The Dallas-Fort Worth region is seeking to boost its water supply by building a new reservoir that opponents claim would destroy thousands of farms, homes, and jobs.
With a regional population projected to grow to almost 15 million people by 2070 and worsening drought brought on by climate change, water planners in North Texas are proposing conservation and mitigation measures that include a controversial reservoir, reports Bret Jaspers.
The proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir would flood 66,103 acres and provide additional water to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
The Marvin Nichols Reservoir is sponsored by three water wholesalers, including the North Texas Municipal Water District, Tarrant Regional Water District, and the Upper Trinity Regional Water District. Those agencies sell to utilities all across the metroplex. The water from Marvin Nichols Reservoir would serve people from Anna to Benbrook, Kaufman to Chico.
Many local residents oppose the project, arguing that other conservation measures could enhance the region's water supply without the environmental and financial damage the reservoir would bring. But cities in the area have failed to enforce watering restrictions or encourage less water-intensive landscaping, while water costs remain low. As Jaspers notes, "R.J. Muraski, an assistant deputy with the North Texas Municipal Water District, said 'water’s very, very reasonable right now in the Metroplex.'"
With the future of the reservoir still uncertain, residents wait to find out whether they will be forced to relocate.
FULL STORY: Population growth — and climate change — may force Texans to change how they find and use water
Texas Reservoirs Reach Dangerous Lows
In some parts of the state, water officials have cut off releases that maintain estuaries and other key coastal habitats.
Bay Area Looks To Expand Reservoir As Drought Deepens
The expansion of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir in Brentwood would increase storage capacity and create a more reliable water supply for Northern California communities.
Colorado River States Fail to Strike Deal After ‘Historic Meeting’
The Colorado Basin states have until February 14 to agree on new water conservation measures.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
Guerilla urbanists are building DIY bus stop benches in Chicago
A before-and-after of one of the bus stops with a new bench. The new benches are not officially sanctioned or permitted, but the residents who placed them hope they will be the start of a network of DIY benches across the city.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association