The state’s water threats are varied, vast and growing. Aging pipes and wastewater systems afflict numerous communities, while others have faced crippling and prolonged drought. All the while, Texas has seen more and more demand as its population booms and energy-heavy facilities such as data centers have proliferated.
“The state is growing like crazy. Lots of people are moving here, but also lots of water-intensive businesses,” said Jennifer Walker, who focuses on water policy issues as senior director of the Texas coast and water program at the National Wildlife Federation. “How can we keep the doors open, but also keep the faucets flowing?”
The compromise that elected officials reached this spring, balancing the need for developing new water sources with upgrading and maintaining what already exists, makes sense for communities around the state, Walker said. “I’m really happy with where we ended up.”
