In drought, Texas does not have enough water

Warning from water board

David Crossley, Sep 29, 11.

With the worst one-year drought in recorded Texas history continuing and the state climatologist warning that dry conditions may drag on for years, says a story in Texas Climate News, this new warning from the Texas Water Development Board could hardly be more timely:

“In serious drought conditions, Texas does not and will not have enough water to meet the needs of its people, its businesses, and its agricultural enterprises.”

That’s an excerpt from a letter by Edward G. Vaughan, the TWDB chairman, introducing its 2012 State Water Plan. The document is the latest version of the water-supply blueprints that the agency produces every five years, incorporating 16 regional plans developed by groups in different parts of the state.

In outlining recommendations for avoiding a major water shortage by 2060, the new plan has a more detailed discussion of manmade climate change than the 2007 State Water Plan did, including advice for regional water planning groups on how to “address uncertainty and reduce risks” associated with its projected impacts. The Water Development Board drew criticism from some climate scientists for deciding not to factor climate change into its 2007 plan.

The draft 2012 plan warns that water demand driven by rising population is projected to outstrip supplies by a projected 8.3 million acre-feet of water by 2060 if the state doesn’t construct new supply projects or management strategies.

“Annual economic losses from not meeting water supply needs could result in a reduction in income of approximately $11.9 billion annually if current drought conditions approach the drought of record [a multi-year drought in the 1950s], and as much as $115.7 billion annually by 2060, with over a million lost jobs,” the plan warns. MORE

Note:
State Water Plan comment period open through October 25th
The Texas Water Development Board has posted the 2012 State Water Plan in draft form for public review and comment. This is your opportunity to provide input to the State of Texas about the future of our water resources. An email option makes it easy to send comments. Several public meetings will be held to gather input including October 3rd in San Antonio followed by a formal public hearing in Austin on October 17th. Learn more from TWDB. (Via Hill Country Alliance
)