The TCEQ temporarily eases restrictions on Brazos during higher streamflow conditions

Executive Director Zak Covar of the TCEQ today signed an order allowing junior water-right holders in the Brazos River Basin to temporarily divert or impound water to take advantage of recent and anticipated rainfall if streamflow measurements reach certain thresholds.

On Nov. 19, 2012, in response to a priority call by Dow Chemical Company on Nov. 14, 2012, the executive director of the TCEQ issued an order and notified certain junior water-right holders in the Brazos River Basin below Possum Kingdom Lake with a priority date of 1942 or later that their right to divert or impound water was immediately suspended. Suspended water rights included those with a priority date of 1942 or later, term, and temporary water-right permits in the Brazos River Basin below Possum Kingdom Lake. This action was modified and affirmed by the commission on Dec. 5, 2012.

Under today’s order, these water-right holders are now able to temporarily divert and/or impound water, according to the limits of their permits, as long as streamflow at certain USGS gages is at or above a specified level. This action was taken to ensure beneficial use of water by water-right holders in the Brazos River basin in times of higher flows while continuing to satisfy the senior priority call.

Drought conditions continue to be forecast for the foreseeable future so this is a temporary respite.  All water users in the state are encouraged to continue to conserve water use.

For more information:

Executive Order, including letter to water-right holders

Map of USGS gages in the Brazos River Basin

Chart of Brazos gages and streamflow levels