Texas Water Crisis: $250B Needed, Communities Struggle

0:00Texas faces a massive water crunch with the water development board estimating $174 billion needed over the next 50 years just for supply projects. That's more than double the 2022 state plan, and when you add $90 billion for fixing old systems and $54 billion for flood, protection, we're talking over a quarter trillion total. A big backlog of stall projects is driving up costs, and some say it could climb even higher to tackle shortages fully. Those spots like those near Lake Corpus Christi are hurting bad, with a lake sitting at 92% below capacity from ongoing drought. Communities are scrambling on their own dime. Take Beavle. In emergency shortage mode, they drop $35 million on extra water. The state didn't cover, leading to five to six percent rate hikes over three years. Mayor Pro Tem Beni Ponce says accessing state funds is a two-year grind, not quick cash. Meanwhile, nearby Alice's holding steady, thanks to a second well-coming online next

1:01month, tapping a deep aquifer, planned a decade back. City manager Michael Asparza credits long-term prep for uninterrupted supply without messing with neighbors. Lawmakers got a prioritize from 5,800 project ideas, picking the ones with the biggest bang for the buck. Expect higher water bills as towns push to diversify sources like wells and recycling, but times ticking in this natural squeeze, stay informed with El Paso News today. AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with The Story.