The old saying that “whiskey’s for drinking and water’s for fighting,” still bodes true as the state’s growth places unprecedented demand on Texas’ water resources. And though these fights may be more civilized than they once were, they are no less controversial. As the “Texas Miracle” continues, the state’s population boom brings nearly 1,300 people to the Lone Star State each day.
And none are bringing water with them.
In addition to population growth, aging infrastructure worsens the state’s water woes. In rural Texas, more than half of the water lines are more than 40 years old and beyond their useful life, according to a survey from the Texas Rural Water Association. Urban systems are equally aging and in need of upgrades. Since 2008, boil water notices have more than tripled across the state. The American Society of Civil Engineers rated the state’s water, wastewater, and flood infrastructure in 2021, giving it a C- at best.