exTRA by the Trinity River Authority of Texas

The Trinity River in North Texas has transformed from a heavily polluted waterway to a healthier river over the past century. Efforts from the community and environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act of 1972, have significantly improved its water quality.

Bellaire officials are faced with increased costs to the wastewater treatment plant, a project that would either rehabilitate the current plant, rebuild a new one, or decommission the plant and connect to Houston’s wastewater system, according to an April 21 City Council meeting.

UT Arlington research finds wastewater treatment plants are still not effectively removing dangerous microplastics

After a deal to pipe water from Lake O’ the Pines to North Texas came to light, residents voiced opposition everywhere they could to block it.

The City of Fredericksburg does a good job of keeping its water loss rate low, officials were told at the Tuesday council meeting. But the water issue flowed downhill from there. The city and Hill Country Underground Water Conservation District (HCUWCD) gave a joint presentation at the recent city council meeting about the future of the Gillespie County water supply, groundwater aquifer monitoring, water conservation measures and area rainfall. And the forecast was bleak.

The city was awarded more than $87 million in federal funds following 2015 flooding, according to a spokesperson for Houston Housing and Community Development. HCD Deputy Director Derek Sellers told ABC13 that much of the money was spent to buy out 38 homes located in floodplains in a partnership with the Harris County Flood Control District.

The climate pattern had been anticipated for months but didn’t fully emerge until late December, and even then, it arrived at minimal strength and faded quickly. As of mid-April, more than 80% of Texas is already abnormally dry or in drought. 

The Texas Water Development Board has approved $2.14 million in financial assistance for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority to expand the Sunfield Water Reclamation Facility.

Rescuers pulled ten college students from Lake Ray Roberts this past weekend. All survived, but that close call serves as a reminder of the need to focus on water safety.

A renowned Kentucky angler, who already caught dozens of world-record fish, is up to it again. Art Weston’s latest catch — one that is going in the record books — was the most challenging of his life, he said in an April 9 Facebook post. Weston, from Union, Kentucky, achieved his latest feat while fishing in Lake Livingston in Texas with his trusty guide, Kirk Kirkland.

Replacing the existing dam structure, which was built in 1953, is a long-term project that will be needed to meet the needs of the Greater Houston area. Now 75 years old, the dam currently consists of a spillway structure with four small gates that are made to release water at a rate of 10,000 cubic feet per second, or cfs.

The reservoir is a key source for area utilities, so more water is flowing out than is coming in. Only a lot of rain can fix the situation, officials say.

Laredo has long sought a secondary water supply to supplement the Rio Grande. A development in Webb County could provide a solution — but one with a hefty price tag.

At least 2,400 linear feet of cast iron water line pipes—a length that spans more than six football fields—will be updated to PVC pipes.

As the primary source of drinking water for the city, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said the Edwards Aquifer is the keystone to San Antonio’s prosperity.

The city of Fair Oaks Ranch is in the process of constructing an elevated water storage tank, which will help provide adequate pressure throughout the city. On April 3, City Council approved a resolution for the city manager to enter an agreement for the purchase of land from the city of Boerne, in the amount of $543,628.

With the court’s approval of the permit, the city can expand its wastewater facilities by increasing the amount of treated wastewater, building more treatment facilities in the future and expanding reuse initiatives.

The city of Mathis is one step closer to drilling a new water well that will help them not rely on water from Lake Corpus Christi.

City leaders in Dripping Springs say they can move forward with a wastewater expansion project. It comes after a ruling from the Texas Supreme Court.

On Monday, several mayors and other officials testified for the Texas Senate’s committee on water, agriculture and rural affairs. Last week, they appeared before the Texas House committee on natural resources. Sen. Tan Parker and District 64 Rep. Andy Hopper introduced companion bills for the water district in February.