judge has ruled that New Braunfels' anti-trash ordinances that barred tubers from floating down its rivers with large coolers or disposable bottles and cans are unconstitutional.

The Texas Legislature has created a panel to study water desalination as a solution to the state's prolonged drought.

A new interactive documentary film project produced by Penn State Public Media explores how cities around the country, including San Antonio, are finding innovative solutions to water-related problems.

Abstracts for presentations at the Southwest Stream Restoration Conference are due Jan. 31. The conference takes place May 28-30 in San Antonio.

Using data from the Texas Water Development Board's reservoir status tracker, our auto-updating map visualizes the current state of Texas reservoirs.