Speaking to a cattle raisers’ group on Tuesday, Texas House Speaker Joe Straus promised that water “will be at the center of the discussion.”
water supply
Posted inEnergy, Environment
Dried Up: Public Water System Shortages
The drought that began in October 2010 has continued into 2012, and it has taken a toll on Texas’ water supplies. As the summer of 2012 draws to a close, these communities are at risk of running out of water within 180 days.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
Interactive Map: Public Water System Shortages
The drought that began in October 2010 has continued into 2012, and it has taken a toll on Texas’ water supplies. This map shows communities that are at risk of running out of water within 180 days.
Posted in
Energy
Texas State Receives Major Gift for Water Research
Texas State University in San Marcos on Friday will announce a major gift from the Meadows Foundation. The $1 million donation will help launch the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.
Posted in
Energy
Smart Water Meters Take Root in Texas Cities
Across Texas, cities are installing electronic water meters. The transition will save money, officials say, because meter readers will no longer have to go from yard to yard. Plus, the new meters make it easy to detect leaks.
Posted in
Energy
Land Commissioner Touts Desalination Plan for Central Texas
Desalination, the process of removing salt from water, may bring to mind a plant on the coast sucking in salty seawater and dispensing fresh water. But Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson has a plan to bring desalination hundreds of miles inland, to thirsty Central Texas.
Posted in
Energy
Heated Arguments
While advocates worry particularly about heat conditions in a prison unit with recent water shortages, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is considering arguments in a lawsuit against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice alleging that the sweltering living quarters constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
Posted in
Energy
Ranchers Struggle to Recover From Texas Drought
Last year’s drought dried up hay fields, sent feed prices through the roof and forced many Texas ranchers to sell off large portions of their herds. A year later, many are still trying to recover.
Posted in
Energy
Drought Caused Biggest Drop in Ogallala Aquifer in 25 Years
The historic Texas drought caused the Ogallala Aquifer to experience its largest decline in 25 years across a large swath of the Texas Panhandle, new numbers from a water district show.
Posted in
Energy
Recycling Efforts by Drilling Industry a Focus of House Hearing
Much of the discussion at a Wednesday House committee hearing centered around efforts by drilling companies to recycle water or reduce their water consumption. Environmentalists questioned whether they are doing enough.
