Water is crucial for all life. Global organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) note that access to clean, reliable water is becoming scarcer worldwide. Over the past 100 years, water use has increased sixfold, mainly due to agriculture, which consumes 70 percent of freshwater. Growing populations and expanding communities further stretch water supplies.

Climate change worsens water challenges. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports less predictable weather, with some areas experiencing droughts and others experiencing floods. Shrinking glaciers threaten rivers and lakes. At the same time, many cities, especially in developing countries, face issues with aging water systems and rapid population growth.

Water Challenges in the United States

While the U.S. has more reliable water than many nations, it still faces major issues. The United States Geological Survey and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report recurring droughts, especially in the West and Southwest. The Colorado River, which supplies water to 40 million people, is under extreme stress from climate change and high demand.  According to the EPA, Americans use an average of 82 gallons of water daily at home, while household leaks waste nearly 900 billion gallons annually.

Water quality can be challenging in certain part of the U.S., too. The EPA reports pollution from farm chemicals, industrial waste, and aging infrastructure. Old or damaged pipes cause water issues for some communities. The WHO and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund Joint Monitoring Program for water supply, sanitation and hygiene notes that even wealthy countries can struggle to provide safe water at times.  This reinforces the importance of having and maintaining water quality standards, playing a critical role in ensuring water in the U.S., as well as the states, is safe for all.

Water conservation plays a vital role in supporting growing populations, helping manage demand and supply, protecting the environment, reducing costs to consumers overall.  Even small things like fixing faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems can make a significant impact in reducing consumption, demand on water infrastructure and utility costs.

Water Planning in Texas

Texas faces major challenges due to its size, climate, and fast growth. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) expects rapid population growth, especially in Dallas–Fort Worth and North Texas, one of the fastest-growing U.S. regions. This rapid expansion drives a much faster increase in water demand than elsewhere.

Texas often faces drought. High temperatures and long dry spells stress lakes, rivers, and groundwater. Some areas rely heavily on aquifers that are being depleted faster than they can recharge. Meanwhile, stronger storms and floods create a cycle of too much or too little water.

According to the TWBD State Water Plan, Texas’s population growth will cause municipal water demand to exceed agricultural use by 2060, increasing 63 percent by 2070. To address these issues, Texas is investing in long-term plans, including building reservoirs, promoting conservation, upgrading aging infrastructure, and expanding water reuse. These efforts aim to ensure that growing areas like North Texas will have enough water in the future.

Want to help secure our water future? Take action and learn tips on how to save water and money, click Water Conservation