The most important protections for the water quality of Lake Travis are embodied in a set of TCEQ regulations known popularly as the "Highland Lakes Discharge Ban". This ban on discharges of treated sewage effluent for new or amended permits is the main reason we are able to help PROTECT Lake Travis, instead of having to focus on trying to restore an impaired water body. As Jan Yenawine, former mayor of Volente pointed out, folks back east are having to try to clean up the messes they have made of their rivers and lakes; we need to work hard to never let that happen in the first place.

 Leander and Granite Shoals made an attempt last year to have the protections of the Highland Lakes Discharge Ban lifted so they could save money by dumping their effluent into our lakes instead of disposing of it safely through land-based irrigation or other beneficial reuse. The TCEQ denied their request, but allusions were made that the matter might be revisited after the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards were adopted this year. While nothing in the newly adopted standards would make the discharge of effluent into our Highland Lakes any more safe or desirable, we expect another attempt by Leander and perhaps others to lift or circumvent the current protections. They may approach it through special legislation or by attempting a modification of the current regulations.

In the meantime, we continue to learn about more and more problems with "treated" wastewater and reasons to keep it out of our lakes, rivers and streams.

We must remain vigilant. Help protect Lake Travis.