Texas heat: ERCOT issues Weather Watch for Aug. 23-27
ERCOT says it set a new all-time weekend peak demand record of 85,116 MW on Sunday, Aug. 20.
Toxic algae detected in Lake LBJ and Inks Lake
The Lower Colorado River Authority has detected toxic algae at levels that could pose a danger to dogs and people recreating in Lake LBJ and Inks Lake.
ERCOT issues Voluntary Conservation notice Aug. 17
ERCOT says it is not experiencing emergency conditions at this time.
Austin enters stage 2 of Drought Contingency Plan
According to Austin Water, the stage two restrictions prohibit water waste, charity car washes, and the use of large fountains.
City of Lockhart encouraging water conservation ahead of Stage 2 restrictions
The city is asking the community to conserve water by strictly following the odd/even outdoor watering schedule, fixing leaks and practicing other water conservation methods.
Colorado River cuts: Western states will not lose as much water in 2024
The U.S. government in 2021 announced cuts that hit Arizona particularly hard. Last year, those cuts grew more severe thanks to continued drought, poor precipitation and less runoff from the river’s Rocky Mountains source.
Cedar Park enacts stricter water conservation measures with Stage 3
Stage 3 conservation efforts went in effect August 14, but enforcement will not begin until Sept. 4, says the City.
Plans to fight climate change with trees hampered by seedling shortage, study says
This shortage is occurring as government and private funding is being invested in planting trees to cool cities, reduce air pollution and protect water.
Inner Space Caverns celebrates 60 years since its discovery
Inner Space Caverns reached a milestone this year. It was discovered 60 years ago in Georgetown.
Antarctica gets ‘taste of summer’ as watermelons bloom in coldest place on Earth
August is the coldest winter month at the arctic station Vostok, when temperatures average nearly 92 degrees below zero.
Incandescent light bulb ban goes into effect this month: Here's what you need to know
A nationwide ban on incandescent light bulbs goes into effect on Aug. 1, 2023, which means if they’re made or sold by a retailer, that business could be fined up to $542 per bulb.
3M 'forever chemicals' contamination: Ellison, 21 other attorneys general oppose settlement
Twenty-two attorneys general urged a federal court Wednesday to reject a proposed $10.3 billion settlement over contamination of U.S. public drinking water systems with potentially dangerous chemicals, saying it lets manufacturer 3M Co. off too easily.
State official doesn't believe Tokitae will be back home in Puget Sound this year
The push to return Tokitae, a captive orca, to the Pacific Northwest is gaining momentum – but roadblocks loom. The man bankrolling her transport teased a date of as early as Thanksgiving, but state officials don't see that happening until 2024 or 2025.
Austinites can adopt goat so herd can continue cleaning up poison ivy along Lady Bird Lake
In an effort to keep the program going, the nonprofit has given residents the opportunity to adopt a goat for $20 per month or $240 for the year.
July on track to be Earth's hottest month on record
Another month of record-breaking heat has brought the world into uncharted territory, scientists say.
House Republicans propose planting a trillion trees as way to address climate change
The GOP is no longer denying that global warming exists, yet is searching for a response to sweltering summers, weather disasters and rising sea levels.
Pipe break prompts Stage 6 water restrictions in Blanco
With only 24 hours of water left, Blanco Mayor Mike Arnold enforced Stage 6 restrictions on Friday, July 14.
New county park to open in Liberty Hill July 22
River Ranch County Park will open to the public on July 22-23 with special events, food trucks and vendors to celebrate opening weekend.
City of Blanco in Stage 6 water restrictions
A pipe break caused water supply to the City of Blanco to stop on Friday, triggering Stage 6 water restrictions.
Austin ISD receives $15M grant to install solar panels on 16 campuses
The U.S. Department of Energy awarded Austin ISD a $15 million grant for solar panels to be installed in 16 campuses. Austin ISD is the only school district in the state to receive this grant.