Central Texas has been enduring a drought for many years. However, according to the Texas Water Development Board, drought conditions are the best they have been since November 2010. Which is good news: with the rapidly growing population of the city, water resources are becoming increasingly important.
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) board recently approved a $214.9 million reservoir project 60 miles southwest of Houston. The project is designed keep Austin hydrated and thriving, while capturing additional rainfall. The regions is currently in La Nina weather pattern, in which northern and eastern states receive above-average rainfall and powerful hurricanes, but the average level of rain in the southern and southwestern states diminishes.
The LCRA reservoir project will offset dependence on the Highland lakes and make more water available throughout the regional basin. The reservoir will be located in the lower basin area near Lane City, Texas where rainfall levels are generally greater than elsewhere in Texas. The LCRA estimates a increase of 90,000 acre-feet of water in addition to the current 392,000 acre-feet, bringing the total amount of water up to 482,000 acre-feet to business and residential customers.
The amended water management plan will be up for approval by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) later this year. Operation of the reservoir is projected to begin in 2017.
Below are links containing information about how to conserve water at your home or business:
http://www.lcra.org/water/save-water/Pages/tips-for-saving-water.aspx
http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/p2/resources.html
Misty Chase
Title Department Program Manager
mchase@banksinfo.com