Conservation Featured Story
Water Conservation Plan Annual Report - Due May 1st
Any entity required to have a water conservation plan on file with the state is required to submit an annual report on the implementation of their plan by May 1st of each year. Letters regarding this submittal went out the first of March. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is requesting that the annual report form be completed and submitted electronically. It is also recommending that you save the form to your computer or network drive before you begin filling it out and periodically save the form so that you will not lose data you have already entered.
The annual report form is designed to provide information in a concise and consistent format. Questions should be filled out as completely and objectively as possible. Many of the items are calculated for you as you begin to enter your base data. As the report form is completed, please review your water conservation plan and your last report to see if you are making progress toward meeting your stated goals for both water use and water loss in gallons per capita per day. When you have finished entering your data, again save the form to your computer, print a copy for your records, and then click the submit button to send the form electronically by email to TWDB.
To access the report form, please use this link: http://www.twdb.texas.gov/conservation/municipal/plans/ARs.asp. Select the proper form for either a water supplier or non water supplier. Please note that the annual report form has been modified slightly since last year. Be sure to use one of the forms found at the above link. If you are unable to complete this form electronically or have other questions about the report, please contact TWDB’s Municipal Water Conservation Section by sending an email to wcpteam@twdb.texas.gov.
Data from the reporting years 2009 and 2010 have shown that most entities seem to be on track to meet their 5-year goals. At the same time some entities have reported residential gallons per capita (gpcd) higher than their total gpcd. A few entities have also reported to have sold and lost more water than they have produced. It is important that you review your report prior to submitting, not only for any possible corrections, but to track your own progress in implementing your water conservation plan.
Major Rivers Education Program - Now Taking Annual Orders December 2011
It is time for Major Rivers and his trusty horse, Aquifer, to begin their ride across the state. TWDB is now taking orders with a deadline of March 1st. The program order form, introductory video, and updated learning standards are all available on the Major Rivers web page
In order to lower the cost of production, TWDB offers the Major Rivers program on an annual basis. By aggregating orders from across the state, TWDB is able to share economies of scale in the printing of the full color, engaging student workbooks and home leaflets. This year, based on feedback from sponsors and teachers, we are changing the product line format. To create a more cost-effective means of dissemination, TWDB will offer two products: an Educational Package and a Replacement Package. The program content is the same as the 2011 version.
For additional information about the Major Rivers program, please contact Linda Ruiz McCall at 512 463-5836 or Linda.McCall@twdb.texas.gov or email Conservation Education at consedu@twdb.texas.gov.
Irrigation Metering Report September 2011
The TWDB voluntary irrigation metering program is administered by the agricultural water conservation team. Participating entities include groundwater conservation districts and river authorities. Metering equipment is funded through the TWDB agricultural water conservation grants. Irrigation water use data collected by this equipment is reported to TWDB by the participating entities.
In Report 378, the irrigation metering data is compared to our annual irrigation water use estimates for the years 1999-2007. Many thanks are due to all of those participating in the program, and to those who helped in making this report a reality.