By Julie TomascikEditorFarmers and ranchers told U.S. Sen. John Cornyn that Congress must act now on the water crisis in the Rio Grande Valley before the situation becomes even more dire.Cornyn and U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), the Senate Agriculture Committee’s ranking member, hosted a roundtable discussion with agricultural stakeholders in the Valley on Aug.
Source: Congress needs to act now on farm bill, water crisis with Mexico – Texas Farm Bureau
The water shortage impacting Kyle, Texas, comes as climate change has prompted higher temperatures and longer droughts, as well as steps to boost water supply and conservation.
Source: Water shortage strains booming Texas town | Fox Business
The 2024 Texas Water Capital Needs Survey was conducted jointly by the Texas Water Infrastructure Network and Collaborative Water Resolution (aka, Water Opinions), with 246 water utilities surveyed.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – During the annual summit held by the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts in August, policy professionals, lawyers, lawmakers and water experts highlighted a dire need for massive action in the coming legislative session to support the state’s rising water needs amid its fast-depleting supply.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Voters went to the polls last November and overwhelmingly supported creation of the Texas Water Fund, a pot of money totaling $1 billion meant for water infrastructure improvements across the state.
Source: Shortlist for where the Texas Water Fund’s $1 billion could go first (KXAN)
DALLAS — It may be hard to believe, but the state of Texas has never had a statewide flood plan… until now. The Texas Water Development Board just approved the 2024 State Flood Plan, which shows where the problems are and offers solutions to mitigate the impact of flooding.
FORT STOCKTON, Texas (KOSA) – Located 99 miles from Midland, Belding Farms, a 60-year-old pecan orchard in Fort Stockton, is making significant strides to safeguard its groundwater supply. The farm recently petitioned the local groundwater district to create a mitigation fund. This mitigation fund would be used to help offset potential negative impacts on water wells as a result of declining aquifer levels which are driven by increasing water exports.
Source: Belding Farms fights to protect aquifer amid growing water export concerns (KOSA CBS7)
Indoor crop production saves water and reduces supply-chain risks, but its carbon footprint and expense still make it a gamble for start-ups.
Source: Is Vertical Farming the Future of Texas Agriculture? – Texas Monthly
New Braunfels Utilities held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday to celebrate the acquisition of a new city water source. NBU recently acquired 8,000 acre-feet of water from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, a major aquifer serving many parts of Texas. NBU has been working in collaboration with the Alliance Regional Water Authority (ARWA) and the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA) to purchase and access this water since 2018.