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The Water Lobby

The Water Lobby

著者： Sanjay Negi and Eduardo Perez
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 Water Lobby is co-hosted by Sanjay Negi, a water resources engineer with extensive experience in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and Eduardo who specializes in urban water management and flood mitigation. Together, they bring a dynamic blend of technical expertise, industry insights, and a shared passion for innovative, sustainable water solutions. Sanjay’s background in storm drainage design and resiliency strategies complements Eduardo’s on-the-ground perspective on municipal water challenges, making Water Lobby the perfect platform to explore the cutting-edge ideas shaping the future of water resources.

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  • Episode 09 Water fall from Devastation to Disappointment

    Episode 09 Water fall from Devastation to Disappointment
    2025/08/10
    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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    1 時間 17 分
  • Flood Risk, Responsibility, and Resilience in Texas

    Flood Risk, Responsibility, and Resilience in Texas
    2025/07/13
    Hello, Water Lobby listeners! In this information-heavy Episode 8, Eduardo and Sanjay dive deep into critical conversations surrounding floodplain management, emergency preparedness, and the recent Kerr County flooding event. With July 13th marking a somber reminder of past tragedies, this episode tackles the complex interplay of natural phenomena, engineering decisions, and community response.The Kerr County Tragedy: A Call for Accountability in Floodplain Delineation 🗺️The recent journalistic uncovering of buildings removed from the Cypress Creek floodplain in Kerr County, Texas, a decade ago (around 2011-2013), has ignited a crucial discussion about responsibility and communication of flood risk. Sanjay, a professional in floodplain services, highlights how such events often lead to "finger-pointing" among state, local, and national agencies.He emphasizes that while it's challenging to keep up with all risks, the science behind predicting major weather events like El Niño years is well-established. These cycles, occurring every two to seven years, lead to heavy rainfall and amplified hurricanes. As Sanjay notes, "You cannot just say that, hey, we didn't know that it was coming. I think that's not an acceptable answer."The discussion zeroes in on the Camp Mystic site, located on a meandering river, and the complexities of FEMA flood studies. These studies often don't fully account for dynamic river behavior, dam storage changes due to sediment buildup, or the meandering nature of rivers over time. City programs like Austin's "erosion zone" initiative are attempting to address these nuances by requiring engineers to analyze river meandering for development.Eduardo and Sanjay both stress the importance of engineers stepping up and taking accountability. As Sanjay puts it, "This is one of the times where us as engineers, we have to come step up and take accountability." He recalls the origin of the professional engineering license in Texas, born from a school fire tragedy, underscoring the profound responsibility engineers hold in ensuring public safety.Water as a Resource: Drought Recovery and Rising Rates 💧Amidst the discussion of flood tragedies, Eduardo shifts the conversation to the brighter side: water as a vital resource. Following significant rainfall, Texas lakes have seen a notable increase in water levels. Dr. Mace's data, shared by Sanjay, indicates:* Lake Buchanan: 85.5% full and rising.* Lake Travis: 70% full.* Canyon Lake: 64% full.* Medina Lake: More than doubled its storage, now at 5.2% full (compared to 2.3% a month ago).While this provides a much-needed recovery from the severe drought Central Texas has experienced, the conversation quickly turns to the perplexing issue of rising water rates. Private water companies like County Line Water and Aqua Texas have reportedly doubled their rates, with some customers seeing bills of $600 for a single month's water usage.This drastic increase raises questions about the transparency and regulation of the water industry. Sanjay expresses his suspicion, arguing that doubling rates within a year "shouldn't be allowed." This leads to a deeper philosophical discussion about water as a basic human right versus a commodity, and the potential for "non-profit industrial complex" to absorb disaster funding.Community Resilience and the Power of Local Leadership 💪Despite the challenges, the spirit of Texas communities shines through. Sanjay highlights the heartwarming and rapid community response to the Kerr County flooding, with local businesses and individuals rallying to provide support. He praises initiatives like P. Terry's Burger Stand raising millions for flood relief and HEB deploying disaster relief trucks within hours of the event.The conversation ultimately underscores the importance of local engagement. Eduardo and Sanjay encourage listeners to prioritize involvement in local mayoral races and connect with their city council members. As Eduardo aptly states, "People love the president role... but they live in New York. They have their own family problems over there. They don't even have drainage systems like we do over here. They don't know how flooding works. It's New York. We're in Texas. We're better."They extend an open invitation to those in positions of power – judges, council members, and decision-makers in water management – to join the Water Lobby podcast and foster crucial dialogue. The episode concludes with a fascinating anecdote about the superior drainage infrastructure in Bogota, Colombia, and the idea of a "water blog" to document and share insights on global water management solutions.What are your thoughts on flood risk, accountability, and the rising cost of water? Share your 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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    1 時間 21 分
  • Episode 07: Is AI the Answer to Water Problems

    Episode 07: Is AI the Answer to Water Problems
    2025/06/22
    Welcome to the seventh episode of the Water Lobby podcast. This week, we're tackling the big money flowing into Texas water infrastructure, the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence, and what it all means for your monthly water bill.A Drop in the Bucket: The Texas Water Fund's $2.5 Billion RenewalThe Texas Water Fund has been renewed, growing from an initial $1 billion to $2.5 billion for this year, with an additional $1 billion slated for each following year. This funding, sourced from sales tax, is a significant investment, with a 50/50 split between developing new water sources and repairing existing, aging infrastructure.But as we discussed, is this enough? The state identified an $80 billion need for water infrastructure projects. While $2.5 billion is a start, it feels like a drop in the bucket.A critical point of contention is the funding mechanism itself: sales tax. Is this the most equitable and sustainable way to fund long-term infrastructure needs? As our infrastructure continues to age, the financial burden will shift from new construction to ongoing operations and maintenance.This is where the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) steps in, acting as the construction manager for these funds. They'll be reviewing applications from cities across the state, determining project scopes, and allocating resources. However, the planning cycles for water and flood management have historically missed crucial factors like the skyrocketing water demands of data centers and the recent population boom in Texas, not to mention the unforeseen impact of the AI revolution.The Human Element in a World of Contracts and Scope CreepIn our experience with construction and design, project budgets are often plagued by "scope creep." You begin with a defined scope of services, but unforeseen issues inevitably arise. You start an excavation and discover that the ground itself needs repair. This is where the rigidity of contracts can clash with the reality of the work.Strong project management is essential to navigate these challenges. We need a system that allows for a phased approach, allocating funds to projects and rewarding those that demonstrate success. It’s not just about the money; it's about building trust and fostering strong relationships between contractors and owners to navigate the unexpected.This raises a crucial question: Do our listeners know how to get involved and track how these funds are being used in their own cities? The journey of a water project, from legislative funding to water flowing from your tap, is a long and complex one, often spanning 10 to 20 years.Can AI Save Us from Our Aging Infrastructure?While the Texas Water Fund may not be the silver bullet, we're optimistic about the role of human ingenuity and technology, particularly artificial intelligence.Historically, solving a minor problem in a water system required bringing in a subject matter expert. Today, AI-powered chatbots can provide instant access to a vast repository of knowledge. A city manager or a water superintendent can now ask complex questions and receive immediate, actionable strategies. This democratization of information could be a game-changer, especially for smaller communities.Consider a small city with a population of a few hundred and a staff of just four people. The intricate process of applying for and managing grants from the Texas Water Fund might be overwhelming. For these communities, the ability to leverage AI to make faster, more informed decisions could be transformative. It levels the playing field, giving them access to the same analytical power as a metropolis with a multi-billion dollar budget.We're already seeing large cities procuring AI-based software for tasks like email writing. While some of these expenditures may seem wasteful, especially when powerful AI tools are available for free, it highlights the broader trend of integrating AI into governance.This leads to a fascinating and perhaps controversial idea: could a city have its own legal AI? A company called Crosby Legal is already exploring this, offering AI-driven legal services with a "human in the loop" to ensure oversight. Imagine a future where AI agents, representing cities and corporations, can negotiate and execute contracts, streamlining a process that is often fraught with delays and disputes.The Double-Edged Sword of Technological AdvancementOf course, the rise of AI is not without its challenges. There are valid concerns about over-reliance on technology and the potential for dehumanization. As a designer, the idea of using AI to manage a large volume of clients feels impersonal. The most meaningful professional relationships are built on genuine, human connection.However, the potential for AI to enhance productivity in the construction industry is undeniable. We could soon see major infrastructure projects, like the I-35 expansion, completed on budget and on schedule—a prospect that currently seems almost ...
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    56 分
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