The more water headed for Phantom that gets diverted, the more our watershed becomes disturbed and destroyed, the less runoff our reservoir receives, and the more our water shortage intensifies. What appears to be the city's thriving, bustling growth trend, therefore, is actually self-destructive, placing Abilene's quality of life and potential for economic development at risk. Landowners outside the city limits dig tanks that fill with water that would otherwise flow to Phantom. When new tracts to the south are developed inside the city limits, developers are required to construct retention ponds to prevent flooding. Some water thus held back finally makes its way to the lake, but much evaporates and soaks into the soil.
Some ponds become practically permanent features of the landscape.
To protect our water supply, city planners ought to be encouraged to focus Abilene's development goals toward the west, north and east to prevent further interference with the only watershed we have. In addition, city and county governments can join to declare war on the mesquites and salt cedars that proliferate throughout our watershed. Abilene's watershed is home to thousands of them, and they multiply seemingly without effort. Trees help prevent soil erosion, but the main function of these mesquites and cedars is to suck up Abilene's water before we have a chance to use it. If successful, this brush-control project could be a blueprint for Abilene and Taylor County to follow.