Drought
From: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Sent: Friday, April 05, 2013 3:58 PM
TCEQ warns of possible curtailment of water rights
Actions may need to be taken because of drought
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 5, 2013
Contact: Andrea Morrow
Phone: 512-239-5011 Pager: 512-896-3727
Despite recent rains, drought conditions remain widespread across the state. As a result, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality informed water rights holders today that the agency may need to administer water rights on a priority basis, as long as drought conditions persist.
The TCEQ is responsible for protecting water rights and ensuring that water is only diverted according to permitted levels. Diversions are managed more closely in times of drought, to avoid shortages, based on the priority date of each water right—earliest first. If restrictions become necessary, junior water rights, or those rights issued most recently, are suspended or adjusted before the senior water rights in the area.
Texas water law provides that riparian landowners, those that own land adjacent to a river or stream, have a right, superior to appropriated water rights, to take water from the river or stream for domestic and livestock purposes.
The executive director and his staff closely monitor drought conditions throughout the state and takes action when necessary to control diversions.
We encourage public water systems to implement their drought contingency plans. These plans manage water usage, reduce peak demand and extend water supplies.
Water is a precious resource, and the TCEQ encourages all Texans to conserve, especially in times of drought.
More information:
Drought information http://www.tceq.texas.gov/response/drought
Conservation information http://www.tceq.texas.gov/response/drought/conservation.html