In arid West Texas, where rain is infrequent and rivers and lakes are few, groundwater ? water from sources beneath the surface of the earth ? is key to survival. And as the oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin demands more of this resource from the surrounding area,?researchers are scrambling?to study the systems of webbed aquifers that feed households, farms, ranches and industry in the region. But for residents there?s a familiar tension over who gets to decide the fate of their water….
Conservation News
Texas Cities Partner in $225M Water Pipeline Project | NBC 5 Dallas | 11-30-17
The Alliance Regional Water Authority has obtained permits and financing is underway to start construction next year on the 95-mile pipeline to pump groundwater from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer east of Lockhart. The coalition, formed in 2007, includes Hays County’s three largest cities and the Canyon Regional Water Authority, which serves parts of Central and South Texas, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
Supreme Court won?t hear California water agencies? appeal in tribe’s groundwater case | Desert Sun | 11-27-17
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday that it will not hear an appeal by California water agencies in the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians? landmark lawsuit asserting rights to groundwater beneath the tribe’s reservation.
Local View: Nebraska has strong protections for Ogallala Aquifer | Lincoln Journal Star | 11-27-17
Nebraska?s vast groundwater supplies are stored in subsurface rock formations (i.e., the aquifers) and are being carefully managed by our local Natural Resources Districts in conjunction with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. Great credit is also due to the many farmers and producers who are using new technologies and conservation methods to help sustain those waters.
Jim Bendfeldt: Respecting Ogallala Aquifer | Omaha World-Herald | 11-24-17
Nebraska created the Natural Resources District system 45 years ago to assist with monitoring and managing water quantity and water quality. Farmers and state lawmakers alike saw there was a need to protect the ground and surface waters of our state for future generations.
TCEQ Punts on Water Rights Fight on the San Saba River | Texas Observer | 11-21-17
In the latest volley in a decade-long fight over water rights on the San Saba River in Central Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has delayed implementing a permanent solution to ensure the river flows year round.
To Save Their Water Supply, Colorado Farmers Taxed Themselves | Texas Public Radio | 11-18-17
The Western U.S. is just starting to recover after a prolonged, 16-year drought. A lack of water can force people to take a hard look at how they use it, and make big changes. That’s what happened in southern Colorado, where farmers have tried a bold experiment: They’re taxing themselves to boost conservation.
Storing water in aquifers today may prevent future water wars | Temple Daily Telegram | 11-18-17
Texas experienced its worst drought ever during the 1950s. The state lost an estimated $22 billion in 2011 dollars. In 2011, Texas suffered its worst single-year drought. Farmers lost $7.62 billion, marking the costliest dry period in state history, according to Texas A&M University. Texas is near the end of its two wettest years in recent memory, but a five- to seven-year drought is coming, state Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, warned attendees of the 17th Annual Bell County Water Symposium on Wednesday.
Oral Arguments Scheduled In Texas-New Mexico Water Dispute – KRWG.org – 11-17-17
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) ? The U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments in a lengthy battle between New Mexico and Texas over management of one of North America’s longest rivers.
Groundwater recharge in the American west under climate change – Phys Org – 11-16-17
Groundwater recharge in the Western U.S. will change as the climate warms?the dry southern regions will have less and the northern regions will have more, a University of Arizona-led research team reports. “Our study asked what will be the effect of climate change on?groundwater recharge?in the Western U.S. in the near?future, 2021-2050, and the far future, 2070-2100,” said first author Rewati Niraula. The research was part of his doctoral work in the UA Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences….