SAVE OUR LAKES FROM THE WATER POACHERS

 

I reside in far west Bexar County, just a mile from Medina County. Less than 10 miles away is Medina Lake nestled in the Texas Hill Country. In a bygone era, Medina Lake offered opportunities for swimming and fishing. You could also launch your boat from the many boat launchers from the shores. Many people would go to their weekend cabins while others lived at the lake all year round.

Today that lake is gone. Now you can walk across what was once known as Medina Lake to what is more commonly known as Medina Quarry.  So how did this happen?  And now it’s not just Medina Lake but also Canyon Lake and Lake Travis in the Austin area.

First, I want to start off by giving the “official” explanation.

“Lakes in Texas are drying up primarily due to prolonged droughts and increased water consumption.

1.      Climate Change: Rising temperatures lead to increased evaporation rates and reduced rainfall.

2.      Human Consumption: Growing populations and agricultural demands put significant pressure on water resources.

3.      Sedimentation: Accumulation of sediments in reservoirs reduces their capacity to hold water.

4.      Aquifer Depletion: Over-extraction of groundwater lowers water levels in connected lakes and rivers.

These factors combined have led to record-low water levels in many Texas lakes. It’s a complex issue that requires sustainable water management and conservation efforts.”

Now on a more personal level I had wanted to purchase a boat. So, the depleted water levels were very concerning to me. My number one choice would me Medina Lake which is only 10 miles away from me just outside of San Antonio. So, in May of 2024, I visited Medina Lake. I was shocked to see only puddles instead of a lake. I drove to a place that boaters use to launch their boats. Obviously, it was closed. The owner of that boat ramp came over. We chatted and she told me the area is in a severe drought. Knowing that I would be running for governor, I decided to learn more about why that lake is dry. Living in south Texas for many years I’ve seen many droughts. But this one was different. The trees and the underling foliage were not in distress. Just a few miles away I saw a pond that was full. How can that be? Now I’ve enjoyed kayaking in Boerne Lake. That small reservoir provided water for the residents of Boerne.  That lake was full, and it was only 25 miles from Medina Lake. I became suspicious.

I headed north towards Canyon Lake. On the way over I saw a nice little pond that was full. When I arrived at the Canyon Lake Dam, I was dismayed. I can remember the fun times of renting a boat at the Fort Sam Houston side of the lake. In the worst of times the water level was never that low. I went to go eat lunch at the north side of the lake. I sat down overlooking the marina. At the time there was a crew working to move the marina further out in the shrinking lake.

I wasn’t buying the story (lies) about why the lakes were drying up.

Things were not adding up. I’ve seen over the years several severe droughts – this wasn’t one of them. When you see small ponds that were full but a large lake like Canyon Lake being devoid of water. Impossible!!  A more sinister plot was unfolding. Travis Lake up near Austin was also drying up. It most definitely was not Climate Change.

In January of 2025, I visited a lake just 20 miles south of San Antonio called Victor Braunig Lake. That lake is owned and controlled by CPS Energy. That lake is full. So, the reason that lakes in Texas are drying up is because of human factors. I came across one website where people were discussing about a firm taking water for water bottles. Now where that water ended up being sent is unknown. It could be local or sent overseas to China. Should I get elected Governor I would call for a full state investigation and if there are laws being broken then the perpetrators will face justice.