What does the word "project" bring to mind? Imagine the range of responses from an engineer, a politician, an environmentalist, a city planner and a farmer.

What happens when these five individuals congregate — with dozens of other experts and interest groups — around the largest, most complex and politically sensitive water supply project undertaken in the lower Colorado River region since the creation of the Highland Lakes more than 60 years ago?

Of necessity, the project becomes a series of processes.

No shovel has turned dirt, even in ceremony, for the LCRA-SAWS Water Project. The collaboration between LCRA and the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) began with a thought process, gained momentum through political and legislative processes, and survived the contract negotiation and public debate processes.

Proposed solution to water shortages
In February 2002, LCRA and SAWS ended years of negotiations with an agreement to explore and possibly implement a long-term project to help solve water shortages predicted for their service areas.

More than 30 organizations and interest groups recently completed the framework of a study plan on which to build, not reservoirs, pumps or pipelines, but something less visible and just as important: a decision-making process. The boards of LCRA and SAWS will consider the detailed study plan in March 2003 and decide whether to move forward with it. The studies could take another six years and millions of dollars to carry out. They are designed to answer complex questions about the project's potential impact on the Colorado River ecosystems, local and regional economies, public well-being, and water quality and quantity.

Goal is to create a sound plan
Leaders at LCRA and SAWS need the answers to these questions before they say "go" or "no go" to the project. They require more information about the river, Matagorda Bay and estuaries, groundwater, surface water, water conservation, water quality, species that depend on the river and bay, economic and socioeconomic factors, land use, cultural resources and, of course, engineering requirements. Those involved with the project intend to create the basin's most scientifically, environmentally and economically sound long-term water supply plan.

Why is commitment to this process so strong? The stakes are high for the future of both regions and for the state of Texas.

Proponents hope the process will culminate in a water supply sufficient for the Colorado River region to share with its neighbors for a limited time, at a reasonable price, and retain enough water in the basin to meet its own needs for the next 100 years and beyond. However, the project is so complex, so large in scope that understanding the environmental and economic implications is beyond the current knowledge base and powers of analyses. Experts and interest groups are full participants in the processes, vigilantly raising issues for planners and decision-makers to keep in mind.

The LCRA-SAWS Water Project has attracted participation by groups and individuals with an interest in water supplies for the lower Colorado and San Antonio regions, the sources of water, their costs, and who will pay for them. They represent the environment, agriculture, wildlife, industry, property owners, cities, the law, and the state. The project has attracted the attention and participation of 10 national and regional water experts who form a science review panel to provide independent advice on the project's technical aspects.

If successful, state water policymakers may view the LCRA-SAWS Water Project as a model for the rest of the state. LCRA General Manager Joe Beal summed up the importance of the project's scientific and decision-making processes when he spoke to workshop participants in May.

"Calling it a project may imply to some that construction is imminent. I assure you that is not the case," Beal said. "It is a project in the sense that LCRA and SAWS are making the effort to help each other with a very complicated and critical problem: the demand for water will exceed the available supply within a few decades. Whatever our backgrounds are, whatever philosophies or events have shaped our viewpoints, we have a shared interest in the future of the land we inhabit.

"We are going to help answer a key question: Can Texas provide enough water to sustain the environment, support rural and urban economies and, in 50 years, meet the needs of a population twice the size it is today?" Beal said. "With your help, I believe we can."

Kimbrell is an LCRA writer specializing in water issues. Contact her at carol.kimbrell@lcra.org.