exTRA by the Trinity River Authority of Texas

Environmental organizations and residents living near the Pedernales River are pushing back against a proposed 1,400-acre development, citing concerns over water and wastewater permits requested for the project.

After being damaged by a tropical storm more than 15 years ago, repairs are set to begin on Old Lampasas Dam in the Spicewood Springs area Oct. 21. Located between Balcones Northwest and The Park at Spicewood Springs, the existing bridge is described as a “high hazard dam” that is in disrepair, according to information from Austin’s Capital Delivery Services Department, or CDS.

Texas climate often leaves us dry for numerous weeks at a time. The summer months can be cruel with blazing temperatures and little-to-no rain relief. The phrase “heat dome” is when high pressure traps hot temperatures over an area for an extended period of time.

San Antonio Water System (SAWS), the largest water and sewage utility in Bexar County, has put new watering restrictions in place after the Edwards Aquifer level dropped to 640 feet.

This time last year, Hutto had 64 projects on its capital improvement to-do list. Now, at the beginning of the city’s 2025 budget year, there are already 59.

The city of Belton is one of the first cities to support an effort to find new sources of water. The newly-formed Central Texas Water Alliance is seeking a long-time water supply for future generations. The plan is in its infancy but city and Bell County leaders are trying to get the wheels in motion before this upcoming legislative session.

Residents can receive up to $5,000 in rebates, depending on the water conservation service.

More than 3,000 households and 8,800 people that were affected by Hurricane Beryl are currently staying temporarily in 670 hotels, according to the agency.

As drought conditions continue, available groundwater is drying up fast.

"Here in Comal County, in the last 28 months, the groundwater table has dropped nine and a half feet. That's tremendous. Usually, we see a foot per year," says Dr. Larry Sunn, Rain harvester and founder of Rainbees.com.

The new rates will charge multifamily units at 90% of the single-family rates, with volumetric water charges based on a per-unit basis, according to a Sept. 26 news release. 

Mayor Daniels said the replacement triggered a series of problems that got progressively more complicated. Crews worked through the weekend and on Monday got water flowing through the water lines to the Florence Middle School and High School and along a section of FM 970. A boil water notice immediately took effect.

The Harker Heights City Council held a special meeting Monday, where council members voted 4-0 to support the creation of a water authority for Central Texas. The creation of a water authority has been championed by state Rep. Brad Buckley at the Texas Legislature, according to City Manager David Mitchell. In his presentation, Mitchell said an alliance of different governmental entities in the Central Texas region would help secure water, which he emphasized needed to be acted upon quickly.

Former employees say the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality gutted the unit soon after the fracking boom swept the state oil industry. The operation never returned to what it was before.

Arlington residents are advised to adjust their household budgets as the city rolls out new rates for water, wastewater, stormwater, and garbage collection services for the fiscal year 2025. Arlington Water Utilities has begun to notify its customers of these changes, which are detailed in an insert included in October bills, or sent via email for those who've opted for paperless billing. These changes became effective as of October 1, according to the City of Arlington.

Due to low pressure in the system, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required Sandy Ridge PWS 1970028 to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption.

A significant share of Texas' water is pumped up from underground; in 2020, nearly 2.94 trillion gallons. But with the state's aquifers shrinking and population growing, how is Texas law set up to handle our underground water?

Center for Coastal Futures and Adaptive Resilience aims to help front-line communities across the Gulf Coast, including the Houston area.

The combined water levels of lakes Arrowhead and Kickapoo dropped to 67 percent of capacity.  A combined level of 65 percent or lower is the point where the city would reinstitute Stage 1 Drought Watch restrictions.

The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) is on the lookout for partners to breathe new life into Lake Conroe Park, which Montgomery County had to shutter 10 months ago when the expense of its operations became unsustainable. The park, situated at the scenic spot of 14968 Texas 105 on Lake Conroe's west shores, awaits ideas to transform it into a buzzing year-round haven for locals and tourists alike.