Clean Water

In 2023, Americans consumed nearly 16 billion gallons of bottled water primarily sourced from underground aquifers. Richard’s Rainwater, a Texas company and bottled water outlier, utilizes rainwater captured in Mississippi, distributing 2 million fully recyclable bottles. Founded in the 1990s by Richard Heinichen, the company emphasizes rainwater's purity and sustainability.

Environmentalists, concerned about a massive Bitcoin mining facility in Navarro County, Texas, will join public interest groups and experts in raising awareness of the industry's risks to the power grid, utility rates, and natural resources. Critics argue that the facility could destabilize the grid and increase electric rates.

Texas is advancing the discharge of produced water from oil and gas drilling into waterways, despite lacking comprehensive risk assessments and regulation for all contaminants. Researchers express concerns over potential health and environmental impacts, emphasizing the need for more scientific data before proceeding with permits for this unproven practice.

More than 2,000 Texans have signed a petition condemning the Marvin Nichols Reservoir, opposing its development due to potential economic and environmental impacts. Preserve Northeast Texas, a coalition of landowners and environmentalists, argues the project would remove 200,000 acres of productive land.

A report criticized Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for being “reluctant” regulators, favoring industry self-policing. Texans testified about its ineffectiveness, urging reform for transparency and accountability, especially in communities of color. Lawmakers debated recommendations, highlighting tensions between regulation, cost, and public trust.

Fort Worth plans to purchase two solar-powered waterwheels in collaboration with Tarrant Regional Water District to clean litter from the Trinity River. These eco-friendly machines, inspired by Baltimore's successful "Mr. Trashwheel," aim to enhance water quality and aesthetics, with funding sought for construction and maintenance.

Collin County residents, led by Sylvia Roy, oppose a proposed wastewater plant by Restore the Grasslands LLC, fearing it will harm Maxwell Creek's ecology. The plant would release large volumes of treated effluent into the creek. Local governments and environmental groups have joined in opposition, prompting TCEQ to hold a public meeting.

Urban stormwater in North Texas causes creeks and rivers to be overwhelmed with water and pollutants, contributing to erosion and increased flooding. Solutions include using permeable surfaces, rain gardens, and green infrastructure to retain water and reduce pollutant runoff, as well as community efforts to improve water management and reduce pollution.

Lawmakers are considering using treated wastewater from oil fields to replenish Texas aquifers, following an EPA decision that allows the state to regulate water discharges. While some see potential benefits, scientists and environmental groups express concerns about risks and sufficiency of existing standards.

A citizens' group in Garland is legally contesting a concrete batch plant that they claim will worsen existing pollution linked to severe health issues. This effort is part of a long-term campaign to address contamination by industries, highlighted by recent EPA findings of hazardous lead levels near a former battery plant.