Defensa de JOH insiste que testimonio de analista de la DEA es falso y solici...
WHCRWA Fall 2011 Newsletter
1. FALL 2011
WHCRWA PLANS FOR
WHCRWA BOARD
NEXT CONVERSION MILESTONE
OF After meeting its 2010 deadline for conversion to surface water ahead of schedule,
DIRECTORS the West Harris County Regional Water Authority is deep in planning for an even
more ambitious milestone in 2020.
Bruce Parker, President Construction has slowed for the time being, but Authority engineers are still busy
Voting District 2 behind the scenes with maps and survey equipment, doing the important preliminary
work necessary for a massive cross-town construction project expected in the next
decade.
George L. Rush, Jr., V.P.
“The surface water supply we needed for our first 2010 conversion deadline was
Voting District 7
available basically on the West Authority’s boundary, on the west side of Houston,”
says engineer Wayne Ahrens of Dannenbaum Engineering Corp. “For the 2020
Stacey L. Burnett, Ass’t V.P. deadline, we have to go all the way over to the City of Houston’s northeast water
Voting District 4 purification plant, which is on Lake Houston.”
“It’s much more difficult to bring water all the way across town…but that’s what
“Cam” Postle, Secretary we have to do.”
Voting District 6 The Authority – which includes 118 municipal utility districts and the city of Katy
in West Harris County – is under Harris-Galveston Subsidence District mandate to
Eric Hansen, Asst. Sect’y convert from groundwater to surface water. Excess pumping from groundwater wells
Voting District 3 causes overlying ground layers to compact, and this subsidence leads to problems like
increased flooding and property damage.
Karla Cannon, Director The Authority has met the 2010 deadline for converting 30 percent of its ground-
Voting District 5 water usage to surface water, provided via the City of Houston system. Currently,
38 districts – in an area roughly between West Road on the north, Clay Road on the
Johnny Nelson, Director south, Brittmoore Road on the east, and Barker-Cypress on the west – are receiving
surface water from the City of Houston system, via the Authority.
Voting District 9
The next 2020 deadline raises the mandate to 70 percent. To meet that goal, the
Authority is partnering with the North Fort Bend Water Authority to build a 9-mile-
Larry Weppler, Director long, eight-foot diameter water line from Houston’s northeast water plant near Lake
Voting District 1 Houston, and a 30-mile-long, eight-foot diameter
water line crossing Harris County.
Mark G. Janneck, Director The 2020 conversion also will require 75 miles
Voting District 8 of distribution lines, expansion of Houston’s north-
east water plant, and construction of Luce Bayou to
Legal: James A. Boone, bring water from the Trinity River to Lake Houston.
Allen Boone Humphries The Authority is partnering with the North Harris
Robinson LLP County Regional Water Authority, the Central Har-
ris County Regional Water Authority, the North
Engineer: Wayne Ahrens, Fort Bend Water Authority, and the City of Hous-
Dannenbaum Engineering ton in developing Luce Bayou. The Texas Water
Development Board is also providing funding.
While construction is years away, Authority
engineers are in the process of surveying and even-
tually acquiring easements for the new cross-town
water line. Part of the route will be new; other parts Continued on page 12
The water we conserve today can serve us tomorrow.
2. The Truth About Turf and Water Use...
Lawns don’t waste water...people do!
As recently as a decade ago, how many of us would have thought
we’d need to worry if we’d have enough water to keep up our lawns and
landscape areas? This is Texas, isn’t it? Surely there’s enough water to go
around? Perhaps not in years ahead, however, if you take a close look at
the Texas Water Development Board’s State Water Plan. In fact, reading
it is enough to make you concerned - very concerned - about having
adequate water supplies for our children and grandchildren by 2050.
Forty years...seems like an eternity away, doesn’t it? It can
take at least that long to realize the benefits of long-range plans
“The bottom line when it comes to water infrastructure. Consider, for example, what
would have happened if the City of Houston’s visionary planners
is that people in the 1950’s hadn’t been as forward looking as they were to build
reservoirs and lakes. We most certainly would not be in as good a
need to know position as we are today relative to current water supplies. Thanks
to their foresight, we’re able to rely on both ground and surface
water to help meet the needs of our growing population.
more about So, back to the water problems at hand. Is it time to forfeit
dreams of the coveted Yard of the Month award? To take on the
which turfgrass homeowners association, strip the grass out of your front yard and
maybe fill in with rocks and cactus? Don’t go to those extremes just
they plant and yet. There may be a more positive alternate direction for you to
consider. Fortunately, the folks at Texas A&M University Department
of Soil and Crop Sciences have been working on this scenario for
how to care quite some time and can offer some real assistance - not only with
new turfgrass products with great survivability properties, but by
for it in the providing excellent information and education on the topic, as well.
According to Dr. David Chalmers, Texas AgriLife Extension
long-term.” professor and co-author (with Dr. James McAfee) of Turfgrass
Selection for Texas and Turfgrass Establishment for Texas, “The
bottom line is that people need to know more about which
turfgrass they plant and how to care for it in the long-term.”
Dr. Richard White, also a TAMU Professor, mentioned that
a survey of some 800 residents revealed that when it came to water
usage, 25 percent of the respondents used 50 percent of the available
drinking water. About 90 percent did not know how much water they
2
3. consumed each month...yet 85 Studies over the years
percent considered themselves have shown that the real key to
to be “efficient irrigators.” survivability in a severe drought is
That’s a pretty big disconnect; the depth of the soil. One study,
but wait, there’s more. sponsored by the Turfgrasses
Water consumption by Producers of Texas and San
the group surveyed increased by Antonio Water System, compared
as much as 400 percent during the results when planting 25
the summer months because of different varieties of turfgrasses in
lawn and landscape watering. an agricultural native soil that was
“By initiating some simple, more 16-18 inches deep to the same
efficient watering practices the 25 varieties planted in soil with 4
group could have realized a inches of topsoil. In both years
savings of 24 to 34 million gallons of the study (2006 and 2007)
of water a year!” White explained. the first group – deep soil – all
So, what are those varieties survived 60 days without
simple practices that will save water. In the second group – with
that much water, and how do rate when it is available in the soil. 4-inches of topsoil – none of the
we implement them? Much of the grasses’ persistence grass survived. Pretty convincing,
First, let’s accept the and survival if water is restricted,” huh?
assumption that lawns don’t waste he pointed out, “depends on their
water, people do. The tried and drought tolerance – or being
true recipe for growing healthy able to survive without rainfall
grass while saving water is tied or irrigation. The better able a
to selecting the right grass for the turfgrass variety is to adapt to
location, having really good soil, the realities of a Texas summer,
and understanding exactly how the better equipped it will be
to take care of it. At the heart to ultimately survive.”
of the recipe is knowing when The soil is the fundamental Chalmers says it isn’t even
and how much to water! component for growing a healthy necessary to have 16 plus inches
In Texas, more than lawn no matter which grass is of soil...that 10 to 12 will do nicely.
half the lawns are planted with selected. “It is more than just One of his concerns, however, is
St. Augustine grass, which which turfgrass the resident what happens when new homes
many believe is especially decides to put in place,” the are built and the soil is compacted
“thirsty.” That might be a professor explained, “but which by all the heavy equipment that
bad rap, says Dr. Chalmers. soil they have, how deep it is, and travels over the ground.
“All grasses use about the how appropriate it is in which to “When you pit heavy
same amount of water at the same grow their choice of grass.” construction vehicles against a
Continued on page 4
3
4. productive soil...the vehicles win about 0.09 inches per hour...
every time. It is critical to put the not very fast. Irrigation systems,
soil back the way it was. Plants on the other hand, may apply
can’t do the remediation on their water at a rate of 0.25 to 1.5
own,” says Chalmers. “They have inches per hour or more.
to have good, noncompacted So...here’s the bottom
soil in which to grow. The best line...for efficiency, the irrigation
scenario for growing grass is controller should be set to apply
having the deep soil well aerated half...and still have great looking only about 0.10 inch of water at
through the root zone. When lawns! He says that there are a time. Applying water faster
that’s the case, the grass can many variables to consider about than a soil can absorb in one
go longer between irrigations, how much to water. setting results in water moving
gradually go dor mant if no Consider this conundrum: across the soil surface, running
water is available, and persist rain gauges measure rainfall in into the gutter, and down the
longer through a drought.” inches; irrigation recommen- storm drain. Setting irrigation
Another important main- dations – in the absence of rainfall to repeat this type of cycle
tenance tip in dry times is to cut – are usually stated in inches; every few hours allows water
the grass on the “taller side” but customers are billed for to move into the soil.
of the recommended mowing water use by gallons. Irrigation Try this approach...stop
height range – no scalping. A controllers or hose and sprinklers training your grass to be a water
more generous height will help are usually set to water for a hog...and then allow enough
maintain a dense canopy, and certain number of minutes. The time to give the grass a chance
provide for optimum root growth challenge is to find the common to adjust to the new water “diet”.
and development, he said. denominator – to figure out how The results will be deeper roots
“Some people just can’t to get the irrigation system to and longer survivability - just the
stand to see their grass experience apply the correct amount of results you had in mind!
any ‘stress’ at all, and turn on the water by relating both minutes There is a wealth of
water at the first sign that the and inches of water to the gallons information about this topic on
grass starts to wilt. Here we come that will be consumed in the the TAMU website – go for a
to the most critical factor in having process. Piece of cake. visit but be prepared to explore
a healthy lawn...when do you Actually, if you know a it for hours! http://twri.tamu.
water it...and how much?” few simple facts, it isn’t all that edu/publications/txh2o/
Fortunately, this topic is difficult. First, throw out the “inch summer-2011.
right down Professor Chalmers’ of water a week” advice. That Source: Portions of this article are
alley. Let’s start with the assertion may – or may not – prove to be from txH2O Volume 6, number 3,
that most homeowners could the formula that will work for your Summer 2011, a publication of the
reduce the amount of irrigation lawn. Here’s a clue: water moves Texas Water Resources Institute,
water they apply to their lawns by into most clay soils at a rate of and are included with permission.
4
5. It has now been almost a year since years), cores of sediments of sand dunes and
we’ve had any appreciable rainfall...a few lakes, and archeological remains. This proxy
showers now and then, but not the gentle, climate data, as it is called, can also be extended
soaking relief that we so desperately need. by written historical documents such as newspaper
“Who would ever think that Texans would accounts and personal diaries and family records.
be hoping for a hurricane or tropical storm?” During medieval times, for example, it
folks are asking, shaking their heads in disbelief. appears that Texas endured several megadroughts
Seeing clouds gather in the afternoon...the in the 1100’s and 1200’s; and another struck
clouds that used to promise a shower or two... in the last half of the 16th century. Slightly earlier,
now just get our hopes up. Climatologists tell us when Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca arrived in
that this isn’t over yet – not by a long shot. Texas in the 1530’s, he
As devastating and destructive as this current encountered a population
drought is – with its relentless, blistering temperatures, of Native American
wildfires and the loss of billions of dollars in crops – farmers near the site
Texas is no stranger to this climate phenomenon. of present-day Presidio,
In fact, paleoclimatologists have found that where it had not rained
megadroughts, at least as bad as the 1950’s drought for at least two years.
of record, have occurred numerous times over He was treated as a god
the centuries – some lasting 20 to 40 years. by the Indians, and they
Paleoclimatology is the study of past climate. entreated him to “tell the
The word comes from the Greek root paleo-, or sky to rain.” There is no
ancient...and the term “climate”, meaning weather record of whether or not
Cabeza de Vaca
conditions over a period of time, usually decades. he succeeded.
Paleoclimate, therefore, is the climate that existed Droughts also occurred during Revolutionary
before scientists began collecting weather data, such War times – where tree rings reveal several extended
as temperature, precipitation, wind speeds, etc. periods of drought around the time when the Roanoke
These scientists reconstruct historical conditions, colonists (1587) disappeared, and when settlers
such as drought, from data that is preserved in were trying to establish Jamestown (1607). These
tree-rings (which can extend back 300 – 1000 droughts were extreme and lasted between three and
5
6. six years; unusual for that region of North America. Since then, several shorter and less severe
Stephen F. Austin’s early settlement was droughts occurred in the 1970’s, usually ended by
impacted by drought, as well. In 1822, the colony’s Tropical Storms. There was, however, a massive heat
initial corn crop dried in the fields from lack of water. wave in the early 1980’s that was soon accompanied
Drought struck again by a blistering drought over much of Texas.
around the time of the The late 1980’s saw a three-year drought
Civil War in the 1860’s. that was remarkable on several accounts: first, not
After the state opened new only was it the costliest in U.S. history, but it was
land for immigrant farmers also the most expensive natural disaster of any kind
in 1883, one of the worst to affect the U.S. at that time – with losses in energy,
droughts in Texas history water, ecosystems and agriculture totaling almost $40
occurred in 1884-86, billion. It was during the summer of 1988 that massive
forcing most of the settlers forest fires burned across western North American,
to abandon their new including the catastrophic Yellowstone fire.
homes, as they were unable to endure the lack of
rain. This drought also had a negative impact on the
already waning cattle drives, as the herds of longhorns
were forced to travel over increasingly dry territory
only to find traditional water holes dried up.
Historical records indicate that there has
been at least one serious drought in some part of
Texas during every decade of the twentieth century.
The most catastrophic one occurred during the first
two thirds of the 1950s in every part of the state.
It began during the spring of 1949 in the lower
valley...moved to affect the western parts of the
state by the fall...and covered virtually all of Texas In 2009, drought gradually crept across
by the summer of 1951. The drought lasted until the state, with 88 percent of Texas experiencing
a slow soaking rain abruptly ended it in the spring abnormally dry conditions and 18 percent of the
of 1956, but only after water shortages had reached state in either extreme or exceptional drought
critical stages with lakes, rivers and streams drying up conditions. While the widespread lack of rain was no
completely. Two hundred forty four of the state’s 254 laughing matter, folks still tried to maintain a sense
counties were declared federal disaster areas. of humor. Farmers were asking each other, “Heard
the one about the Texas farmer whose land was
so dry, his cow was giving powdered milk?”
In this case, a La Nina weather pattern settling
over the central Pacific Ocean was behind the drought
conditions, as it brought the likelihood of below
normal rainfall and above normal temperatures.
Water providers agree that water conservation
is the right thing to do. With the drought today,
however, water conservation may be the only thing
we can do. With that in mind, water suppliers are
asking everyone to do what they can to use water
efficiently to help stretch this precious resource.
6
7. pipes and waterlines; causing the
pipes to sag and crack. There
have been reports of hundreds of
system breaks in Houston’s clay-
At the beginning of ($750 million). like soil – as many as 700 water
S e p t e m b e r, 2 0 1 1 , m o r e Breaking Old Records... line breaks a day – that make
than 95 percent of the state Setting New Ones! it difficult to maintain pressure.
was experiencing critical or Robert Mace, Texas Water Austin is also experiencing twice
exceptional drought conditions, Development Board Groundwater the number of pipe breaks this
with our own area in the Resources Director, says we have year. Repairing broken pipes,
“exceptional drought” category. the “perfect storm” in Texas – it which must be dug up from under-
Climatologists are calling this the continues to be too hot, too dry ground, is hugely expensive –
worst drought in more than four and too windy. He points out that up to $350 per foot.
decades. Devastating wildfires it has gotten hotter in Texas, and With usage during the
have made headlines across the says we’re back up to temperatures drought hitting all-time highs,
state, while drought conditions like those experienced during water -- racing through older,
have hit agriculture and livestock the Dust Bowl and drought worn out pipes -- bursts through
especially hard, with recreation during the 1950’s. spots where the soil has fallen
and the environment suffering, Houston received approxi- away. The combination of these
too. mately 1.5 inches of rain between and other drought and high
A c c o r d i n g t o To d d February and April; that’s about temperature-related factors
Staples, Texas Agriculture what the Sahara Desert might are stressing even the best of
Commissioner, droughts are receive during the same period. systems...with little relief in sight.
“unplanned, unexpected, According to Rep. Bill Callegari, In Houston, adding insult
unwelcome natural disasters.” R-Katy, “Water supply issues are to injury is the plague of fleas and
He explains that this bigger than just the drought.” He the potentially deadly introduction
drought is destroying crops, and warns that “needed infrastructure of the West Nile Virus, brought
forcing ranchers to sell their repairs could be the Achilles Heel by mosquitoes being infected by
livestock – unless they can afford of the Texas economic miracle.” birds that carry the disease.
to buy hay from as far away as State leaders have We can each do something!
South Dakota – because the identified at least $53 billion in Residents don’t have
state’s hay crop is virtually non- investments needed to repair and to wait until official drought
existent. He says that the state has expand the state’s aging water restrictions go into effect, however,
experienced at least $5.2 billion infrastructure and $142 billion in to think about initiating their own
in losses – that’s a conservative capital costs for water treatment water conservation measures.
estimate – and the toll is still and distribution projects — just It is just common sense to use
rising. That number only covers to keep pace with an anticipated water more efficiently and avoid
livestock losses ($2+ billion), doubling in population by the wasting it down a drain. These
cotton ($1.8 billion), and lost hay year 2050. Texas hasn’t opened current conditions are a “wake up
a major new water reservoir since call,” reminding us that we take
1987 although many more are adequate supplies of precious
needed to be able to sustain the water for granted! Sadly, much of
state’s economic growth. the water “consumed” every day
One of the casualties of is wasted through well-meaning
drought is the impact on the soil but careless behavior. No one
and everything in it. The ground wakes up and says, “I think I’ll
dries out so much that the soil waste some water today!” But it
shrinks, leaving gaps around happens, nonetheless.
7 Continued on page 8
8. There are actions that you checked the settings on your spraying – strength and leave it on
can be taken to help minimize irrigation system controller? until an 8-inch screwdriver goes
the impact of prolonged periods Maintaining healthy, attractive easily into the earth to a depth of
without rain. Conservation now lawns and landscape areas 6-8 inches where the water has
could help stretch precious requires much less water than been applied. This “test” will help
resources for the months ahead. you think. In fact, you can easily you determine how long to leave
Water efficiencies are get by on one – maximum two it on and can program your timer
possible at both the residential waterings a week (if it doesn’t to do this deep watering once a
and commercial levels. End- rain and if the grass needs it). week.
users can examine how water This will help the turf grow deep Water deeply
is used in the home or facility, roots and not be as “thirsty” For trees older than 3
inventory water-using appliances during dry periods. years that are not planted alone,
or equipment, examine the habits It is also important to set use the garden hose about once
of individual water users, and the system to complete watering a week. Placing the hose midway
make any needed repairs or cycles before 4 am, which cuts between the trunk and the edge
modifications. The blueprint down on evaporation loss and of the canopy and roots, water
for creating a water budget and doesn’t interfere with weekday slowly and deeply, avoiding any
increasing water conservation morning “water rush hours,” runoff. Move the hose around
lie in these basic steps. when families need water for the tree until every quadrant has
Meanwhile, here are a starting the day. been soaked. Do this about once
few timely and specific tips about a month. Consider purchasing a
one of the most critical ways to (or making your own) Treegator,
conserve – efficient watering of which is a slow release bag of
lawns and landscapes. water that will water the tree over
According to some studies, a 5-9 hour period.
80 percent of the water used Mulch Mulch Mulch
at home during April through The more you mulch,
October is used for lawn and the better chance your colorful
garden irrigation…and up to 50 garden plants will survive
percent of that water is wasted. extended dry periods. That extra
We are so convinced that it takes Save the trees! layer can make all the difference!
a lot of water to maintain a lush, Pay special attention to Garden beds with perennials and
green lawn that we just water and shrubs and trees. This high- annuals also can use a soaker
water and water. impact greenery is the foundation hose system. Adding mulch over
of our landscape. Trees and the soaker hose and around the
shrubs need watering that reaches shrubs and tree drip line helps
the roots, where moisture is most conserve moisture even more.
effective. Your automatic sprinkler The combination of sustained
system may not provide what is periods of brutal, triple digit
needed, so consider investing in a temperatures – along with the
soaker hose and timer. This hose relentless afternoon sun – can
should be no longer than 100 really take its toll on all plants,
feet, and should wind between including those in containers.
your shrubs and trees. Hand-watering is your best bet to
Attach the timer to the help them survive.
closest outdoor faucet and Thirsty Lawns
Take Control connect the two with your garden Lawns – especially those
When was the last time hose. Turn it on to seeping – not made up of St. Augustine grass
8
9. – are big drinkers. Consider naturally “landscaped” residential
limiting grassy areas as much as areas, some with seating alcoves,
possible, by relying on smaller turf than you might encounter here.
areas to contrast with your other Gardening experts suggest
landscape components. that some people cling to their
Automatic sprinklers work lawns because they simply cannot
best here, but there’s no guarantee imagine any other option. But,
they will keep your lawn green they point out, there’s just no other
during a serious drought. Grass place on earth where folks have
naturally goes dormant in dry this much residential turf. The
conditions; conserving water for water only as long as it takes to new philosophy seems to be that
its roots. Your goal should be the get moisture down into the soil – “brown is the new green.”
same — water as infrequently but that is usually a maximum of 20 According to NASA
as deeply as possible. minutes per cycle. It will take at data, lawns have outpaced corn
least 30 minutes for the water to to become America’s largest
percolate into the soil, so allow it irrigated “crop” by area – at
to do this before adding any more about 32 million acres – based
water. Water that runs off into the on satellite and aerial imagery
street is wasted! collected by the agency over 13
Promote healthy soil metro areas. Experts suggest that
During a drought, one the lawns of the future might look
important secret to survival is much different, due, in part, to the
healthy soil, which protects and rising cost of water. Depending
During serious drought sustains the roots of your lawn. on how long the current drought
periods, it is best to scrub the If you decide to add fertilizer, use continues, the switch to less
Best Lawn Contest, and seek only the organic kind that will thirsty turf might need to occur
the rewards that come from encourage the roots and healthy sooner than anticipated.
conserving our precious water soil your lawn needs.
resources. Aim instead for land- Autos and Lawns...
scape survival over the long term. Not only have Americans had a
St. Augustine – on average long-term love affair with their
– needs ¾ to one inch of water automobiles, for the past 50
per week to stay green. Water years or so folks have also been
long enough to dampen the wedded to their lush, sculptured,
dirt to a depth of 6 inches. (Use and manicured lawns. Today,
that screwdriver again to check however, thanks to the drought
moisture penetration). Avoid and significant requirements for
“scalping” the lawn – when St. chemical supplements and lots Go Native!
Augustine is kept at about 3 of water, many homeowners Native plants, especially
inches, the grass can provide are seeking a divorce. Texas Superstars and drought-
shade for its own roots. Some are going so far tolerant greenery, are your best
Don’t water the concrete! as tearing out their front lawns, allies to minimize your landscape
Because conditions vary yard to replacing them with native plant watering needs. Plant annuals in
yard, there is no absolute rule gardens, or courtyards with ground seasonal containers, and use them
for how long to water. (See the covered, stepping-stoned seating as an attractive focal point for your
Truth About Turf article, page 2.) areas. People returning from yard. Container plants can easily
A reasonable guide for sprinkler vacations abroad often report that be sustained by hand watering or
systems or manual watering is to they were surprised to see more inexpensive drip irrigation options
9 Continued on page 10
10. available at your neighborhood immediately. Shorten your shower
nursery or do-it-yourself store. by 5 minutes and save up to 25
Here are some tips to help gallons each time you get clean!
maximize water efficiency around If you prefer a bath, consider
the house: filling the tub only half full...and
Find and fix leaks! save 10-15 gallons. Never allow
A leaking faucet can waste water to go down a drain that
can be used for something else,
such as watering plants.
Please make a commitment
to save 20 gallons of water every
day; you will be amazed at how
easy this is to accomplish!
Education, Education, Saving water...
Education one glass at a time
Whether you’re an are offering water table service
educator, student, business on request only. And with the
leader, or a member of your advent of critical education
homeowner association – please budget cuts, many campuses are
get involved in local water retrofitting with low-volume flush
conservation efforts, or start toilets or using toilet tank water
your own program. Help educate displacement devices to reduce
up to 100 gallons a day! As long others about the critical need to their total water usage.
as faucets, toilets and showers use water judiciously. Other options in the school
are leaking, saving water is Water efficiencies are possible in environment include adjusting ice
impossible. Don’t let those leaks the commercial sector, as well. machines to dispense only the
intimidate you, either – you CAN amount of ice that is actually
fix them yourself. Help is available used each day, replacing old
at your local home improvement spray nozzles with more efficient
or hardware store. varieties, and running washing
Collect information about machines with full loads. Schools
the leaky item – such as serial or can also fix toilet, faucet or locker
model number – and take a photo room shower head leaks. Timers
with you for reference if you can be set to irrigate athletic
have any doubts about make or fields during the earliest morning
model. Find a friendly plumbing hours – before the residential
department sales representative water “rush hour” – and weather-
and ask for help with your based technology can be installed
situation. They can help you find to factor in recent or predicted
the correct replacement parts, and rainfall before allowing the
can even give basic instructions system to come on at all.
on how to make the fix. If the experts are correct,
Flush and Bathe Many manufacturing companies, and drought is the “new normal”
Experts have calculated hospitals, schools and food service with no relief in sight, it is up to
that almost two thirds of home businesses have already begun each of us to do our part to lessen
water use is for toilet flushing to implement aggressive water its impact. If we treat water as a
and bathing. Don’t use toilets as efficiency programs. precious resource today, we can
waste baskets and fix any leaks More and more restaurants enjoy that resource tomorrow.
10
11. Have you considered a Rain Garden?
by Denise Miller
It’s hard to think about flooding in the midst
of a record-breaking Texas drought. But residents of
Harris County know the rains will come, and when
they do, the downpour may be torrential.
Fortunately, many local properties are
protected by the MUD drainage systems that
channel water into local retention ponds and
bayous. However, homeowners often wrestle
with specific areas that drain slowly or receive
excessive runoff from surrounding slopes or
neighboring property. Underlying clay soils, slow
water infiltration, and the resulting standing water
can provide mosquito breeding areas and kill The answers to the questions will help you
residential lawn grasses. It is possible to contour decide where to position your garden site and
your property or install drains to increase runoff, whether water needs to be channeled away from
but installing a rain garden is a green solution structures.
that may be simpler and less expensive. Plants for Rain Gardening
A rain garden acts as a biological sponge to A wide range of plants are suitable for rain
soak up excess water which is then held by soil and gardens. A garden contour with gradually sloping
water-loving plants. A properly placed rain garden sides and a deep center or end will accommodate
can reduce erosion and turn a disadvantage into a a range of plants that tolerate both wet and dry
beautiful home asset. By incorporating native plants conditions as well as those that really love wet feet.
that tolerate wet soil, a rain garden can also turn an Estimate the amount of sun the site will receive
unsightly mud hole into a beautiful Texas habitat. during different seasons, and finally, consider going
Numerous native plants are well-suited to our climate native. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial
and support beneficial insects and birds. insects will thrive in a well-planned rain garden full
Rain gardens are sometimes confused with of native Texas plants.
ponds. However, rain gardens only contain standing On the upper Gulf Coast, consider incorpor-
surface water for as little as 24-48 hours until the ating some of the following in your plan:
moisture infiltrates the soil. In contrast, ponds n Grasses: inland sea oats, bluestem, Gulf Muhly
contain standing water and require a liner, as well n Trees: pawpaw, possumhaw, southern wax myrtle.
as water aeration and circulation systems. Generally, n Wildflowers: Louisiana iris, Turk’s Cap, blue mist
ponds also require more careful management than flower,
do rain gardens. n Shrubs: American beautyberry, Flame acanthus,
Survey Your Site buttonbush
Before installing a rain garden, take time to Additional Resources
understand your yard’s drainage patterns. Some www.wildflower.org Searchable plant data base.
questions to ask include: Specify water, sun, and bloom requirements to
n Is water draining from a gentle slope and customize your plan.
accumulating near the house foundation? http://harris.agrilife.org/files/2011/05/raingardens.pdf.
n Does a low spot only become soggy during the Agrilife fact sheet includes a detailed list of
spring and fall but remain damp or dry during the recommended trees, shrubs, and grasses, and
rest of the year? wildflowers for wet areas.
n Is the water affecting a deck, foundation, or Denise Miller is a science writer and
fence line? educator who lives in Cypress, Texas.
11
12. c/o Allen Boone Humphries
Robinson LLP
Phoenix Tower
3200 Southwest Freeway,
Suite 2600
Houston, Texas 77027
Conversion Update As of 2011, the Authority was de-
Continued from page 1 livering an average of about 27 million
will follow existing easements, which gallons of surface water per day. The
may need to be widened, Ahrens said. 2020 goal is approximately 49 MGD,
In all, the Authority expects to which is 70 percent of an estimated
acquire about 1,300 new easements total demand of 70 MGD.
for the 2020 conversion, he added. So far, since its creation in 2001,
“Over the next two years, people the Authority has issued about $306
are not going to see the kind of con- million in bonds to finance construc-
struction they have been seeing for tion of facilities and purchase of ca-
the last several years,” Ahrens said. pacity. Receipts from groundwater
“We’re more into planning and getting pumpage fees and surface water sales
everything lined up before we start are paying the finance charges. Wa-
the charge for the next conversion ter districts pass these costs along to
period.” water users. cal project.”
One exception is in the Cypress Since 2001, the Authority’s Ahrens estimates it will take an-
area, where construction projects are groundwater reduction fees have in- other half to three-quarters of a billion
underway to connect three individual creased from $.10 to $1.75 per 1000 dollars to pay for the Authority’s share
developments to the Authority’s new gallons, starting January 2012. The in projects to meet the 2020 conver-
water system. Lines will be extended charge for surface water since 2005 sion deadline.
to districts serving Bridgeland, Cypress has increased from $.80 to $2.15 per “The recent drought ought to
Lakes and Town Lake – Harris County 1000 gallons, starting January 2012. make people understand the need for
MUDs 418, 433 and 500 respectively Authority board president Bruce an alternative water supply other than
– Ahrens said. Parker wants residents to be aware their wells,” Ahrens said. “Water tables
Those districts, which were each that more rate increases are on the have dropped significantly during the
facing the need for a new or additional way. summer due to heavy pumping.”
groundwater well facilities, will receive “This is a massive construction “With the growth and the kind of
a much-needed alternate source of project that we are embarking on, weather we’ve been having, there are
water. In return they will pay a share and to pay for this we have to raise districts out there that are being forced
of construction costs for the 2020 the necessary funds,” Parker said. “We to drill new wells because the water lev-
system lines that serve them. have no taxing authority, so the only els in their old wells have dropped to
“It’s a good deal for the Authority, income we have to cover our costs is the point that they are not producing.”
because the developers pay for a por- from pumpage fees and water sales.” Parker agrees that all rate pay-
tion of the cost and it’s a good deal for Parker said the Authority will do its ers – regardless of the source of their
the developers because they are not best to limit the impact on rate payers. water – should practice conservation.
putting in wells that, in a couple of “We’re going to try to keep the steps “We’re in a drought and we need
years, they are not going to be using.” small as we incrementally increase our to do everything possible to eliminate
There is no doubt that building a rates,” he said. “But, unfortunately, water wastage,” Parker said. “Water
new water system is expensive, Au- these fees MUST keep rising in order is a precious commodity that we need
thority officials say. to pay for the next phase of this criti- to use more efficiently.”