Published April 1, 2009 This report is the first in a series designed to explore aspects of the energy‐water nexus in Texas. It examines the water requirements for various types of electricity generating facilities, both for typical systems nationwide and here in Texas. It also addresses the use of energy by water supply and wastewater treatment systems, comparing national averages with Texas‐specific values. Download PDF...
Read More
Among the potential impediments to achieving the full intent of the Texas Senate Bill 1 regional water planning process are conflicts of interest held by the planning consultants, primarily large engineering firms. The regional water planning process was designed as a much-publicized “bottom up” approach to serve diverse interest groups representing the citizenry of the region at large. In order for the regional water planning groups to bring their own diverse interests to bear and design a comprehensive water plan addressing the array of requirements, a premium value is attached to the provision of objective, unbiased information to the group by their consultant. There appear to be two principal types of conflicts of interest which...
Read More
The purpose of this book is to provide guidance for citizens who wish to become active on water issues in Texas. It demonstrates how to influence decisions regarding water policy planning in this state. It includes basic information on campaign organizing, water management and water protection resources, steps on how to affect decisions concerning public water supplies, and inspiring examples of successful grassroots activism on water issues. Download PDF...
Read MoreThe Water Plan for greater Dallas/Fort Worth/North Texas (known as “Region C”) recommends harmful and expensive development projects like the Marvin Nichols dam 170 miles away on the Sulphur River and ignores cost-effective solutions such as water conservation and better use of exisiting supplies of water. The plan calls for spending billions of dollars on unnecessary projects at the expense of commonsense conservation measures that would protect private property and Metroplex pocketbooks, and conserve natural resources. Demand that Region C revise their plan to eliminate unnecessary reservoir projects and focus on meeting reasonable water needs through more efficient management of existing water resources: REDUCE WATER DEMANDS THROUGH MEANINGFUL CONSERVATION INCENTIVES AND PRACTICES – This...
Read More