Abstract
Water scarcity in Texas is caused by limited access to water, population growth, economic development, and climate change. These factors challenge the state’s ability to manage water effectively in the long term. This study looks at the availability of surface and groundwater in Texas, both in the past and looking ahead, using the concept of water footprints for cities and agriculture. We used a water balance model from the US Geological Survey to measure how much surface and groundwater will be available under two climate change scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). We also calculated future water usage in agriculture and cities based on Texas’ 2022 water plan. The results show that East Texas and the Upper Coast will face the biggest reductions in surface water availability. In western parts of Texas, especially in the High Plains and Trans-Pecos regions, decreasing groundwater levels will cause significant water shortages for farming. In the Lower Valley, the shortage of surface water for agriculture could exceed 100%, while the High Plains and Trans-Pecos regions will face even more groundwater scarcity. For cities, some areas will see more than 100% water scarcity. This analysis considers both future water supply changes and water demands, points out the areas where farming and urban water needs overlap, and suggests a need for further economic analysis.
Presenters
Ali FaresRegents and Endowed Professor in Water Security and Water Energy Food Nexus, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Prairie View A&M University, Texas, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Sustainable Development for a Dynamic Planet: Lessons, Priorities, and Solutions
KEYWORDS
Water scarcity, Blue Green Water, Climate change, Municipal
