AUSTIN — On Thursday, July 19, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, along with state and local leaders, will challenge Texans to step up their daily water conservation efforts by utilizing the Texas Water Smart program. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report shows Travis County is suffering from severe drought conditions, while much of Williamson County is under extreme drought conditions.

Recent rains may ease some immediate drought concerns, but as the state’s population continues to grow, conservation is key to ensuring Texans have sufficient water for decades to come.

Texas Water Smart is a public-private coalition that encourages households and businesses to adopt everyday habits to curb wasteful water usage. The state water plan dictates nearly 25 percent of our future water needs will be met through water conservation.

Last year, the worst one-year drought in Texas history depleted drinking water supplies and hurt businesses. Failure to conserve today’s water supply stands to increase water rates, jeopardize jobs and hurt future economic development.

The effects of last year’s historic drought continue to plague Texas residents and businesses. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 77 percent of the state is still suffering from some degree of drought and 96 percent of the state is considered abnormally dry. 

For more information about Texas Water Smart visit www.TexasWaterSmart.com.

WHEN:             Thursday, July 19, 2012       2:30 p.m.                     WHERE:                             Home Depot Garden Center       10515 North Mopac NB Expressway       Austin, Texas 78758                     WHO:             Hon. Todd Staples, Texas Agriculture Commissioner       Hon. Donna Howard, State Representative       Bryan Shaw, Chairman, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality