EPA announces the expected availability of $21.7 million in grant funding to support rural and small water systems

Posted by Ryan Ament | Nov 2, 2021 | Legislature and Regulation, News, Water Planning, Water Quality, Water Resources

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it expects to issue by October 15th a $21.7 million grant funding opportunity for technical assistance and training providers to support small drinking water and wastewater systems that are often...

Two distinctive Hill Country wineries show why Texas Wine Month is well worth celebrating

Posted by Ryan Ament | Nov 2, 2021 | Community, Hill Country Tourism, Land Conservation and Stewardship, Local, Sustainable Agriculture, News

With more than 500 wineries driving an economy valued at $13 billion, it’s clear Texas wine has long passed the all-hat-and-no-cattle phase. That there’s red, white and rosé gold in them there hills is further underscored by other statistical rankings that put the...

If you think the Texas electrical grid is fragile, take a look at our water infrastructure

Posted by Ryan Ament | Nov 2, 2021 | Legislature and Regulation, News, Water Conservation, Water Planning, Water Quality, Water Resources

In August, during the second special session of the 87th Texas Legislature, the Texas Capitol flooded. After the water stopped cascading down the pink granite walls inside the Capitol extension, the Legislature resumed its deliberations. The August flood was preceded...

Already, 18 weather disasters costing at least $1 billion each have hit the U.S. this year

Posted by Ryan Ament | Nov 2, 2021 | Drought, Legislature and Regulation, News, Water Conservation, Water Planning, Water Quality, Water Resources

This year is on pace to be one of the most active and costliest years for disasters in the United States. Through the first nine months of 2021, the U.S. has endured 18 separate weather and climate disasters that have cost at least $1 billion, according to the latest...

Climate change is making Texas hotter, threatening public health, water supply and the state’s infrastructure

Posted by Ryan Ament | Nov 2, 2021 | Drought, Land Conservation and Stewardship, Native Landscapes, News, Water Catchment Areas (Watershed), Water Planning, Water Quality, Water Resources

Climate change has made the Texas heat worse, with less relief as nighttime temperatures warm, a report from the state’s climatologist published Thursday found. Climate data also show that the state is experiencing extreme rainfall — especially in eastern Texas —...