Past Contributions

• UT Chemists Develop New Desalination Method

  By Carol Flake July 2, 2013

  Chemists at the University of Texas at Austin have helped develop a new energy-efficient method for desalinating seawater that they hope can be applied on a larger scale. Full Story 

• Study: Alternative Cattle Watering Facilities Could Reduce Contamination

  By Carol Flake July 2, 2013

  A new report from Texas A&M University researchers, published in the Texas Water Journal, has found that providing cattle with "alternative off-stream watering facilities" could prove helpful in reducing contamination of surface waters. Full Story 

• Fracking Boom Straining Some of Driest Areas in U.S.

  By Carol Flake June 18, 2013

  The proliferation of fracking is driving up water prices and depleting aquifers in parts of the country that are still reeling from severe drought. Full Story 

• Study: Nation's Aquifers Being Rapidly Depleted

  By Carol Flake June 18, 2013

  A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey has found that the country's aquifers are being drawn down at an "accelerating rate." Full Story 

• Graphic: Rivers in the Lower 48

  By Carol Flake June 18, 2013

  A Google engineer has created a vector-based map of all American rivers in the contiguous 48 states. Full Story 

• Legal Wars Erupting Over Water Rights

  By Carol Flake June 18, 2013

  Texas isn't the only state facing legal fights with others over water rights. NPR looks at what's behind the wars and how they're resolved. Full Story 

• New EPA Rules Would Limit Pollutants From Power Plants

  By Carol Flake June 18, 2013

  The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new rules that would limit the amount of certain pollutants that can be dumped by power plants into the nation's lakes, rivers and streams. Full Story 

• TCEQ Says LCRA's Water Plan Should Take Drought Into Account

  By Carol Flake June 4, 2013

  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has notified the Lower Colorado River Authority that it plans to study the LCRA's water plan before advancing it for a vote. Full Story 

• Study: Desalination and Water Transfer Use More Energy

  By Carol Flake June 4, 2013

  According to a new study, the use of desalination of seawater or brackish water, combined with long-haul transfer, would be a considerably more energy-intensive solution for supplying drinking water than conventional treatment. Full Story 

• This Session, Legislators Went Easy on LCRA

  By Carol Flake June 4, 2013

  The Lower Colorado River Authority came out of the legislative session a winner after legislators failed to pass a measure that would have limited its water-planning flexibility, writes Asher Price of the Austin American-Statesman. Full Story