WACO, Texas (Telemundo Central Texas) – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller warns that the Lone Star State needs to start working on alternative options to save water as many growing cities are struggling to meet their needs. water.
Miller says recent droughts, population growth and over-irrigation are making it an increasingly difficult problem to get clean water in Texas.
“We have to collect rainwater and use it for manufacturing or irrigation, or we can clean it and drink it, we have to adopt reverse osmosis, desalination, learn how to clean brackish water,” Miller suggested.
In Central Texas, the Texas Farm Bureau says recent rains have allowed our cities to meet their needs, but that could change with future weather conditions.
Billy Howe, Associate Director of Government Affairs for the Texas Farm Bureau, says if Central Texas continues to grow, our reservoir and groundwater well systems may not be enough to sustain our cities in the future.
“If Texas continues to grow the way it is, if we don’t deal with it now, we’re going to be kicking the can down the road for future generations to have to deal with,” Howe said.
Howe recommends that new infrastructure be introduced to the area to take the strain off current systems.
“I think Central Texas would have to look at some of these alternatives, like San Antonio and other areas are doing, in terms of desalinating brackish groundwater or having a water reuse system, where instead of return the water to the Brazos River, it is returned to the water system after it is cleaned,” Howe explained.
To ensure the problem doesn’t get worse, Miller says all branches of government must commit to finding a solution.
“Local people can get involved with their legislators, their senators, their state representatives, make sure that it is a priority, that it is addressed. Hearings are being held on this matter right now. “It’s gaining momentum,” Miller said.
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