Dr. Pat Leahy to keynote Texas Groundwater conference
SAN MARCOS – Dr. Pat Leahy, Associate Director for Geology, U.S. Geological Survey, and President, American Institute of Hydrology, will be the keynote speaker at Texas Groundwater 2004 at the Texas State Capitol Extension in Austin Nov. 18-19.
Sponsored by the International Institute for Sustainable Water Resources and the Edwards Aquifer Research and Data Center are sponsoring this two-day conference featuring panel discussions with key state leaders who will provide forecasts and opinions on the direction of new groundwater policy. With ever-growing demands for freshwater in Texas, groundwater supplies are essential for meeting freshwater interests and needs. Concern for the future of Texas’ groundwater resources has spurred the interest of senior legislators and statewide elected officials who are now considering significant changes in groundwater law. Now is the time for cooperative development of groundwater research, management tools, groundwater policy, and economic structures for the sustainable management of Texas’ vital groundwater resources.
During the conference, more than 75 presenters will address issues such as:
- Aquifer science and policy issues as applied to Texas aquifers
- Groundwater technology including aquifer tests and groundwater modeling
- Policy issues such as the status of Texas aquifers, Rule of Capture, groundwater markets, and competing agricultural and urban demands
Additional conference activities include continuing education courses in groundwater management technology and tools; exhibits and current information related to groundwater issues presented by representatives from governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations and professional engineering/scientific companies; student poster exhibits and awards; guests day-out programs around Austin; and an evening banquet and entertainment at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
For more information, call (512) 245-9200 or visit the web site at www.txstate.edu/iiswr.