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Volume: 2 Issue: 12

December 2019

image+water

Holiday Lights at Spring Lake in San Marcos, Texas  © 2019 Andy Heatwole, www.smtxphotos.com/

q&a+water

q&a+water: Steve Snyder

In this issue’s Q&A, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Todd Votteler, interviews Steve Snyder, Executive Director of the National Judicial College’s Dividing the Waters program. Full story from Texas+Water →

outlook+water

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:

Much of Texas can expect warmer-than-normal and drier-than-normal conditions over the next three months.
drought outlook
Drought conditions remain in much of the interior of the state with drought conditions developing in north-east Texas.
READ MORE

talk+water

talk+water: Dresden Farrand, American Water Resources Association

Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with Dresden Farrand, Chief Executive Officer of the American Water Resources Association. Full story from Texas+Water →

news+water

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.

Governor Abbott Declares State of Disaster Due To Drought Conditions In 15 Texas Counties

On Dec. 12, Governor Abbott declared a state of disaster due to drought in 15 counties across Texas, citing low rainfall and prolonged dry conditions as imminent threats. Full story from the Office of the Texas Governor →

Report: Texas Ranks Second In Budget Cuts For Environmental Protection

An analysis by the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Integrity Project found that 30 states have cut funding to environmental agencies over the past decade. In Texas, lawmakers slashed spending by more than a third between 2008 and 2018. Full story from the Texas Tribune →

Proposition Will Start State’s First Flood Fund

After garnering the approval of voters, Texas has been given the go-ahead to create the state’s first flooding infrastructure fund. The fund is being established with a one-time injection of $793 million in funding from the state’s Economic Stabilization Fund—more commonly known as the Rainy Day Fund. Full story from Community Impact →

East Texas Rivers Could Become a Boiling Pot for Mussels

The humble bivalves may not look like much, but they act as crucial natural filters across the state's waterways—and they're severely threatened by climate change. Full story from the Texas Observer →

Announcing Inaugural Texas+Water Advisory Council

 
We are excited to introduce to you our inaugural 2019-2020 Texas+Water Advisory Council. The council, which represents a wide range of perspectives and experience, will help propel Texas+Water to new heights.
 

publications+water

The Future of Reef Ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico: Insights From Coupled Climate Model Simulations and Ancient Hot-House Reefs

new study from researchers at Rice University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Louisiana State University found that as sea-surface temperatures rise because of climate change, and as waters turn more acidic by absorbing more carbon dioxide, coastal reefs could collapse in the coming years. Full report from Frontiers in Marine Science →

The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment 2018-2019 Annual Report

The Meadows Center has released its first-ever digital annual report, which provides a snapshot of the great work being done by its faculty and staff across Texas and beyond. Full report from the Meadows Center →

Interjecting Economics into the Surface Water Dialogue

This paper applies the conceptual lens of economic efficiency as a criterion by which to evaluate surface water in Texas. It proposes a variety of partial solutions, which include facilitating greater reliance on water markets as well as a water tax that would vary across regions and over time to encourage conservation. Full report from the Texas Water Journal →

people+water

Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Henry Borbolla, III, Tom Fordyce, David LeonardAmirali “Amir” Rupani, and Dwayne Somerville and appointed Lewis McMahan, Cole Camp, and Brenda Walker to the Trinity River Authority Board of Directors for terms set to expire on March 15, 2025. Additionally, the Governor appointed Lisa Hembry for a term set to expire on March 15, 2023. The authority oversees development and conservation of surface water resources of the Trinity River Basin.
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Zackary “Zack” Smith and Stephen Thornhill and appointed Mary Lou Bradley to the Red River Authority of Texas Board of Directors for terms set to expire on August 11, 2025. Additionally, the Governor appointed Jerry Dan Davis for a term set to expire on August 11, 2023 and named Todd Boykin president of the board. The Red River Authority provides for the control, conservation and development of the watershed and water of the Red River and its Texas tributaries.
Chuck Wolf, D.Eng., PE, BCEE, has joined Freese and Nichols to lead large, complex water-related infrastructure projects. He has experience across the United States, has served as a public agency executive and elected official. Wolf has conducted research on improving resiliency for communities as a Professor of Practice at Texas A&M University.

JOB OPENINGS

  • Assistant Director of Water Utilities, City of Abilene - Abilene. Details.
  • Austin Water Marketing Services Manager, Austin Water Utility - Austin. Details.
  • Engineering Manager - Hydraulics & Hydrology, Jones | Carter - Houston. Details.
  • Wastewater Plant Operator/Apprentice, City of Grapevine - Grapevine. Details.

events+water

Merry at the Meadows Holiday Boat Tours

Dec. 20-22, 2019
San Marcos, TX
Details

6th Annual Water College

 

 January 23, 2020
Lubbock, TX
Details

10th Annual Central Texas Water Conservation Symposium

February 13, 2020
Austin, TX
Details

State of the Bay Symposium
 

January 22-23, 2020
Galveston, TX
Details

5th Biennial Texas Panhandle Water Conservation Symposium

February 12, 2020
Amarillo, TX
Details

Permian Basin Water In Energy Conference
 

February 18-21, 2020
Midland, TX
Details
VIEW MORE EVENTS

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Texas + Water publishes timely information about water issues in Texas. If you have information for possible inclusion in Texas + Water, please email info@texaspluswater.org. All submissions may be edited for grammar and style. 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, the Texas Water Journal or the Texas Water Resources Institute. Copyright © 2019 Texas+Water, All rights reserved.

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