By Leslie Lee
When txH2O’s first issue landed in mailboxes in the summer of 2005, it showcased rainwater harvesting as a practice beginning to gain traction around the state, the Rio Grande Basin Initiative in its early stages and hosting its fourth conference and the U.S. Geological Survey and National Institutes for Water Resources recognizing the Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) as one of the nation’s top five water institutes.
Much has changed in Texas water research and education over the past decade, but some things haven’t. TWRI is still the official water institute for the state, and txH2O remains one of the few regularly printed magazines covering all things Texas water.
TWRI has published 25 issues of this flagship publication since Vol. 1, No. 1. The magazine has covered most every region and water issue in Texas, from desalination in El Paso to environmental flows into coastal bays, and from erosion and compost issues at Fort Hood to technology developed in Temple in Temple helping Ethiopian herdsmen.
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Known for its in-depth science reporting, txH2O has continually sought to help Texans understand complicated Texas water issues. The magazine’s content has tackled the state’s evolving water quality standards, important computer models in Texas water management, hydraulic fracturing water use and groundwater administration.
“We take pride in taking on complex Texas water research and translating it into stories that the public can understand and enjoy,” said Kathy Wythe, TWRI communications manager and txH2O managing editor. Wythe has served as an editor of the magazine since 2006. TWRI staffers Danielle Kalisek and Leslie Lee have written for the magazine since 2005 and 2009, respectively.
txH2O has also taught readers how to maintain efficient landscape irrigation systems, calculate water footprints, protect private well-water quality and conserve water at home. Big names in Texas water have filled the pages of the magazine, including rainwater harvesting expert Billy Kniffen and former Texas Water Development Board Chairman Carlos Rubinstein.
“The magazine is just one way TWRI fulfills our mission of providing Texas water education and outreach,” said Dr. Kevin Wagner, TWRI associate director. “We look forward to publishing txH2O for many years to come and covering all of the exciting strides sure to be made in Texas water research in the future.”
