Received an official responce.
From: Jill Goodman (jgoodman@round-rock.tx.us) on behalf of Nyle Maxwell (mayor@round-rock.tx.us)
Responce:
Thank you for taking the time to provide input on the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority Water Supply Project. We understand your concern about protecting Lake Travis. It is indeed a beautiful recreational resource. However, we must keep in mind that the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) created the lake decades ago, with the assistance of then Congressman Lyndon Johnson, to end disastrous flooding and provide a reliable source of water and electricity to residents throughout the lower Colorado River basin. This project will not drain Lake Travis. Lake Travis is a variable level lake, one that fills during times of excess rains and from which water is released as municipal, agricultural, and other needs require. The amount of water secured for this project is but a fraction of what has been made available by the LCRA. As a holder of municipal and irrigation water rights, LCRA is required to conserve and supply water according to a water management plan developed by water supply experts and approved by the state of Texas. The plan prepares for "worst case scenarios"-long droughts followed by extreme flooding as we've seen in recent months. The $3/1000 gallons price you refer to is about twice the cost of the Lake Travis water. The price you cite assumes no treatment of aquifer water would be necessary. That may not be the case. If the aquifer water does need to be treated, it would be even more expensive. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to ensure a reliable, cost-effective water supply and to plan for future water needs. It would be irresponsible of us not to do so. The region's safety and economic health depends on our due diligence. Schools, hospitals, businesses, and families - present and future - depend on these decisions. We have thoroughly researched other sources of water. Lake Travis is the best choice. Securing water from Lake Travis is in line with state regional water plans and is supported by studies going back more than a decade. We are continuing to evaluate the site of the deep water intake. We realize construction will have unavoidable impacts to those living nearby and along the construction route. We sincerely regret that. With many public improvement projects, some have to put up with temporary inconvenience. We will work with neighbors to seek ways to minimize those impacts wherever possible. We welcome and need your input. An open, honest discussion is one of the best ways to ensure sound decisions. We hope you will continue to be involved and encourage you to seek accurate information. For project news, please visit
www.bcrua.org. For information on LCRA's water management planning process, please visit
www.lcra.org.
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