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By Wendy Dickerson, County Analyst |
Texas’ population is expected to almost double in the next 50 years, from nearly 21 million in 2000 to almost 40 million in 2050. As a result, the total demand for water is projected to increase 18 percent, from almost 17 million acre-feet per year (AFY) in 2000 to 20 million AFY in 2050. The present state of the two largest components of water demand, irrigation and municipal use, are displayed in detail in the maps below. Historically, agricultural uses have comprised the majority (greater than 50 percent) of water use in Texas. However, it is predicted that by 2030, agriculture will lose that distinction for the very first time. It is believed that irrigation source scarcities (mainly aquifer depletions) and the concurrent growth in urban and suburban areas will tip the tables, as municipal demand and other uses comprise an ever-larger portion of total water consumption.
For more in formation on water issues visit the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) at www.twdb.state.tx.us. Data for this article was found in the TWDB publication Water For Texas – 2002, the current State Water Plan. Map data was obtained from the TWDB’s Population and Water Demand Data page: www.twdb.state.tx.us/data/popwaterdemand/ popwaterdemand_toc.htm.
