OUR TURN: Public support of water conservation a good sign

In spite of the grim news that came out of a water-issues meeting last week sponsored by the Burnet County Commissioners, there were a few bright spots.

Lower Colorado River Authority officials reported residents in a public survey said conservation is their first choice to preserve the waters of the Highland Lakes, rather than costly and complicated measures.

That’s a very responsible view, and certainly one that indicates education programs about the need to conserve water are working.

Conserving water voluntarily also is inexpensive, compared to some of the proposals that were floated during the workshop.

Maintaining the water supply in the Colorado River basin isn’t rocket science.

In fact, on an individual basis it doesn’t even take a lot of effort, just common sense.

Most of us know the steps already.

Turn off the taps when water isn’t being used. Install low-flow toilets. Don’t water lawns in the heat of the day or wash cars on impermeable surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt where there are no drains.

Buy or use energy-efficient household appliances that require less water. And so on.

These are just a few of the many water-saving tips that have become a habit as subsequent droughts have gripped the region over the years.

Maintaining the balance between an adequate water supply and serving the needs of a growing population doesn’t have to drain the most important resource in the region — the water supply.

The LCRA board will review the opinion surveys before adopting its proposed water supply resource plan in June.

The bad news?

According to one LCRA expert, during the next 90 years, demand for water from the Highland Lakes will triple, costs to supply it will increase and lake levels will drop due to sedimentation.

Some of the officials at the water-issues meeting suggested off-channel reservoirs and stepped-up conservation could offset any challenges.

Meanwhile, LCRA officials estimate costs could rise to $1.6 billion to supply the water needs of the Highland Lakes and other users through 2100.

Other leaders urged “multi-faceted” approaches, including LCRA surcharges on new water contracts with municipal and industrial users.

That, of course, adds a financial burden on the cities and other water customers.

In fairness,  contractors and developers of new electric or nuclear power plants might also contribute to the cost of the reservoirs. It is also likely the development of new water resources within LCRA’s jurisdiction could be helped with federal funding and other methods.

Other choices — also expensive or time-consuming — include desalination, wastewater reuse, more rainwater collection and more groundwater use.

Again, some more good news: There is enough existing water to meet the demands of the entire lower Colorado River basin during the next 50 years.

The future is what everyone is worried about.

But with the right, common-sense approach to saving water, the future shouldn’t be a problem.

The Daily Tribune editorial board includes Dan Alvey, Amber Alvey Weems, Thomas Edwards, Daniel Clifton and Chris Porter.