Water has shaped Texas’s history, economy, and communities since the state’s founding, and today it remains one of the most critical issues facing its future. This session, Water & Water Policy in Texas: Past, Present, and Future, brings together experts to discuss how Texas’s natural water systems and management strategies are adapting to growing population and environmental pressures.
Dr. Lucas F. Gregory explores the current status of Texas’s water resources, analyzing their quality, quantity, and ability to meet statewide needs. His discussion highlights key areas where stress is emerging due to industrial expansion, regional growth, and shifting climate conditions.
Dr. T. Allen Berthold then turns to future strategies for securing Texas’s water supply, detailing the Texas Water Development Board’s long-term planning process and innovative solutions aimed at addressing water scarcity. These include expanded water reuse programs, desalination of brackish and seawater, aquifer storage and recovery projects, and enhanced conservation initiatives. Together, these approaches reflect the state’s efforts to ensure a sustainable and resilient water future.
Together, the presentations offer a comprehensive look at Texas’s evolving water story—from its resource foundation to the policies and technologies guiding its management for generations to come.
Session Chair: Dr. Giovanni Piccinni, Texas Water Resources Institute
