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Key Shortcomings of the State Water Plan
Lack of Water Conservation
- The Plan largely neglects pro-active water conservation as a means to reduce future demands on our water resources. Much of our water use now is wasteful; we can't afford to continue down that path.
Too Little Water for Fish & Wildlife
- The Plan largely fails to address water for fish and wildlife, which are integral to our Texas heritage and economy.
- The Plan ignores the fact that many rivers and streams could stop flowing if all water withdrawals were exercised.
- The Plan fails to guarantee freshwater inflows to sustain the productivity of our bays and estuaries.
Inflated Demands
- For many cities, the Plan calculates future water demand using outdated methods. Some cities are already using water more efficiently now than the plan says they'll do in 30 years.
- The Plan offers no realistic strategy for reducing water demands during a drought. Instead it assumes that peak human demands, like lawn watering, must be met during the worst drought, even if no water is left for fish and wildlife.
Unsustainable Resource Management
- The Plan allows for the eventual depletion of many large aquifers in the State.
- The Plan includes projects that would reduce spring flows, which provide summer flows to many rivers and streams. Loss of spring flows could threaten wetlands and wildlife.
Incomplete Economic Analysis
- The Plan doesn't rank projects across the state to see which ones make the most sense.
- The Plan doesn't even consider whether project costs exceed their benefits.
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Concerned About Water?
To find out how you can get involved in water issues in your area, email or call us toll-free at 1-800-919-9151.
Add your organization or local government to the growing list of those endorsing the Principles for Protecting Texas' Water Resources
 Find Out More
Take a look at the State Water Plan on the TWDB State Water Plan website.
Find Out More
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