Texas Water Development Board installs 100th TexMesonet station to expand statewide data collection
For immediate release. Contact: Media Relations at 512-463-5129
SAN ANTONIO – (August 18, 2023) – Today the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) commemorated the installation of the 100th TWDB TexMesonet weather station. Located at the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) Field Research Park in San Antonio, the newest station contributes to expanding statewide coverage of earth observation data.
TexMesonet is a data collection network that captures real-time meteorological, hydrologic, and soil data to help Texans monitor, understand, and respond to ever-changing weather patterns and extreme weather events. On-the-ground weather data provided by the stations supports improved weather models and forecasts, contributing to improved public safety, agricultural productivity, and scientific research.
“Texas is known for extreme weather events. Inevitably, droughts are followed by periods of flooding,” said Jeff Walker, TWDB Executive Administrator. “TexMesonet provides critical data for forecasters, first responders, and the public so that they can make informed decisions and respond appropriately. This milestone station is a testament to the dedication of TWDB staff, partners, and others involved in ensuring this data is made available to Texans when they need it."
Since its inception in 2016, the network has grown to include 100 TWDB stations and more than 3,000 partner stations. The TWDB works with partners, utilities, and landowners across the state to identify station locations that will fill gaps in existing weather data coverage.
“The EAA has long valued the collection of weather data as a critical component to furthering the science of climate and hydrologic modeling for improved water planning and aquifer sustainability practices,” said Roland Ruiz, EAA General Manager. “TexMesonet is an excellent example of how organizations such as ours can collaborate with the Texas Water Development Board and others to enhance our water resiliency regionally and statewide though shared scientific data.”
TWDB stations are 10- or 33-foot towers that include sensors to collect data on wind, relative humidity, solar radiation, precipitation, barometric pressure, temperature, and soil moisture/temperature. Stations operate on a combination of solar and battery power and transmit data every 5 minutes to TexMesonet.org, where a map viewer displays near real-time data, as well as current radar, precipitation accumulations, and streamflow.
To view data and learn more about TexMesonet, visit TexMesonet.org.
About the Texas Water Development Board
The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional water and flood planning, and preparing the state water and flood plans. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects. To learn more about the TWDB, visit www.twdb.texas.gov.
About the Edwards Aquifer Authority
Established in 1996, the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) is a groundwater conservation district whose mission is to manage, enhance and protect the Edwards Aquifer, a major groundwater system serving approximately two-and-one-half million South Central Texans, providing water for life, and livelihoods. Through its current Next Generation Strategic plan, the EAA is emphasizing building a legacy of sustainability and credibility. EAA research activities aimed at enhancing the quality and quantity of water in the Aquifer are occurring at the EAA’s Field Research Park. Additionally, to inform the community at large, the EAA’s Education Outreach Center demonstrates to visitors the importance of water, conservation, and offers fascinating insights into the workings of the Aquifer. To learn more about the work of the EAA, please visit www.edwardsaquifer.org.
