Texas Updates its State Water Plan to Address Severe Drought

The new 2012 Texas State Water Plan has now been published. The primary message of this year’s plan is simple: “In serious drought conditions, Texas does not and will not have enough water to meet the needs of its people, its businesses, and its agricultural enterprises.” This plan presents information regarding recommended conservation and other water management strategies that would be necessary to meet the state’s needs in drought conditions, as well as the cost of these actions, along with the estimated amounts of state financial assistance that would be required to implement them. The plan also presents the sobering news of the economic losses likely to occur if these water supply needs cannot be met. As the state continues to experience rapid growth and declining water supplies, implementation of the plan is crucial to ensure public health, safety, and welfare, as well as economic development in the state.

To view the plan, visit: www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/state_water_plan/2012/2012_SWP.pdf.