As the Lower Colorado River Authority works on a long-range plan to ensure a reliable water supply for the future, State Sen. Glenn Hegar (R-Katy) is urging area residents to get involved in the planning process.
HEGAR
The LCRA is currently developing its Water Supply Resource Plan, which is being designed to meet the region’s growing water needs. As a part of that process, the authority will hold a “community conversation” in El Camp on Feb. 23.
The meeting will be held at the El Campo Civic Center beginning at 5:30 p.m. with an open house, followed by the public discussion starting at 6 p.m.
Hegar stressed public participation is crucial in making certain the region’s needs are fully assessed.
“With input from constituents throughout the area, we can ensure that the most efficient plan for our region is implemented. The future of our communities is at stake and we must make certain that we have the adequate resources for our residences, businesses, economic development, and most importantly, future generations,” Hegar said.
The Water Supply Resource Plan is designed to address the water needs for cities, businesses and industries in the lower Colorado River basin to the year 2100.
“No other natural resource in Texas is more coveted than our water supply. We must plan for future needs now to guarantee it is preserved for generations to come. With a well-vetted, long-range plan, this goal can become a reality,” Hegar said.
Three water supply strategies were developed for the draft Water Supply Resource Plan to demonstrate the range of water supply options, both less expensive and costly, available for the lower Colorado River basin. The best plan will likely include various options from the three strategies.
All strategies have impacts on meeting agricultural water needs downstream, lake levels, and environmental flows in the river and Matagorda Bay.
The strategies are based on historical records indicating that LCRA’s current water supply may provide adequate supplies to meet firm water demands for 50 years or more. Due to the severity of the current drought and potential future droughts, the authority continues to monitor and manage its water supplies, and will modify its estimates of available water supply if new data should support a change.
Those interested can review the draft Water Supply Resource Plan at www.lcra.org/watersupply.
By: John Pape on Tue, Feb 9, 2010
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