By State Rep. Raul Torres
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Nueces County and the state of Texas is suffering through its worst single-year drought on record. The lack of rain has a negative impact on our states lake levels rivers as well as negatively affecting businesses and agricultural production in our state.
If it doesnt rain in moderate amounts soon ... many cities may be forced to implement some form of water restrictions as we approach the summer months. Already some small communities are having to haul in their water by truck.
To examine the effects of the severe 2011 drought in Texas and to discuss the Texas Water Development Boards estimates of what will be needed to ensure adequate water supplies in the future Texas Comptroller Susan Combs released a report this week titled
The Impact of the 2011 Drought and Beyond.
The current drought is the worst single-year Texas drought since recordkeeping. Estimates by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service put Texas agricultural losses for the year at $5.2 billion. A December economic analysis by BBVA Compass Bank found that indirect drought losses to the State agricultural industries could add another $3.5 billion to the toll.
The Texas Water Development Boards 2012 State Water Plan predicts water demand in Texas will rise by 22 percent by 2060 and estimates that if Texas does not plan ahead a drought as bad as that of the 1950s could cost Texans $116 billion a year by 2060 and could cause the potential loss of more than one million jobs. However planning ahead comes with a big price tag. Building new reservoirs and wastewater treatment plants and other water infrastructure is projected to cost $53 billion. Where will that money come from?
How bad is the situation? The report states
In serious drought conditions Texas does not and will not have enough water to meet the needs of its people and its businesses and its agricultural enterprises.
Currently 13 communities across Texas including the Austin suburbs Leander and Cedar Park as well as Groesbeck are on the
Texas Commission on Environmental Qualitys high priority water list which covers cities and towns that may either run out of water within six months if nothing changes (like rainfall or a new pipeline connection).
In order to address our States future needs Comptroller Combs contacted water planners in cities in New Mexico and Arizona who have struggled with water issues since the 1980s and 1990s. Their strategies range from diversifying water portfolios to draw water from different sources to providing rebates for landscaping with native drought-tolerant plants.
This water report provides useful information as we look for broad range solutions to water issues. To view the report please visit
http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/drought/
Due to the serious nature of this problem the issue of water supply will be one of the top three issues that will have to be addressed by the 83
rd Texas Legislature that begins next January.
If you have any questions or concerns about this issue or any other topic our office is always ready to assist you. Lets Move Texas Forward!
