And pressures from population growth and commerce only make matters worse. In December, the Hays County Commissioners' Court approved the Northridge subdivision, despite area homeowners' objections that it might compromise the water supply. And San Marcos is actively courting Advanced Micro Devices as the company considers a new manufacturing facility. Estimated water consumption for the computer chip plant could equal half the city's present water usage. While the economic opportunities of these projects are tremendous, the environmental costs may be too high.
Water availability is both a historical and ever-present concern in Texas.
Instead of trying to fight nature, maybe we need to adjust and set some realistic limits. This is the place for talking back. Let us know what water conservation techniques you favor. In the Dec. 19 edition, we asked if your kids were getting the education they needed and how classroom experiences can improve. The resulting comments were rather one-sided, with most folks feeling that the education system is failing the majority of our kids.