James Kowis, manager of water supply planning for the LCRA, made a 30-minute presentation to the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority board of directors on March 24. The presentation gave an overview of the LCRA’s water supplies – specifically, how much water it has, how much water is contracted or otherwise committed, where are customers using water (and how much is being used), and what LCRA is doing to increase supplies.

The board asked for the presentation because the BCRUA project is purchasing water from the LCRA out of Lake Travis, and concerns have been expressed about the project’s impact on the lake.

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The Texas Water Development Board on Monday, Jan. 28, unanimously approved a $309 million loan for the first two phases of the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority project. Here’s the TWDB press release on the board action. The Phase 1 commitment is for $170.6 million, with Phase 2 at $139.1 million.

Phase 1 of the project includes construction of a new temporary floating intake structure on Lake Travis, a raw water pipeline within the Trails End Road right of way, a new treatment plant in Cedar Park, and a new treated water pipeline. Construction is expected to begin in 2008 and be completed in 2010. Phase 1 FAQ.

Phase 2 of the project includes construction of permanent deep-water intake and raw water pipeline from the intake to the existing raw water pipeline. Construction is expected to be required no later than 2016, but it may be accelerated depending on drought conditions and lake levels. Phase 2 FAQ.

The TWDB’s commitment for Phase 2 funding is conditioned such that the BCRUA must obtain a reaffirmation of the commitment from the Board prior to closing the loan for Phase 2.  During this reaffirmation, the Board will consider any findings and recommendations regarding the environmental, socioeconomic, and permitting issues, as well as any other issues of concern to the Board.

Council members for the three partnering cities that form the BCRUA have been receiving form letters with questions from concerned people. Below is the response we have been sending to those people.

Thank you for taking the time to visit the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority Water Supply Project website/blog. The text of this letter is being sent by the city councils of Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander in response to letters we’ve received voicing concern about our project’s impact on Lake Travis.

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.

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. With many public improvement projects, some have to put up with temporary inconvenience. We sincerely regret that. We have instructed project designers to do all they can, short of compromising the project’s mission, to avoid, minimize, or ameliorate negative effects.

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.