The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has released a draft of the 2027 State Water Plan, projecting a significant increase in costs to prevent a future water crisis. The plan, which outlines strategies to address a potential ‘drought of record,’ now estimates a $174 billion investment, more than double the $80 billion projected in the 2022 plan.
Local Implementation and Funding
The plan’s release follows the approval of Proposition 4 by Texas voters, a $20 billion state investment in water infrastructure. While state lawmakers can approve funding, local sponsors are tasked with implementing the proposed projects. Temple McKinnon, TWDB’s water supply planning director, emphasized the local responsibility in preparing communities for future droughts.
The draft plan includes 3,000 water management projects and 6,700 strategies aimed at increasing water supplies. These efforts are expected to provide an additional 2.7 million acre-feet of water per year by 2030. Strategies focus on conservation and developing new water sources, including aquifers, recycled water, and seawater desalination.
Challenges and Future Projections
Texas’ population is projected to grow from 31.7 million today to over 52 million by 2080, increasing water demand by 6% while existing supplies decline by 10%. The plan warns that without implementation, one in four Texans could face severe water shortages during future droughts.
The cost increase reflects inflation, a backlog of projects, and extended planning to 2080. Cyrus Reed of the Lone Star Sierra Club highlighted the need for discussions on funding these projects in the next legislative session. The initial draft does not specify the state’s share of the costs, leaving some burden on local ratepayers.
Public Participation
Texans have the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft plan until May 29, with a public hearing scheduled for May 27. The TWDB aims to adopt a more comprehensive version of the plan by summer, with finalization required by early January.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Plano — read the source article.
