Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will be continuing with his Good for Texas Tour across the state, according to a September 15 press release. On the 15th, the comptroller stopped by San Antonio Water System’s H2Oaks Center. The press release shares that this center holds the largest aquifer storage and recovery system in Texas, and the second largest groundwater desalination plant in the state.
The Good for Texas Tour was designed to focus on water management infrastructure in the state, and the importance of making investments in water.
During the tour, Hegar will showcase the results of a report from his office, which looks at water management and how it could impact future generations, according to the press release. While at important water facilities in the state, the comptroller will touch on topics such as aquifers, groundwater, water reuse, desalination, and more.
“Water planning and management in Texas are necessary to prepare for future weather events that affect water resources and to ensure enough water is available for future generations of families and businesses,” Hegar said in the press release. “The San Antonio Water System’s H2Oaks Center produces water from three different sources out of one location to deliver drinking water to its 2 million customers. It is one of the crucial facilities that will help the state implement successful water management strategies to meet the growing demand for this precious natural resource.”
Hegar also serves on the board of advisors for the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas.
Implementing new water infrastructure in Texas could cost $80 billion over 50 years, according to the Texas Water Development Board. Of that funding, an expected $47 billion would be received through state financing programs.
The Texas Water Development Board shared that while water demand in Texas is expected to increase around 9% in the next 50 years, water supplies are expected to decrease by around 18%.
When it comes to supplying water to Texas, the comptroller’s press release states that aquifers are vital and around 55% of Texas water used in 2019 came from these sources. Across the state, there are nine major aquifers and 22 minor ones.
Desalination is also used to create the Texas water supply, but according to the press release it makes up a small percentage. There are 53 desalination facilities in the state, and together they can supply 157 million gallons of water a day.
Hegar shared that water also plays an important role in the state’s economy.
“The future of water in Texas is the future of the Texas economy,” he said. “Whether in times of drought or flood, responsible water management ensures Texans see water as a resource — not a crisis. Texans around the state are employing innovative strategies to turn our water challenges into opportunities. And that’s good for Texas.”
On September 20 the Good for Texas Tour will take Hegar to the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District. On September 27 he will be in the North Texas Municipal Water District, and on October 3 he will be in the Lower Neches Valley Authority.
Hegar will be in the Edwards Aquifer Authority on October 11. The tour ends on October 20 at the Harris County Flood Control District.
