Texas has always known severe weather. In fact, water officials in Texas correctly point out that Texas is in constant drought interrupted by infrequent flood events. The "Texas Miracle" of rapid population and economic growth have made the state more susceptible than ever to adverse effects and economic losses due to water shortages. The end of the recent historic four-year drought, with 2011 being recorded as the driest year of record, resulted in several regional planning areas having to adjust their planning water supply availability. Texas continues to rely on surface water that in some basins is overallocated and highly susceptible to drought and by mining groundwater sources in most areas of the state beyond recharge capabilities.
The 2017 State Water Plan predicts that Texas will require an additional 8.9 million acre-feet per year, or about 7,940 million gallons per day, of water supply by 2070. Therefore, the plan predicts that more than one third of the state’s population may face a municipal water shortage of more than 50 percent of their projected demand by 2070. As a result, state officials are envisioning plans for greater use of alternative water supplies like aquifer storage and recovery, seawater desalination, increased reuse of wastewater and desalination of abundant inland brackish water supplies.
Additionally, local utilities face increasing operating and maintenance costs and need to update and increase capacity of existing potable water and wastewater treatment plants.
Poseidon Water specializes in assisting local and regional entities in identifying, developing and implementing needed improvements and new sources of water supply critical to maintaining Texas' vibrant economy.
Additionally, local utilities face increasing operating and maintenance costs and need to update and increase capacity of existing potable water and wastewater treatment plants.
Poseidon Water specializes in assisting local and regional entities in identifying, developing and implementing needed improvements and new sources of water supply critical to maintaining Texas' vibrant economy.
Quick Facts
- Texas’ population is expected to increase more than 70 percent between 2020 and 2070, from 29.5 million to 51 million, with over half of this growth occurring in Regions C and H. Water demands are projected to increase less significantly, by approximately 17 percent between 2020 and 2070, from 18.4 million to 21.6 million acre-feet per year.
- Over ninety-five percent of the state experienced severe or exceptional drought during the "La Niña" weather pattern of the early 2010s. In recent decades, over a third of Texas routinely experiences moderate drought conditions.
- Texas’ existing water supplies—those that can already be relied on in the event of drought—are expected to decline by approximately 11 percent between 2020 and 2070, from 15.2 million to 13.6 million acre-feet per year.
- The estimated capital cost to design, construct, and implement the approximately 2,500 recommended water management strategy projects in the 2017 state water plan by 2070 is $63 billion.
- If Texas does not implement the state water plan, estimated annual economic losses resulting from water shortages would range from approximately $73 billion in 2020 to $151 billion in 2070.
Texas, Like Most All Other Western States, Offers Unique Water Opportunities
Poseidon is actively pursuing business development opportunities in Texas. For more information, please contact us.