Luke Metzger
Executive Director, Environment Texas
Chairman Ritter should set aside more for water conservation
Media Contacts
Environment Texas
AUSTIN – In response to Chairman Allan Ritter’s announcement to transfer $2 billion from the rainy day fund to support water projects in the State Water Plan, Environment Texas’ Luke Metzger issued the following statement:
“The drought has underscored that we cannot continue with business as usual when it comes to Texas’ water future. In order to have adequate water to meet current and future needs and keep Texas’ rivers and lakes vibrant and healthy, we must do more to conserve our most precious resource.
“While we appreciate Ritter setting aside 20% of funds for water conservation and re-use projects, through the filing of HB 4 and HB 11, it’s not nearly enough to make sure our environment is protected as we develop our water resources.
“The State Water Plan estimates that 34% of future water needs will be met through conservation and re-use. It is the most cost-effective, fastest and environmentally responsible way to stretch out our supply. And we all must do our part to conserve water, including agriculture, cities, and the energy sector.
“Furthermore, the Texas Water Development Board estimates that leaks to pipes leads to the loss of enough water to supply as many as 2.7 million Texans. Repairs to leaking water mains are a cost-effective way to save a significant amount of water. Finally, we must ensure funds are set aside to purchase water rights to guarantee sufficient flows in our rivers for wildlife and recreation and to protect lands critical to protecting water quality.
“We’re calling on Chairman Ritter and other state leaders to set aside at least half of rainy day funds for water conservation, re-use, repairs of leaking pipes and protection of flows in our rivers and water quality. Damming rivers and draining aquifers is very harmful to the environment and we need to exhaust all conservation and efficiency before we spend money on those projects. We need to see a much bigger commitment to conservation and repairs before we can support this bill.”
