exTRA by the Trinity River Authority of Texas

One challenge springing from Texas’ rapid growth is the increasing pressure it puts on our natural resources — especially water. Texas has a huge number of municipal, agricultural and industrial users all relying on limited sources of surface and groundwater.

The city would like for residents to focus specifically on conservating water efforts outdoors, treating foundations, shrubs and trees only. Starting Thursday, residents can resume watering their grass following the normal water schedule.

Some residents in the city of Zavalla have concerns over the city’s water quality. Brown water is what a few residents in Zavalla see when they turn their faucets on, and they question whether the water is safe, and wonder when will they see clear water again.

The City of Austin is investigating after a dog died within an hour of swimming in “Barking Springs” on Sunday. What caused the dog’s death is unknown, but toxic algae exposure is being considered a possibility.

With temperatures going up to triple digits today, ERCOT is asking Texans to conserve power from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

As summer heats up, Texas law enforcement wants to make sure East Texas boaters are aware of safety precautions while dealing with low water levels.

Fort Worth Water says this year we set monthly water-use records in March, April, May and June. Thousands of people in northern Texas are relying on water flow in the West Fork Trinity River.

Lake Waco water levels are now down about seven feet, the lowest point the lake has reached in a decade. Now, the city is reviewing its water conservation plan and asking residents to consider conserving water.

More than 300 residents of Fabens have access to wastewater services for the first time now that the Lourdes and Conquistador First-Time Wastewater Project is finished. The $3 million project, which brings wastewater service to the Lourdes and Conquistador communities, was completed earlier this month.

Some North Texas cities began asking residents to cut down on unnecessary water usage.

Record-high tax revenues over the last year will give Texas lawmakers an astounding extra $27 billion to spend in the 2023 legislative session, the state’s top accountant said Thursday. When asked how lawmakers should spend the money, Hegar recommended funding water infrastructure, road infrastructure and broadband internet connectivity.

There are 2.5 million people that depend on the Edwards Aquifer, the Edwards Aquifer Authority says due to the lack of rain and historic heat, the region is in a severe drought. According to a map from the Edwards Aquifer Authority, Bexar county is in the deep red, what's called exceptional drought.

The ongoing drought across much of Texas prompted Governor Greg Abbott to announce a disaster declaration for 164 counties, including Atascosa and McMullen on July 8. The declaration gives assurance to landowners that they will not be penalized for managing their agricultural lands during drought conditions. 

Several Lake Livingston Water Supply service areas are under a boil water notice Monday night. Beech Creek, Country Charm, and Crystal Lakes are in the boil water notice area.

Drought conditions have expanded in Texas for the fifth consecutive week, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Meanwhile, Austin remains trapped in a relentless series of 100-degree days without any signs of possible rain.