Texas Water Development Board adds new module on water demands to interactive 2012 State Water Plan website

For immediate release. Contact: Media Relations at 512-463-5129

AUSTIN – (May 7, 2014) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has released an updated version of the interactive website based on the 2012 State Water Plan. The website, http://texasstatewaterplan.org, allows Texans to easily access information about water demands and needs (also referred to as shortages or deficits) in multiple planning decades at the community, state, region, county and entity level.

"TWDB received an excellent response to the initial rollout of the new website," said TWDB Chairman Carlos Rubinstein. "We think Texans will continue to find the website to be a useful planning and educational tool, especially with this additional module."

The latest module release includes data on water demand projections–the total amount of water that users will require (in each planning decade) to maintain business as usual through the drought.

"Water demand projections are a key part of the state water plan," said TWDB Board member Bech Bruun. "We are pleased that the new update will allow individuals interested in the water planning process to access this important data."

The updated website includes an additional map layer and greatly improved functionality that allows users to easily switch between types of planning data while viewing each geographic area of interest.

"The continued progression of the website is an example of TWDB's commitment to providing Texans with resources to help understand the long-term water needs for the state. The more resources TWDB can make available to the public, the better the awareness Texans will have about the importance of water planning," said TWDB Board member Kathleen Jackson.

Future data modules slated to be added to the website will present detailed information on water management strategies and existing water supplies.

The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional planning, and preparing the state water plan for the development of the state's water resources. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects.