In the Flow Vol: 1 Issue: 14, 25 September 2013

Welcome to In the Flow, a water news wrap-up and analysis prepared every other week by The Texas Tribune and the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University. We bring you the latest news and events concerning the river systems of Texas and important water issues on a state and regional level.

In the Flow Vol: 1 Issue: 14: TCEQ Approves Permit for Big North Texas Reservoir by Neena Satija UPDATED: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has approved the permit for construction of North Texas' Lake Ralph Hall, the first major new reservoir built in the state in decades.  As Austin's Lakes Dwindle, Gulf Coast Residents May Suffer by Neena Satija As the Highland Lakes that supply Austin drop to near-historic lows, the Lower Colorado River Authority is considering cutting off flows to Matagorda Bay. But officials on the Gulf Coast say the move could devastate the economy.  Texas Eyes PACE Loans to Boost Energy Efficiency by Jim Malewitz A diverse coalition is racing to institute a plan to increase energy and water efficiency upgrades that supporters say could help Texas improve its conservation record.  Corporate Leaders Cast Doubt on Global Sustainability A new survey shows that many top business executives from around the world believe that the global economy may not be able to keep up with growing populations' demands on natural resources. Climate Change Puts Sport Fishing at Risk Sport fishing in the U.S. has suffered because of climate change and will likely fare even worse in the future, according to a new report on the effects of rising temperatures. Aquifers Discovered Beneath Northern Kenya Kenyan officials and the U.N. have announced the discovery of huge aquifers beneath the surface of the arid northern part of the country. Event: Water — Now What? by David Muto The Tribune and In the Flow are pleased to present two conversations, in Houston and Fort Worth, about the 2013 ballot initiative on state spending for water infrastructure.  Event: Symposium on Emerging Water Issues The Water Institute of Texas will sponsor a symposium on emerging water issues, including long-term water availability and the water regulatory environment. Event: Presentation on Return of Paddlefish to Caddo The Caddo Lake Institute's president on Saturday will discuss the Paddlefish Project, an experiment to return the species to the Big Cypress and Caddo Lake watershed. Event: THIRST, an Art Installation on Austin's Lady Bird Lake THIRST, a temporary art installation on Austin's Lady Bird Lake commemorating the 300 million trees lost in the state's drought, will remain on view from Sept. 28 to Dec. 30. Data App: Track Texas Reservoir Levels by Ryan Murphy Using data from the Texas Water Development Board's reservoir status tracker, our auto-updating map visualizes the current state of Texas reservoirs.