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The opinions in Texas+Water are those of the authors and shall not be construed to represent the opinions and policies of The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, the Texas Water Journal or the Texas Water Resources Institute.
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Despite Fewer Oil Spills in Galveston Bay, Texas' Largest Estuary Receives a 'C' for Overall Health
Fewer than 1,500 gallons of oil spilled into Galveston Bay in 2017, a recent report stated — a spot of good news for Texas' largest estuary, which churned with more than 90,500 gallons the previous year. Full story from the Houston Chronicle →
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Is There Only One Natural Lake in Texas? Take a Swim with Curious Texas
Texas lakes are a go-to for summer fun. It only takes a short drive from Dallas to find multiple spots for boating, fishing and swimming. While these lakes may look and feel natural, many of them are actually man-made. Full story from the Dallas News →
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Draft State Flood Assessment Comment Period is Now Open
The public review and comment period for the Texas Water Development Board’s (TWDB) Draft State Flood Assessment is now open until Oct. 3. The public is encouraged to participate in the final opportunity to contribute to the flood assessment. Full story from the TWDB →
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Is Your Water Utility Making Progress with Water Conservation?
When it comes to water conservation, utilities can be big agents of change in the communities they serve. And when utilities engage their customers in water conservation planning, their impact can be especially powerful. Full story from Texas Living Waters →
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Zebra Mussels Have Been Found In Austin Water Intake Pipes
Divers have found large amounts of invasive zebra mussels at intake pipes that feed Austin’s water supply, opening up a costly new challenge for the city’s water utility. Full story from KUT 90.5 →
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Report: Texas Criteria for Polluted Site Cleanup 'Significantly Weaker' than Neighboring States
A new report by the Texas Campaign for the Environment Fund says the standards Texas uses to determine how much — and whether — to clean up abandoned industrial facilities and other contaminated sites are 'significantly weaker' than those of neighboring states. Full story from The Texas Tribune →
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The Q&A: John Nielsen-Gammon
In this issue’s Q&A, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Todd Votteler, interviews Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, the State Climatologist of Texas. Full story from Texas+Water →
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Upper San Marcos Watershed Protection Plan
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently accepted the Upper San Marcos Watershed Protection Plan developed by The Meadows Center, community stakeholders, local organizations and various agency partners. The plan outlines strategies for a healthy watershed that supports a clean, clear and flowing San Marcos River. Full report from The Meadows Center→
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Lavaca River Watershed Protection Plan
The EPA recently accepted the Lavaca River Watershed Protection Plan developed by TWRI and watershed stakeholders to restore water quality in the watershed. Part of the Matagorda Bay system, the Lavaca River watershed covers approximately 909 square miles in southeast Texas and is comprised of numerous smaller watersheds. Full report from The Texas Water Resource Institute→
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Texas Water Journal Program Review: Integration of the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network Observations into the West Gulf River Forecast Center Operations
This article will introduce the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network and illustrate its integration into the daily operations at the National Weather Service West Gulf River Forecast Center (WGRFC). The network provides the WGRFC a source of rain gauge data where other sources of rainfall data are sparse and allows for verification of radar-based precipitation estimates. Full report from The Texas Water Journal→
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System Selectively Sequesters Toxins from Water
Engineers from Rice University are developing ionic water-treatment technology that saves money and energy by selectively removing only hazardous contaminants and ignoring those that are harmless. The platform technology could be used to treat drinking water and wastewater from industrial applications like oil and gas wells. Full report from ScienceDaily →
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Here's a look at current and future conditions for drought and rainfall in Texas and beyond via The Meadow Center’s Dr. Robert Mace:
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Statewide drought conditions have improved considerably over the past month with the amount of the state suffering from drought declining from 59 percent to 29 percent.
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Statewide reservoir storage reversed its downward trend and is now on pace to exceed average for this time of year.
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Governor Greg Abbott has named Jon Niermann Chair of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
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Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Becky Johnson and appointed Brandon Stowers and Mark Varhaug to the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists for terms set to expire on February 1, 2023. Additionally, the Governor appointed Drusilla Knight-Villarreal for a term set to expire on February 1, 2019.
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The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment's Chief Science Officer Dr. Thom Hardy was awarded an honorary fellowship by the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research.
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JOB OPENINGS:
- Stormwater Wetland Program Manager, Texas Community Watershed Partners - Houston. Details.
- Development & Public Engagement Manager, Hill Country Alliance - Bee Cave. Details.
- Executive Director, Big Bend Conservation Alliance - Alpine. Details.
- Natural Resources Specialist II, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - Houston. Details.
- Water Resources Project Manager, Tetra Tech - San Antonio, Austin or Houston. Details.
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