Texas Water Rights Endangered by Inefficient Water Use

The population of Texas is expected to double in size in the next 50 years. At the same time, nobody’s predicting a doubling of water resources to meet those needs.

What to do? Texas water law says landowners have complete access to water beneath their land. Public need will force the question on how that access will be restricted. Will it take the form of usage limits? Will the Texas water rights of individuals be compromised?

Mike Barnett, Publications Director for Texas Farm Bureau, tackles these difficult questions, and others, in a recent Texas Agriculture Talks blog post.

While he says he hears acknowledgement that Texans are in this water dilemma together, he also hears the resentment when cities like Dallas aspire to quench their unending thirst upon the backs of rural areas.

In the end, it will take a stepped up commitment from rural and urban communities alike. “No matter what the future holds, water remains a finite resource,” Barnett says. “It’s much cheaper to make better use of what we’ve got than to find new sources.”

Read Barnett’s blog post to learn more about Texas water rights by visiting the Texas Ag Talks blog at http://www.txfb.org/TxAgTalks.

About Texas Farm Bureau:

The Texas Farm Bureau is committed to improving the lives of America’s farmers through advocacy, education and awareness. It is our goal to tell not only members, but the general public, about TFB’s mission and commitment to providing a voice for farmers, ranchers, rural citizens and everyone interested in preserving and protecting this way of life. Learn more about the Texas Farm Bureau on the Web:

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Contact Information

Mike Barnett

Publications Director

Texas Farm Bureau

Contact via E-mail