Water

Despite high temperatures this week, the City of Lubbock is reminding residents that fall and winter lawn-watering restrictions are now in effect. Our Bishop Van Buren reports that through March 31, watering is only allowed when temperatures are above 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The city recommends winterizing irrigation before the first freeze. And KTTZ's Sean Ryan has more on the fall medication cleanout event from the Texas Tech Health University Sciences Center. The Medication Cleanout is on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Texas Tech Physicians Medical Pavilion.

A wave of massive data centers is expanding across Texas, prompting warnings from experts who say the new water demands could push the state’s already strained supply to the brink.

Quick-growing blooms of bacteria and algae have long been a hazard in lakes and rivers, because of the toxins they produce. Fueled in part by agricultural runoff, these blooms are also threatening public water systems, making water temporarily unusable, and forcing some cities and towns to take costly preventive measures.

As more and more AI mega data centers are being built in Texas, there's a growing awareness of the water demand of Big Tech. If not addressed, AI data centers could consume a serious portion of the state's water supply.

The Home Utility Management System would allow households to collect and utilize energy and water for themselves, rather than relying on a grid. While federal funding is still up in the air, researchers with the project are seeking new opportunities to implement the system in practice.

The justices ruled Friday that the company holding the oil and gas lease also lays claim to the produced water. The ruling comes as more companies are seeking to turn a profit on what has long been considered a vexing waste stream.

Texas lawmakers convened in a rapidly growing part of West Texas to sign new legislation aimed at addressing a looming water crisis across the state.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott came to Lubbock yesterday to sign legislation investing in the state’s water infrastructure. Our reporter Brad Burt says the pair of bills will put $20 billion dollars into the Texas Water Fund over the next two decades. Lubbock Public Health has confirmed the West Nile virus is in Lubbock. The public can report mosquito activity at the mosquito hotline: 806-775-3110.

Dallas and Tarrant counties have confirmed their first mosquito samples positive for West Nile virus this year. KERA’s Katherine Hobbs has tips for Texans to avoid the disease this summer. Experts say Texas could be down to the last minute for getting ahead of a statewide water crisis, and the response from Texas lawmakers has passed just as the legislative session draws to a close.

Gov. Greg Abbott and other leaders have called for a major investment to save the state’s water supply. How to spend the money has caused friction at the Capitol.