Water Problems in Texas

1966 Words4 Pages

Texas, with its abundances of natural resources, is facing a new demon, one that doesn’t even seem possible, a shortage of water. Water, without it nothing can survive. Texas is the second largest state for landmass in the nation and ninth for water square miles. Within the borders of Texas are more than 100 lakes, 14 major rivers, and 23 aquifers, so why has water become such an important issue for the state? Politicians and conservationists all agree that without a new working water plan, the state could be facing one of the most damaging environmental disasters they have ever seen. The issues that shape the states positions are population growth, current drought conditions, and who actually owns the water.

Texas the second largest state in the nation has seen a boom in its population over the past decade, which presents both challenges and opportunities for state politicians, such as creating and modifying the state’s current water plan. Texas’ population growth was only second behind California with an increase of 4.3 million people between 2000 and 2010. (Tannahill) The increase in the state’s population growth rate is due to both a natural population increase, whereby live births exceed deaths, and immigration. Compared to the rest of the nation Texas has one of the lowest cost of living expenses in the nation, making it an affordable and attractive option for immigrants from all over the world. Although, most people would see the lower cost of living as a valuable resource, it also has a draw back. Texas which shares a border with Mexico has the largest Stretch of Border between the United States and Mexico. The United States and Mexico border is more 1,900 miles long, in which Texas has more than 1,254 miles...

... middle of paper ...

...state politicians need to wake up and smell the dry aired air, and begin to work together for new laws that apply to the supply and demand of today, not yesterday.

Works Cited

Hembreee, Brandon. "Southwest Could See Continuation of Drought." Southwest Farm Press 40.3 17 January 2013: 1-7. Web.

Kaiser, Ronald. "Who Owns the Water?" 30 July 2005. tamu.edu. Web. 10 March 2014.

Raymond, Alan. The Weather Channel. 6 March 2014. Web. 14 March 2014.

Rew, Kate. "Who Owns Texan Water." 2003. Academic Search Complete. Web. 10 March 2014.

Tannahill, Neal. "The People, Economy, and Political Culture of Texas." Texas Government: Policy and Politics. Pearson Education, Inc, 2013. 18-20. Print.

Texas Almanac- Rivers. n.d. web. 18 March 2014. .

"Texas water law." 2014. Texas Water.tamu.edu. Web. 10 March 2014.

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