The Texas Hill Country is known for its picturesque waterways, including natural springs, artificial lakes and secluded swimming holes — and the residents who work to defend them.
Residents and environmental activists, who worry that the nutrient-rich discharge will affect the ecological balance in the water and potentially lead to algae blooms and other problems, have fought construction of these plants through numerous avenues — including at the Texas Capitol.
For years, these activists have pushed lawmakers to block the issuance of new discharge permits in areas deemed sensitive, including the contributing zone of the Edwards Aquifer, but the legislation has languished in committees and failed to make it to the full House or Senate for consideration.