Palmer Events Center
Stop WTP 4; Protect Lake Travis
RECEIVED Mon., Feb. 23, 2009
Dear Editor,
Re: “Dumping the Water Pump” [News, Feb. 20], on the impact of water conservation and the necessity of Water Treatment Plant No. 4. While all the arguments for delay are valid, there was one point that was not mentioned, and that is the impact that WTP 4 will have on Lake Travis and the greater Central Texas community.
The city of Austin proposes to pump 5 million gallons a day from the lake. We are currently in drought conditions with no forecast for significant rain in the near future! The current lake level is 654 feet. In 2006, the lake was at 643 feet, and the water level fell 1 foot a week based on the Lower Colorado River Authority requirements at that time. LCRA continues to oversell the capacity of Lake Travis. With WTP 4 at capacity, the lake is projected to fall an estimated 2 to 3 feet per week during drought conditions, and this is before the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority project for Cedar Park, Leander, and Round Rock is factored in. That project seems to be moving along as well. Is BCRUA necessary if conservation measures are implemented?
Lake Travis is not only a source of water; it is a natural resource and tourist destination that provides recreation and brings tourist dollars to the Austin area. Boaters from all over the state visit Lake Travis. What happens when the lake is low? The boaters and their money stay home, and for the ones that are on the lake, there are increased safety hazards. That translates to an increase in accidents and/or loss of lives. And what about all the state, county, and city parks on the lake that provide recreation for our families?
Lake Travis is a source of property, sales, and business taxes. Every restaurant, hotel, marina, and homeowner on or around the lake will be adversely affected by WTP 4, and tax revenues from these sources will decline as a result.
The city of Austin should increase its water-conservation efforts and put WTP 4 on the back burner.
Re: “Dumping the Water Pump” [News, Feb. 20], on the impact of water conservation and the necessity of Water Treatment Plant No. 4. While all the arguments for delay are valid, there was one point that was not mentioned, and that is the impact that WTP 4 will have on Lake Travis and the greater Central Texas community.
The city of Austin proposes to pump 5 million gallons a day from the lake. We are currently in drought conditions with no forecast for significant rain in the near future! The current lake level is 654 feet. In 2006, the lake was at 643 feet, and the water level fell 1 foot a week based on the Lower Colorado River Authority requirements at that time. LCRA continues to oversell the capacity of Lake Travis. With WTP 4 at capacity, the lake is projected to fall an estimated 2 to 3 feet per week during drought conditions, and this is before the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority project for Cedar Park, Leander, and Round Rock is factored in. That project seems to be moving along as well. Is BCRUA necessary if conservation measures are implemented?
Lake Travis is not only a source of water; it is a natural resource and tourist destination that provides recreation and brings tourist dollars to the Austin area. Boaters from all over the state visit Lake Travis. What happens when the lake is low? The boaters and their money stay home, and for the ones that are on the lake, there are increased safety hazards. That translates to an increase in accidents and/or loss of lives. And what about all the state, county, and city parks on the lake that provide recreation for our families?
Lake Travis is a source of property, sales, and business taxes. Every restaurant, hotel, marina, and homeowner on or around the lake will be adversely affected by WTP 4, and tax revenues from these sources will decline as a result.
The city of Austin should increase its water-conservation efforts and put WTP 4 on the back burner.
Rebecca Yeater