TWDB releases updated and final version of Interactive 2012 State Water Plan website
For immediate release. Contact: Media Relations at 512-463-5129
AUSTIN – (January 26, 2015) – Today, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) released an updated and final version of the Interactive 2012 State Water Plan website. The website, http://texasstatewaterplan.org, was first launched in 2014 and included tools that highlighted water demands and water needs (potential shortages) based on the 2012 State Water Plan. The website was designed to allow Texans to easily access water planning data at the community, state, regional, county and entity level over the 50-year planning period.
“TWDB is pleased to release the final phase of the Interactive State Water Plan website,” said TWDB Chairman Carlos Rubinstein. “Texans can now drill down to see demands, existing supplies, potential shortages, and local water management strategies to meet future needs. Tools like this website are critical in educating the public on the water shortages Texans will face if we do not continue planning first at the local – then at the state – level for the future.”
The final version of the website features two new modules that illustrate the connections between users and their existing water suppliers and recommended future supplies from water management strategies. The website also allows users to search for or click on a particular groundwater or surface water source to find out who else may rely on that same water source, now and in the future. As an increasing number of projects from the state water plan are implemented in part because of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas approved in 2013, this information has become especially important.
“The new modules come together to give a more complete picture of the supply, demand, need, and strategy components of the state water plan,” said TWDB Board member Bech Bruun. “TWDB staff has worked tirelessly to create a more dynamic, user-friendly interface that will attract new users and, in the process, help spread the word on the importance of planning for the future of our state.”
The website also allows users to view planning data by location and areas of interest and includes water demand projections over the 50-year planning period. The website gives Texans the opportunity to learn about the long-term outlook for Texas water planning and to see how this outlook changes during each decade.
“The state water plan website provides tremendous educational value for people wanting to learn more about Texas water planning,” said TWDB Board member Kathleen Jackson. “The website supports TWDB’s larger mission by encouraging Texans to become engaged in the planning process and ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital resource.”
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.