Texas Water Board Approves $53 Billion Plan

A state board has approved a new plan to keep Texas supplied with water, amidst the worst drought in Texas history.

The Texas Water Development Board Thursday passed the newest installment of a report released every five years, which holds that the water needs of the state may increase sharply, estimating a possible 82 percent population increase for the Lone Star State by the year 2060.

With that population estimate, it is expected that water demand will increase by 22 percent, while the water supply drops 10 percent.

The Board estimates that if these future water needs are not met, the yearly cost to the state could be $11.9 billion, and over $115 billion per year by 2060.

The plan, according to the Houston Chronicle, includes the state adding 26 major reservoirs, leading to a total cost of $53 billion for implementation.

Texas legislators will consider the plan in their next session.