『Episode 09 Water fall from Devastation to Disappointment』のカバーアート

Episode 09 Water fall from Devastation to Disappointment

Episode 09 Water fall from Devastation to Disappointment

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 This past month has been a difficult one for Central Texas, especially for those in Travis and Kerr Counties. As residents grieve and begin to rebuild after devastating floods, a different kind of storm is brewing: the ongoing conflict over water rights. While our community comes together to help one another, the political and corporate battles for Texas's most precious resource continue behind the scenes.The Great Texas Water Grab: Who's Behind the Curtain?As the Texas population explodes, so does the demand for water. People in San Antonio don't want Austin taking their water, and Austin residents get nervous when they see growth in Round Rock that depends on Lake Travis. But a recent story out of East Texas highlights a new chapter in these water wars.Two companies, Pine Bliss and Redtown Ranch (LLCs whose ownership is opaque), are seeking to install 40 high-capacity wells across Anderson, Henderson, and Houston counties. Their request? To withdraw an astonishing 15-16 billion gallons of water per year from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. This is a staggering amount that raises concerns about the sustainability of our groundwater, especially when taxpayers are burdened with the cost of refilling aquifers through methods like Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR).This alarming situation is further complicated by a potential conflict of interest. Individuals involved in managing the local Groundwater Conservation District (GCD) are reportedly the same people who are benefiting from these large-scale water licenses. It's a painful reality that brings to mind the documentary "Kern Water Bank," which exposed backroom deals that essentially privatized California's underground water. While East Texas residents have come together to protest this, the battle is far from over.LNRA Dam Project and the Fight for the RiversThe corporate push for water isn't limited to groundwater. The Lavaca-Navidad River Authority (LNRA) is planning a major dam project on the Lavaca River. This dam would divert an estimated 30 billion gallons of water per year, an undertaking with significant environmental consequences. Dam construction is notoriously complex, with concerns ranging from the destruction of river ecology to the death of fish populations that rely on natural upstream migration. While there are engineering solutions like fish ladders, agencies often have to cut corners to stay on budget and timeline. The LNRA project is facing public scrutiny, particularly as it may not require a federal environmental impact analysis, potentially fast-tracking a project that could permanently alter the river's ecosystem.Flooding and Fees: Disaster as a Tax Opportunity?As if a natural disaster wasn't enough, some counties are leveraging their disaster declaration powers to raise taxes. In both Kerr and Travis counties, officials are considering tax increases of up to 22%, a significant jump from the typical 5-10% limit. While these funds are meant for emergency services and infrastructure repairs, the timing feels like a betrayal to many. People who have lost homes and jobs are now facing a heavier financial burden.This happens while community members and local companies like H-E-B are donating millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours to the recovery effort. The contradiction is clear: Why is the burden being placed on the community's most vulnerable when non-profits are receiving millions, and corporations are being granted massive water rights? This is a moment where leaders should be offering tax relief, not tax increases.The Future of Water Management: A Political, Not Technical, ProblemThese issues point to a larger problem in how Texas manages its water. It's not a lack of engineering solutions; we have the technology to build fish ladders on dams and monitor river levels. The problem is one of political will and leadership.The current system is a complex web of agencies—Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs), Groundwater Management Areas (GMAs), the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)—all with overlapping responsibilities. It is a system that allows for conflict of interest and backroom deals. The recent floods and ongoing water debates demand a new approach. We must move beyond "me versus them" and focus on our shared responsibility to protect and manage our water resources for the long term. This means supporting leaders who prioritize resilient infrastructure, fair resource distribution, and proactive conservation over short-sighted gains.What are your thoughts on this? Should corporations be allowed to take such large amounts of water? Is it right for counties to raise taxes on residents after a disaster? Share your opinions in the comments below. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waterlobby.substack.com
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