Texas Water Day 2005 Issues

Texas Water Day focused on statewide issues and needed actions. Click on the title of each issue to see the entire white paper. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these documents.

• Implementation of Regional and State Planning (SB1) Projects

  The projects needed to meet the challenge of providing for the water needs of Texas' future have been identified through the grass-roots SB1 planning process. The estimated cost is over $17 billion. It is critical to establish a local-State-federal partnership to implement, on a priority basis, the SB1 water projects. The proposed Texas Environmental Infrastructure Program will bridge the gap between planning and construction. We ask your support of the Water Resources Development Act that would establish the Environmental Infrastructure Program.

• Corps of Engineers and Water Resources Development Act

  Critical to Texas water is strengthening the partnership with the Corps of Engineers. A strong partner is needed to provide solutions for the many challenges of meeting the future water needs of Texas. The Corps should have a key role in providing for the water supply needs of Texas in a balanced, watershed-based approach. The long history of partnership between the Corps and Texas should not only be continued but focused to help implement solutions. We ask your support for provisions of Water Resources Development Act that provide for this balanced partnership, including consideration of co-sponsoring HR1368.

• USGS Support - Critical Data for Texas Water Decisions

  USGS data is critical for the planning and management of Texas water resources. The USGS gages provide a long-term set of invaluable hydrologic data that water purveyors, reservoir operators, regulators, recreational enthusiasts and others use on a daily basis. Decisions impacting the critical balance between water needs for the environment and water needs for our growing Texas population are largely based on the availability and accuracy of USGS data. However, continued reduction in USGS funding to support the gaging network has resulted in reduction in the number of gages as local sponsors must make tough economic decisions. The degradation of this national database of stream data will create a void of historical information that will adversely impact the ability to predict how streams respond to the changing hydrologic cycle. We ask your support to provide federal funding to return the Cooperative Program to a true 50/50 partnership and funding to restore a core network of strategic gages.

• Brackish Groundwater and Seawater Desalination

  Recent studies of the State's brackish groundwater resources show large areas of State have substantial supplies of brackish groundwater that offer a viable alternative supply source. Brackish groundwater treatment has advanced considerably and offers affordable alternatives to conveyance and treatment costs associated with more distant surface water supply sources. High energy costs pose the greatest financial burden associated with desalination as much as 40% of the cost. We ask for your support of measures to promote brackish groundwater treatment technology, and of HR1071 that will establish a new performance based, competitive grant program to provide energy cost assistance.

• Reuse

  Water reuse is one of the most significant water management strategies being adopted to meet the water requirements of Texas. Water reuse is a critical component of the future water supply needs and to support economic development of Texas and our nation. Water reuse is a "good steward" strategy and provides opportunities to reduce energy required for water supply projects. Sound science and technology must be developed in order to maximize the application of water reuse in an affordable manner. We ask for your support to provide federal funding (e.g., Title 16, EPA Research Grant Program, etc.) for research needed to develop sound science and technology and support the implementation of water reuse projects.

• Flood Control

  Recent flooding in Texas has again emphasized the need for a coordinated, watershed approach to address floodplains and safety. With the Administration and Congress looking to the states to take larger roles in preparing for and recovering from natural disasters, Texas has both opportunity and challenge. We ask for your support of FEMA funding to the states and, particularly, for support of watershed-based efforts strengthened through a coordinated effort with Texas River Authorities.