Navigating Water Challenges: Sustainable Solutions for Texas’ Growing Mega-Metro

By: Kaitie Moore Underwood | REALTOR®, Blue Collar Commercial Group

In the midst of a water-scarce landscape in Texas’ Austin-San Antonio corridor, the impending water crisis looms large. With the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers hitting record low levels, the challenge of ensuring water supply for the expanding region is undeniable. As the population is set to swell from 5 million to 6-7 million by 2030, responsible water management becomes critical.

To address these concerns, The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has been planning for water sustainability. The state has been divided into 16 regions for water planning, with each region considering factors such as climate, population growth, and environmental conditions. While this planning process is robust, the mega-metro’s sheer size and the intricacies of Texas politics pose challenges.

The 2022 State Water Plan highlights that while Texas’ cities like Austin and San Antonio have 100-year water plans, the overall water supply is projected to decrease by 18% by 2070. The Trinity and Edwards Aquifers’ depleting levels exacerbate the situation. Proposed solutions range from water conservation to constructing desalination plants, but only a few regions have devised comprehensive plans, leaving the mega-metro largely unaddressed.

The implications of inadequate planning are substantial. Notably, 90% of Texans could face at least a 10% water shortage by 2070, with 25% experiencing a 50% shortage. Economic losses could amount to $153 billion, coupled with a potential 1.4 million job losses.

The Texas Legislature recently allocated $1 billion to address water supply and infrastructure concerns, but the political and financial challenges remain significant. Texas’ decentralized approach to water management contrasts with other successful models like the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, which emphasizes regional collaboration.

Meanwhile, New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) and partners are leading the way with their “One Water New Braunfels” initiative. This collaboration aims to integrate water management across agencies and sectors to ensure a sustainable water future. By focusing on holistic planning, environmental benefits, community engagement, and resource protection, NBU seeks to secure water resources for generations to come. I myself am eager to attend a Hill Country Alliance Leadership Summit (click for more details) in September where I hope to learn more about One Water amongst other of our region’s top community leaders, conservation practitioners, and natural resource managers.

While Texas grapples with an uncertain water future, the efforts of responsible development, collaborative planning, and sustainable practices like those pursued by NBU can play a pivotal role in shaping a more secure and water-conscious landscape for the mega-metro and beyond.

Let us join hands in protecting the intrinsic allure of our region and the invaluable water reservoirs that characterize it. By striving for an equilibrium between progress and preservation, we can ensure that the magnificence of the Texas Hill Country remains intact for future generations. If you’re interested in delving deeper and participating in the conservation initiatives and responsible development of our community, we invite you to explore the provided links for further information:

• Comal County Conservation Alliance: https://www.comalconservation.org/
• Native Plant Society of Comal: https://npsot.org/chapters/new-braunfels/
• Friends of Dry Comal Creek: https://www.facebook.com/Stop3009VulcanQuarry/
• Native Plant Society of Texas- New Braunfels: https://npsot.org/chapters/new-braunfels/
• Preserve Lake Dunlop Association: https://www.plda.org/
• Preserve Our Hill Country Environment: https://www.preserveourhillcountry.org/
• Texas Cave Management Association: https://www.tcmacaves.org/
• & collaborators, League of Women Voters of the Comal Area: https://www.lwvcomal.org/

(Sources: My San Antonio Journalist Chris O’Connell; Community Impact Journalist Sierra Rozen; Annalisa Peace of Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance)