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5-21-2009
Water Conservation Day at the Texas Capitol
On Thursday, May 21, 2009, the Texas Water Foundation
hosted a special Water Conservation Day at the
Capitol for Legislators and Staff, as well as many
invited guests from around the State of Texas.
The event was held to emphasize the importance of
water conservation and the critical role it will play in
the future of Texas water supply. In the absence of
state funding, local utilities and cities have stepped
up to pay for water conservation education and outreach
in their areas. These regional programs have helped, but
they do not reach water users statewide. Public funding,
supporting a comprehensive water conservation message,
will be required to create an informed public that can
positively impact the State’s water future.
At the event, lawmakers had the opportunity to walk
through an interactive exhibition, showcasing how
successful conservation programs have been implemented
across the state and are critical to extending Texas’
water supply.
The participants included: Cities of Austin, Dallas,
San Antonio, Fort Worth and Plano; the North and West
Harris County Regional Water Authorities; North Fort
Bend Water Authority; the Lower Colorado River
Authority; the Texas Water Development Board; the
Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District; the High
Plains Groundwater Conservation District; Tarrant
Regional Water Authority; and the Water IQ partners from
around the State. The exhibits were set up from 10-3 and
lunch was served to over 200 people during the noon
hour.
Senator Kip Averitt, Chairman of Senate Natural
Resources and Rep. Allan Ritter, Chairman of House
Natural Resources laid out Resolutions on both the House
and Senate Floors that morning recognizing “Water
Conservation” and introducing special guests, including
Texas Water Foundation Board members, in the Gallery and
invited everyone to come by the event and see what was
happening in their Districts.
Here are a couple quotes from John Howard and Senator
Kip Averitt:
“Water conservation strategies are critical tools in
addressing the water needs of future generations of
Texas and I applaud the efforts of our water
conservation leaders and the important work we are doing
today,” said Senator Averitt.
“The first annual Texas Water Conservation Day gives
Texans an opportunity to learn about how important our
water supply and its wise use are,” said John Howard,
Chair of the Texas Water Foundation. “And, we are very
appreciative to Chairmen Averitt and Ritter, the
Legislature, and the participating water entities for
their leadership in water conservation practices and
education.”
The Texas Water Foundation especially appreciates our
Sponsors for this event:
Harris Galveston Subsidence District
Fort Bend Subsidence District
North Harris County Regional Water Authority
Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District
Rainwater Filters of Texas
Resource Action Programs
San Jacinto River Authority
San Antonio Water Systems
Water Lily Press, Inc.
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