Hofmann, Managing the Drought / Flood Cycle

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This document summarizes a presentation given in June 2016 about water resources in the Highland Lakes region of Texas. It discusses how rainfall and water inflows into Lakes Buchanan and Travis had reached record lows in recent years, but that 2015 saw extremely heavy rains and flooding that raised lake levels significantly. Current lake levels in 2016 remained higher than the beginning of the year due to continuing above average rainfall. The presentation covers the lakes' role as a shared water resource and flood management efforts.

Environment

Texas Water Conservation Association
Midyear Conference
John Hofmann
LCRA Executive Vice President of Water
June 17, 2016

What a difference a year makes
June 2016March 2015

A shared resource
The Highland Lakes provide water for:
• More than a million people
• Seven power plants capable of providing power
to more than 3 million homes
• Businesses and jobs
• Agriculture
• The environment

Highland Lakes watershed
Lake Buchanan
Lake Travis

Water flowing into the
Highland Lakes
0
25,000
50,000
75,000
100,000
125,000
150,000
175,000
200,000
225,000
250,000
275,000
300,000
325,000
350,000
375,000
400,000
425,000
January February March April May June July August September October NovemberDecember
Acre-feet
Average since 1942
Average of 2011-2015
2011
2015
2016

Record-low inflows into the
Highland Lakes
10 Lowest Annual Inflows on Record
2011 127,802 acre-feet
2014* 209,023 acre-feet
2013 215,138 acre-feet
2008 284,462 acre-feet
2006 285,229 acre-feet
1963 392,589 acre-feet
2012 393,163 acre-feet
1983 433,312 acre-feet
1999 448,162 acre-feet
2009 499,732 acre-feet
*Preliminary data

Floods
Date Comment
1938 22 floodgates opened at Buchanan Dam
Led to larger design for Mansfield Dam
1952 Filled Lake Travis overnight
Flood of Record for LBJ and Marble Falls
1957 Ended the Drought of Record
First time gates were opened at Mansfield
1991 Flood of Record for Lake Buchanan
Flood of Record for Lake Travis
1997 Llano River basin flood
2004 Upper and lower basin flood
2007 Marble Falls “Rain Bomb”

1952 flood
Daily Elevations of Lake Travis
600
610
620
630
640
650
660
670
680
690
700
710
720
8/28/1952 9/27/1952 10/27/1952 11/26/1952 12/26/1952
Date
Elevation (msl)
Observed daily Lake Level
681 msl Travis is considered full
619
675

Rising lake levels
• In 2015:
– Lake Travis rose more than 53 feet
– Lake Buchanan rose more than 25 feet
– Combined storage increased more than 1 million
acre-feet
• Current levels compared to Jan. 1, 2016:
– Lake Travis is about 7 feet higher
– Lake Buchanan is about 6 feet higher
– Combined storage is up about 260,000 acre-feet

Two-week rainfall
White boxes show totals
of about 8-15 inches
White boxes
show totals of
about 8-14+
inches
Some areas
received totals
of 3-5 and even
7+ inches

Lake Travis elevation
Crested: 692.7 feet msl
(for water supply purposes)
Feet msl = feet above mean sea

Hydromet system
• Provides information vital for
flood management
• Includes more than 275 gauges
• Transmits data every 15 minutes
• Uses LCRA’s radio system
• Data is shared with partners and
the public

0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
1940 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
Millions of acre-feet
Sept. 30, 1940, to June 15, 2016
Total combined storage in
lakes Buchanan and Travis
Full storage (2.01 million acre-feet)
Average storage (1.62 million acre-feet)
Combined storage (million acre-feet)

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This document discusses Big Valley Rancheria's adoption of demand side management strategies for water conservation. It outlines the Rancheria's implementation of an increasing block rate structure to encourage conservation and retrofitting of homes with ultra high efficiency toilets. Through these efforts, the Rancheria reported over 500,000 gallons of water conserved and nearly $24,000 in operating cost savings in one year. The document provides details on the tribe's water system and partnerships that supported their water efficiency programs.

Arkansas Irrigation Challenges

Edward Swaim

Weak Links in Communication Contribute to Harmful Algal Blooms in Lake Erie -...

Soil and Water Conservation Society

The document discusses harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie that have increased in recent decades. It finds that while conservation efforts reduced sediment and particulate phosphorus runoff, they may have unintentionally increased dissolved phosphorus exports from agricultural lands via tile drainage systems. Studies show tile drainage can transport over half the dissolved phosphorus during rainstorms. The document examines long-term nutrient monitoring data and suggests better communication is needed to address misconceptions and expedite solutions to reduce phosphorus loading to Lake Erie.

Natrona County Conservation District - Pathways to Water Quality

National Association of Conservation Districts

The North Platte River in Wyoming has been removed from the state's impaired waters list due to successful efforts to reduce selenium levels. Non-point source pollution from irrigated agriculture was causing elevated selenium. Through funding from EPA grants and local partners, over 1,600 acres of flood irrigation have been converted to sprinklers, reducing contact time between water and selenium-rich soils. Piping earthen ditches has also helped to minimize the transport of selenium in the watershed. Through these projects, selenium levels have declined sufficiently for the North Platte River to be delisted.

Eagle County Town Hall Meeting

Walter Davidson

The document summarizes an Eagle County Town Hall meeting about water issues in the Colorado River Basin. It provides background on water history in Eagle County, the Colorado Water Plan, and the Basin Implementation Plan (BIP) process. It discusses key themes from public outreach, the status of BIP projects, and upcoming opportunities for public input into the plan. The goal is to develop a grassroots document through the BIP process that identifies projects, policies, and processes to help address the projected gap between future water supply and demand in Colorado through 2050.

Upstream -Downstream Delaware River Watershed

Kim Beidler

The water crisis

samehr

The water crisis facing Rafsanjan Township, Iran is examined. Rapid population growth and expansion of agriculture have led to overexploitation of groundwater resources, with withdrawal exceeding natural recharge by 20-37% annually. This has caused groundwater levels to drop by over 16 meters in some areas. The government subsidized increased well use, exacerbating the problem. Current responses have been short-sighted and focused on symptoms rather than adopting long-term, socio-ecological solutions like resilient spatial planning and management of water as a public resource rather than private wells. Sustainable solutions are needed to create a resilient socio-ecological system in Rafsanjan Township.

Dcla web page version v2

GeneRose3

Douglas County lakes and streams are important for recreation and provide over 20% of the tax base, but water quality cannot be taken for granted as some are impaired. Zebra mussels are changing lake ecology by increasing water clarity and vegetation growth. Excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen from sources like lawns, storm runoff, and septic systems contribute to algae blooms and lake impairment, reducing property values. Grants are available to address water quality, but require matching funds. A Douglas County Water Quality Legacy Fund was created to provide these matching funds and protect water resources for future generations.

Garfield County Town Hall Meeting

Walter Davidson

The document summarizes discussions from a town hall meeting about water issues in Colorado. It addresses the state's water needs by 2050, constraints on water use, how water is used, and challenges like the Colorado River Compact. Stakeholders discussed strategies to address agricultural water shortages, fill the expected supply-demand gap, improve efficiency, and ensure regional cooperation in water planning. The basin is seeking solutions to meet growing municipal demands while protecting environmental and recreational water needs.

Providing safe, clean water for Santa Clara County

Laura Rinaldi

The document summarizes the work of the Santa Clara Valley Water District to provide safe and clean water for Santa Clara County. It discusses the district's historical development, its integrated approach to water supply, flood protection and stream stewardship. It also provides facts about the district's infrastructure, efforts to protect groundwater, champion conservation and prepare for future challenges around climate change and sea level rise.

Water in the Western United States - California: A Case Study

Jonathan D'Cruz

California uses more water than any other state in the US Each Californian uses an average of 181 gallons of water each day against the national average of 80-100 gallons each day More water is used each day for irrigation than any other category Total water use has been declining since the 1980s California has been the state with the largest water use in the US since the USGS began compiling water-use data in 1950

Similar to Hofmann, Managing the Drought / Flood Cycle (20)

(supplemental slides) to BIP Overview and Next Steps

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Protecting Wisconsin's Water - 2014

Co.River.Authority.pptx

INDTECH Final Research Paper

Where Land and Water Meet - Mike Swezy from Marin Municipal Water District

Fast Facts - Santa Clara Valley Water District

Mesa County Town Hall Meeting

Big Valley Rancheria - Adoption of Demand Side Management for Water Conservat...

Arkansas Irrigation Challenges

Weak Links in Communication Contribute to Harmful Algal Blooms in Lake Erie -...

Natrona County Conservation District - Pathways to Water Quality

Eagle County Town Hall Meeting

Upstream -Downstream Delaware River Watershed

The water crisis

Dcla web page version v2

Garfield County Town Hall Meeting

Providing safe, clean water for Santa Clara County

Water in the Western United States - California: A Case Study

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This document summarizes efforts to protect the threatened Salado salamander in Bell County, Texas. The Bell County Adaptive Management Coalition was formed in 2013 to fund research on the Edwards aquifer and address threats like groundwater pumping. Conservation easements have been established at sites like Solana Ranch Springs. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is under a court order to propose critical habitat for the salamander by August 2020. The coalition will develop comments on the proposed designation. Options being considered include developing an alternative habitat map and discussing a 4(d) rule and other options with stakeholders. Research and outreach to landowners will continue.

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EPA’s Draft Ambient Water Quality Criteria Recommendations for Lakes and Rese...

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EPA released draft ambient water quality criteria recommendations for lakes and reservoirs in May 2020. The draft uses stressor-response models based on new water quality data to derive chlorophyll-a, phosphorus, and nitrogen criteria. It recommends chlorophyll-a criteria ranges for different lake depths to protect aquatic life. Potential criteria derived from models show illustrative phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations corresponding to chlorophyll-a levels. The document's approach raises questions about the validity of nationwide models, adjustment to Texas conditions, and linking chlorophyll-a to nutrient criteria. State regulators will determine how to respond.

Texas Extreme Weather Trends, John Nielsen-Gammon - Texas State Climatologist...

TWCA

Texas is experiencing increasing extreme weather trends according to a state climatologist study. Monthly summer temperatures are seeing more 100 degree days with each little rise in average temperatures. Precipitation trends over the past century show increases across most of the state of 5-15% per century. Droughts and floods depend on a combination of factors including rainfall amounts, temperatures, timing of rain, and how much water plants need. The trends towards higher temperatures are enhancing evaporation and severe weather is increasing but not well understood. Everything fits together complicatedly to impact floods and droughts. A likely La Niña winter also tilts the odds toward a dry winter for Texas.

Flood Mitigation Funding: State Collaboration, Josh Davies - Texas Division o...

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This document summarizes flood mitigation funding sources from various state agencies in Texas. It lists panelists from the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas General Land Office, and Texas Water Development Board who manage programs that provide funding for flood mitigation projects. These include grants from FEMA, the Community Development Block Grant Mitigation program, and state programs that have allocated over $3 billion total for flood mitigation since 2015. It also describes the Texas Flood Information Clearinghouse website which is a resource for local governments to learn about available funding opportunities and determine which programs best fit their flood mitigation needs.

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TWCA

COVID-19 and the Workplace: Considerations for the Employers & Employees, Bru...

TWCA

The document discusses considerations for employers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. It outlines the implementation of a return to work plan in phases, with communication to employees at each stage. The plan includes implementing work shifts, social distancing measures, personal protective equipment, health protocols like temperature checks and sanitation. It also covers briefing employees on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and addressing common concerns about liability, accommodation of at-risk employees, and allowing some to work remotely.

Harmful Algal Bloom Lady Bird Lake 2019, Sara Hartley and Brent Bellinger - C...

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The document summarizes the City of Austin's response to a harmful algal bloom (HAB) that occurred in Lady Bird Lake in 2019. It provides background on HABs and cyanobacteria, details the monitoring and communication plans for 2020, and reviews factors that may have contributed to the 2019 event. The city aims to routinely monitor water quality, identify algal species and toxins present, and inform the public through signage, media, and an online resource on the current HAB risk level. Questions from attendees are invited.

The History, Science & Economics of Bringing Back Comanche Springs, Robert Ma...

TWCA

This document discusses strategies for restoring flow to Comanche Springs in Fort Stockton, Texas. It analyzes the relationship between pumping in Management Zone 1 of the Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District and spring flow. Reducing pumping by methods like permit retirement, irrigation efficiency, and crop switching could help bring the springs back. Funding may come from sources like the US Bureau of Reclamation, Texas Water Development Board, or bond issuances supported by new revenues from tourism drawn to restored spring flow. Full restoration may require reducing pumping by around 50,000 acre-feet per year.

Texas Dam Safety, Warren Samuelson - TCEQ and Protecting Your Flood Control D...

TWCA

The document provides information about Texas' dam safety program and watershed dams. It notes that Texas has over 7,000 total dams, with nearly 1,800 classified as high or significant hazard. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulates most dams in the state. Watershed dams were built with NRCS assistance, and now local sponsors are responsible for maintenance. However, as dams age, maintenance costs have increased, with $14 million needed currently. Urban development has also led to over 500 watershed dams being reclassified as high hazard. The TSSWCB and NRCS provide funding to help sponsors with repairs and upgrades.

Case Law Update, Kimberly G. Kelley - Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP an...

TWCA

The document provides a summary of key case law updates from 2020 related to water law. It discusses rulings on the Clean Water Act's regulation of groundwater pollution, original actions involving interstate water compacts, and challenges to the Waters of the US rule. It also summarizes cases related to groundwater districts, inverse condemnation and flooding liability, governmental immunity, the Expedited Declaratory Judgment Act, and certificates of convenience and necessity for water utilities. The document analyzes these recent decisions and their implications for water rights and management in Texas.

WOTUS Update, Paulina Williams - Baker Botts

TWCA

The document summarizes a presentation on the EPA's new proposed Waters of the U.S. rule. It outlines the key aspects of the 2015 rule, the litigation and stays surrounding it, and the EPA's new proposed two-step process to redefine and narrow the scope of protected waters. The proposal focuses on traditional navigable waters, tributaries, certain ditches, lakes and ponds, and adjacent wetlands but excludes many features that were previously protected such as waste treatment systems, groundwater, ephemeral streams, and certain ditches.

Everybody Has an Opinion: Flood Litigation, Legislation, and Action, Allison ...

TWCA

The document summarizes discussions from the TWCA Annual Conference regarding recent Texas legislation and rulemaking related to flood control projects. Key points include: - Texas passed SB 7 and SB 8 in 2019 related to flood project financing and planning. The TWDB has since proposed rules to implement these bills. - Proposed Chapter 363 rules regarding SB 7 financing require findings of cooperation/participation between political subdivisions in a project's watershed. Comments suggested defining the watershed to clarify which entities must be involved. - Rules require an affidavit attesting to certain criteria, but comments proposed tying the criteria to the defined project watershed. - SB 7 also implements previous requirements for memoranda of understanding between relevant

Endangered Species Act Panel, Nathan Pence - Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority...

TWCA

The document summarizes the endangered species listing process and species to track under the Endangered Species Act in central Texas. It provides details on mussel species in central and east Texas that are undergoing species status assessments and listing decisions. It also lists species in the agency's listing workplans for fiscal years 2020 through 2023, including plants, birds, fish, salamanders and other terrestrial species. The presentation cautions that lack of data on species distributions, life histories, tolerances and population numbers could impact listing decisions. It concludes with lessons learned from California's experience with ESA listings and water projects, emphasizing the need for proactive conservation, science, coordination and public education.

KEYNOTE: Commissioner Jayne Harkins - International Boundary and Water Commis...

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KEYNOTE: Director Kathleen Jackson - Texas Water Development Board

TWCA

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KEYNOTE: Josh Roberts - Texas Division of Emergency Management

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TWCA

The document provides information about NOAA Atlas 14, which updated precipitation frequency estimates for Texas. Some key points: - Atlas 14 analyzed over 3,900 weather stations and 60 years of data to develop new intensity-duration-frequency curves for precipitation events. - The estimates generally show higher rainfall amounts than previous studies, with some locations up to 30% higher for certain storm durations and return periods. - Notable events like Hurricane Harvey influenced some long-duration estimates. Atlas 14 provides more spatially refined data to help infrastructure planning and flood risk assessment. - While an improvement, Atlas 14 still has limitations and uncertainties that may be addressed through future updates and complementary studies. The new precipitation frequency curves do

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