Fearing that this drought could reduce lake levels lower than ever before, the Lower Colorado River Authority’s board will meet next week to discuss reducing or ending its water sales to downriver farmers next year.
water supply
A Dry Odessa Looks Longingly to El Paso for Help
Odessa, running seriously low on water, is looking to the example set in El Paso, a desert city that has poured money into a desalination plant and invested in conservation.
Officials Insist EPA Rule Could Turn the Lights Off in Texas
At a hearing today, power companies and state agencies slammed the Environmental Protection Agency over a measure aimed at reducing emissions from power plants in 27 states, including Texas.
With Wildfire Risk High, Military Alters Training in Texas
As the worst one-year drought in Texas history wears on, officials at some military installations around the state have banned the use of tracer fire and other pyrotechnics.
Texas Politicians Press Feds for Fire Relief Money
Over the past year, Texas has battled wildfires that cover an area larger than the state of Connecticut. It’s straining the budgets of both state and local firefighting units, and as the prospect of a multiyear drought looms, wildfire season is in no way over.
Christi Craddick: The TT Interview
Christi Craddick, daughter of former House speaker and current state Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, on why she wants to run for the Texas Railroad Commission, whether her dad’s politics will get in the way, and why the oil and gas industry needs her as a regulator.
Todd Staples: The TT Interview
The Texas commissioner of agriculture on the “catastrophic” devastation he’s seen from the worst one-year drought in recorded Texas history, what the feds and state are doing and what needs to happen to cope with a potential multiyear drought.
New LCRA Head Orders Reorganization
As the Central Texas utility struggles to retain electric customers, its new general manager, Becky Motal, announced that four senior positions have been eliminated and said staff reductions “may be necessary.”
Drought Scrambles Water Utilities’ Finances
A number of cities are making more money than usual from selling water this year because people are using more water to compensate for the lack of rain. But rates in many places are going up, to fix broken pipes and fund new supplies.
Attention, Texas: It’s Going to Get Hotter
Are the drought and record heat due to climate change? Scientists hedge, especially on the drought question, but there’s no question it’s been getting hotter in Texas โ and it’s going to continue to do so.

