The Lower Colorado River Authority will search for ways to expand its water supply by 100,000 acre-feet by 2017 after its board of directors set the major goal on Tuesday.
The LCRA plans to find the extra 100,000 acre-feet of water through rain and other river flows that end up in the Gulf of Mexico. LCRA spokesperson Clara Tuma said an acre-foot of water typically serves about four to five residents for a year, which means the additional water could provide water for up to 500,000 residents annually.
The additional water would supplement the LCRA’s use of lakes Travis and Buchanan and other water rights, and would meet the needs of its customers throughout the lower Colorado River basin.
“Everything is being considered right now to find the best economical and environmentally feasible way to add to the water supply,” Tuma said.
The LCRA board made its decision in the midst of a historical drought that is expected to continue through the spring.
“It reflects LCRA’s commitment to seeking permanent solutions that will ensure that our basin’s long-term water needs are met, regardless of rain or drought,” said LCRA board chair Timothy Timmerman in an LCRA release.
Tuma said the LCRA has not pinpointed particular areas where it intends to implement projects to capture water, and there are no estimated costs yet associated with the endeavor.
“It depends in the project and everything else on the table, from new reservoirs to aquifer recharge to other projects,” she said concerning costs.
LCRA General Manager Becky Motal called the goal ambitious, but said the LCRA has a history of taking on big projects including creating the Highland Lakes chain.
“This supply has served us well for many years and will continue to do so, but we clearly need to continue to expand our water resources to deal with growing demand, especially during drought cycles,” she said in a release. “I am confident LCRA will be able to achieve this goal.”