Texas water advocates converged at Del Mar College on Oct. 29, bringing with them ideas along with hopes and concerns for the future.
Attendees spoke on the states’ water difficulties, such as the faulty water systems, water quality and the urgency of preserving water. They believe that coming together to address water concerns is not only important for Texas, but the whole world. From Chispa League of Conservation Voters to National Wildlife Federation, several organizations gathered to work on water issues. They discussed strategies and plans to move the project forward while also taking time for questions and new ideas from the attendees.
“Multiple statewide environmental groups have been building the Texas Water Policy Hub,” said Dave Cortez, director of the Texas Sierra Club. “Today was our fourth workshop after going to Dallas, Houston and Comal County in New Braunfels. We wanted to get a different perspective from the Coastal Bend community so we can consider the concerns for their community, what they find important and things like that.”
Cortez believes the matter at hand should be valuable to the nation. “I’m hoping to see people value connecting with other cities or regions on water issues that unite them,” he continued. “Folks in each community have different concerns but we have seen some overlapping interests, and we hope individuals will notice some opportunity.”
Other members of certain programs have come to contribute their knowledge on the issue. “We’re really trying to expand the scope of people that are involved in the water policy decision making,” said Jennifer Walker, director of The Texas Coast and Water Program at National Wildlife Federation. “Water quality and quantity issues affect loads of places, not just one.”
The project is a long-term effort and is being presented during its beginning stages. “We’re trying to introduce the idea and get people talking about it,” said Tom Entsminger, policy director for The Texas Coast and Water Program at National Wildlife Federation. “The exercises we’ve been doing in these meetings are to identify common interests and issues perceived by the groups we work with.”
While the hub is a recent project, it is long overdue. “This is something that has been needed for a long time,” said Elida Castillo, program director for Chispa League of Conservation Voters. “I’m glad it is finally being put together. Water is a huge priority not just here but throughout the world. We need to be organized so we’re able to encounter the narrative that’s out there.”