Sarah Schlessinger, CEO of the Texas Water Foundation, recently delivered a compelling keynote at the Deep South Texas State of Water Symposium in Pharr, Texas. The symposium, led by State Representative Terry Canales and State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to address the pressing water challenges facing the Rio Grande Valley. With issues such as population growth, extreme weather events, and complex international water agreements on the rise, the symposium aimed to foster actionable solutions to ensure a sustainable water future for the region.
Schlessinger’s keynote emphasized the importance of diversifying water sources as a critical strategy to secure the region’s future. She highlighted the need for water security independent of international treaties and natural disasters, stating, “Texas does not run on oil and gas; it runs on water, and that includes the economy.” This statement challenged the common misconception that Texas’s economy is solely reliant on oil and gas, underscoring the vital role that water plays in sustaining the state’s economic prosperity.
One of the key challenges discussed by Schlessinger was the reliance on traditional water sources and the risks associated with this dependency. She drew a parallel between financial investment strategies and water management, stressing the need for a diversified approach to water sourcing. Schlessinger pointed out that Texans primarily rely on public utilities for their water supply, which predominantly utilize groundwater and surface water rights. However, she emphasized the importance of expanding this mix to include strategies such as desalination, water reuse, and conservation to enhance water security.
Schlessinger also highlighted the projected future water supply sources, with more than half expected to come from conservation, reuse, and efficiency measures. She urged attendees to consider the long-term implications of water management decisions, emphasizing the pivotal role that efficiency and conservation will play in meeting the state’s future water needs. This proactive approach to water management is essential in addressing the increasing water risk that Texas faces, particularly in light of rapid population growth and changing demographics.
In addition to advocating for diversified water sourcing and conservation efforts, Schlessinger stressed the importance of community engagement and education in water stewardship. She emphasized the need for collective action in both policy and practice to address the challenges head-on and build a sustainable future for Texas. The symposium served as a vital platform for discussing critical water issues and galvanizing action towards sustainable and diversified water management strategies.
As Texas continues to experience rapid growth and evolving demographics, the urgency for comprehensive water management strategies has never been more pressing. Schlessinger’s message resonated with a sense of urgency and hope, highlighting the need for innovation, investment, and a commitment to a diversified water strategy to ensure that Texas thrives in the face of increasing water challenges. The symposium provided a strategic roadmap for addressing these challenges and emphasized the importance of proactive and sustainable water management practices for the future of the Rio Grande Valley and Texas as a whole.