The Bee Cave Bee

Karen Huber, Travis County Commissioner Precinct 3, in her September 2010 column writes about local Water issues

Water is the most important resource that can bless a region.  In Travis County, this is especially true.  That is why I have made water my number one priority from the very beginning.  Over the next year, I will dedicate more columns to this topic because it is of utmost importance that everyone understands current water management, its limitations and opportunities.  My primary goals are to protect Lake Travis as a pristine water body and regional resource and to ensure that groundwater in our aquifers, like the Trinity Aquifer, are managed well for the benefit of all. 

For now, let me tell you what I have already done.

TCEQ Water Quality Standards
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) recently proposed to lower the water quality standards in Texas’ lakes and rivers in order to cut costs associated with addressing current water quality issues in our lakes and streams. They wanted to raise the acceptable levels of E. coli, a standard for controlling the safety of swimming and other contact recreation.  Thankfully, due to the coordinated action of Travis County and other stakeholders, the TCEQ rejected modifying this critical water quality standard. This means our lakes and streams will remain safer for our recreational use.
 
TCEQ Wastewater Discharge Ban
Last fall, the cities of Leander and Granite Shoals filed a petition with the TCEQ requesting the complete repeal of state rules that established the Highland Lakes wastewater discharge ban, which prevents the dumping of treated wastewater into the lakes. An LCRA scientific study has effectively demonstrated that treated effluent would contribute to an increase in algae growth in the lakes, which could affect scuba diving, fishing and could result in taste and odor problems in our drinking water.  My office and Travis County staff worked quickly to build a united, multi-county effort against the repeal of the wastewater ban.  Other partners, including the LCRA, City of Austin, other elected officials in the region, as well as Lake Travis municipalities and advocacy groups, played key roles and deserve thanks.  As a result, TCEQ overwhelmingly rejected the proposal.  
 
Groundwater Conservation District in Southwestern Travis County
The 2008 Legislature failed to adopt expansion of an existing Groundwater Conservation District (GCD) to include Southwestern Travis County where the critical groundwater situation warrants urgent action.   This area was designated as a Priority Groundwater Management Area (PGMA) in 1990 by the Legislature, meaning it already has an insufficient groundwater supply to meet current and future demand.  I have since worked with Hays and Comal Counties to obtain resolutions from them along with Travis County to urge the TCEQ to create a combined GCD that includes the PGMA parts (of the unincorporated areas) of all three counties.  Recently, the TCEQ staff recommended such a district.  There are still hurdles but this action is a positive one.
 
CAPCOG Growth & Infrastructure Study
I have long complained about the lack of appropriate tools, coordination and planning between water availability, transportation, and land-use. Therefore, as a board member of Capitol Area Council of Governments, I participated in a Growth Assessment Subcommittee that, with my urging, produced an enlightening study mapping the regional water resources and overlaying them with growth and transportation.  This study will be a valuable tool to all regional planning organizations for guiding growth to areas that can accommodate it.  
 
I have been especially fervent on the demand that developments must have an adequate water supply.  Simply put, I spend a lot of time encouraging growth where there is an adequate long-term water supply.  Currently, I am working with Travis County staff to develop stricter water availability rules that will ensure new home purchasers an adequate water supply for now and the future. 

As always, please feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it