Northeast Texans okay with Region D water plan; still oppose Region C

By LORI COPE | East Texas Edition

August 11, 2005 - Although the Aug. 2 public hearing was set to hear comments about the Region D initially prepared water plan, most comments were directed at Region C’s desires for Region D’s valuable resource.

Region D is comprised of 19 Northeast Texas counties, and the North East Texas Regional Water Planning Group (NETRWPG) has developed a plan to ensure its residents and industries will have enough water in the future.

Region C is comprised mostly of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (and those counties north of it), and a water planning group is in place there for the same reason.

State projections show population expansion within the next 50 years, for both regions, and the groups’ water planning boards are charged with taking this information into consideration.

Statistics show Region D has ample water resources, while Region C, where the population is projected to tremendously expand, is lacking in that area.

The NETRWPG has initially prepared a water plan for Region D, and as the process stipulates, the public was given opportunity to comment on it at the Aug. 2 hearing in Gilmer. Notably, most commenting offered “thanks to the board” for their work in developing the plan.

While the Region D plan does not include the construction of new reservoirs, such as Marvin Nichols, the Region C plan continues to leave “the option” for construction of new water sources in Northeast Texas.

“If you (Region C) are going to take our land, you are going to hear from us,” cited Billie Lindsey of Red River County.

“We need to keep this land for our kids to farm or ranch,” added Sharon Nabors of Paris. “We need to convince everyone ... from legislators to chambers of commerce ... to see a better way than to come take and cover our land (with water). ... DFW can get water elsewhere.”

One of the “elsewheres” cited by the commenters is Toledo Bend Reservoir, and Lake Wright Patman.

George Frost issued some ideas that included dredging Wright Patman, which could significantly add its water-holding capacity, which could be beneficial to Region C’s needs. He added that all water sources in the state need to be identified, and should be included in the state’s water plan.

Similarly, Stephen Whitsett of Longview, added the Sabine River Authority has offered Region C enough water, from Toledo Bend ... so there’s no need to construct a “new, giant, unneeded reservoir.”

Concluding his comments, Whitsett said, “We ask DFW to be reasonable.”

“We would like Dallas-Fort Worth to respect us. The metroplex is coming east ... you can see it from Rockwall, Royse City, and into Greenville ... and it’s for our water,” commented Harry Lewis of Sulphur Springs. “I’ve always believed you should keep your finger on what you own, and we should keep our finger on the resources in our area. ... If you let someone else do the work (such as build reservoirs), they own you.”

Lewis added a scenario to explain his beliefs regarding water supply: “If my household is full, then I’ll share. And if my household is not full, then it’s not right for me to look at your house and see what I can take. ... I’m interested in sharing, but not someone else controlling.”

On a similar note, Ann Rushing offered a thought that a new reservoir could boost income (in Region D); a comment that drew an audibly negative sound from the crowd. But Rushing also pointed out that “Region D’s destiny” is how well their plan is, and importantly, how well it is executed.

The Region D plan, in summary, cites:

“North East Texas has a growing population and water demand for the 50-year planning period;

“Anticipated demands within Region D can be met with existing water sources;

“Water management strategies to make sources available for use: new groundwater wells, new and renewed contracts, Toledo Bend pipeline;

“No recommended unique stream segments or unique reservoir sites; and

“Recommend to legislature that all practical alternatives be exhausted prior to consideration of new reservoirs.”

The Region D Plan also includes a model water conservation plan; model drought contingency plan; infrastructure financing recommendations; per capita water use differnces; City of Kilgore reuse water management system; and sub-regional water supply master plans.

The entire plan is available for review online at the Texas Water Development Board’s website: www.twdb.state.tx.us.

Written comments on the Region D plan can be submitted through early September by mailing them to Walt Sears, NETRWPG adminstrator, P.O. Box 599, Hughes Springs, Texas 75656.

Similarly, written comments on Region C’s water plan (their public hearing was July 11) may be mailed, before Sept. 9, to James M. Parks, RCWPG administrator, c/o NTMWD, P.O. Box 2408, Wylie, Texas, 75098-2408.

Of the state’s 16 regions, all have submitted their initially prepared regional water plans to the TWDB. The regions’ final prepared plans will be submitted to TWDB by Jan. 6, 2006; and then forwarded to the Texas Legislature.