Statewide, 83 percent of Texas is suffering from drought and it is causing problems. [1] More than half of Texas Counties are under a burn ban due to the imminent threat of wildfires.[2] Crops are so dry the farmers are struggling to see any profit. The beef industry is taking a hit because of high feeding costs, closing plants and eliminating jobs.[3] In addition, the population is continuing to climb while water remains scarce.
By 2060 the population of Texas is expected to grow by 80 percent, that is more than 57 million people in need of water. If Texas does not meet the current water plan goals they will be short 8.3 million-acre feet of water.[4] Carlos Rubinstein, chairman of the Texas Water Development Board, believes water reuse is the answer. According to the plan one-third the water needed for the state will be met by conservation and reuse, “To me, that’s the cheapest water we can have because it’s water we already have.” [5]
[1] McDonough, Doug. Drought remains persistent despite. 6 07 2018. Web. 20 07 2018.
[2] NBCDFW. Excessive Heat, Drought Put More Than Half of Texas Counties Under Burn Ban. 18 07 2018. Web. 20 07 2018.
[3] FOX4News. Drought forcing ranchers to sell off cattle early at a loss. 23 07 2018. Web. 24 07 2018.
[4] Fannin, Blair. Consequences of the Texas drought continue to linger. 05 01 2015. Web. 20 07 2018.
[5] Fannin, Blair. Consequences of the Texas drought continue to linger. 05 01 2015. Web. 20 07 2018.
Photo Credit: Bob Nichols/U.S. Department of Agriculture via Flickr
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