Water: is the worst yet to come?
Scientists predict Texas could face its worst water crises in a few decades — and researchers in the Advanced Environmental Research Institute want to help get the state prepared
BY: JESSICA DELEÓN
It’s 2045 and water is scarce. It begins with a few restrictions. People cannot water their lawns or wash their cars. Then it becomes worse. People have to store water in their homes. Municipalities must spend more money for reservoirs.
At its most dire, governments will have to distribute water. Dust storms will become a regular occurrence. Some species will become extinct.
This is not the latest apocalyptic movie. It’s a very real possibility for Texas.
Why? Scientists predict that the nation will experience a “megadrought,” and Texas faces a series of circumstances — including a rapidly growing population and its location in the South — that may lead it to one of the greatest water crises ever. Texas already plans for a repeat of the drought of record, the worst drought in the past 100 years. How would Texas respond to a megadrought?
“Similar to recent droughts we’ve seen, reservoirs would start to dry up, people would have to really conserve water, aquifers would start to struggle and there would be a strong push to find alternative water supplies,” says Robert Mace, deputy executive administrator of water science and conservation for the Texas Water Development Board.
Worst case scenario
Texas’ population is expected to skyrocket from 28 million to 54 million people by 2050, with eight of the nation’s 15 fastest growing cities located in Texas.
Seventeen different climate change models predict that the 2040s or 2050s will see a megadrought in the Southwest and Plains that will last a decade or longer.
Texas falls in the center of those hot spots. And the state wants to get prepared now. In 2013, the state legislature set up a fund that would allow local governments to borrow money for water infrastructure projects over the course of 50 years. The fund, which was approved by voters as the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas, could allow the state to loan up to $27 billion to pay for reservoirs and conservation efforts.
“Water will become one of our most treasured commodities,” says Sam Atkinson, Regents Professor of biology and director of the Advanced Environmental Research Institute (AERI) at the University of North Texas.
Business Solutions
Businesses also are thinking ahead to find innovative solutions in their use of water. Major manufacturers are looking at zero discharge manufacturing. Plano-based Frito Lay, for example, is a global leader in sustainable water use and companies such as Alcoa are trying to reuse water through constructed wetlands. These companies aren’t alone in looking for solutions.
“Texas has faced significant drought conditions for several years, and with more than 1,000 people moving to Texas every day, there is a growing need for new water sources,” says Mark Ellison of IDE Americas, who previously served as manager of strategic water initiatives for Gov. Rick Perry.
“For decades, IDE has partnered with customers and adapted to their specific needs to solve water problems worldwide. Now with a continued drought in Texas, there is an even greater demand and growth potential for water treatment solutions. Research and development of products and solutions are critical to protecting our water as an important resource.”
Innovative solutions
AERI is at the forefront in examining water issues such as megadroughts and other water crises brought on by extreme weather and climate changes. Its researchers are creating solutions that have won international prizes, and they are working with public and private partners to maximize the benefit of a $9 billion water business in Texas.
AERI is exploring research questions to help guide cities and counties on how they can best build prepare for a future that may involve extreme water shortages. Researchers are beginning to use metrics, including studying the source of water per capita consumption, water restrictions, infrastructure and how the sewer and water systems are linked to understand how to best prepare for our future water environment.
“We are working through the challenges and want to help Texas solve this issue in the wisest ways possible,” Atkinson says.
UNT’s long legacy in water studies and reputation as a leader in supporting water conservation and restoration projects makes it a prime partner to help.
“UNT is among the forefront of institutions focused on water sustainability issues, including both water development and conservation challenges facing our state and region,” says Brian Trusty, executive director of Audubon Texas.
“That kind of expertise in partnership with industry, communities and investors is no longer an option, it’s crucial if we are to prepare for the future,” Trusty says.
Global solutions
The problem is not unique to Texas. Issues of water shortage and drought are worldwide. In fact, as it stands now, one-sixth of the human population does not have reliable access to decent food.
An international team led by UNT’s Miguel F. Acevedo, Regents Professor of electrical engineering and researcher in AERI, is working to solve water shortage problems with sustainable solutions such as conditioning brackish groundwater for irrigation and drinking that can be used by farmers without damaging soil.
Acevedo’s team created an international award-winning desalination system for brackish groundwater that is completely off the grid and powered by solar and wind energy.
“Water is essential for life on Earth,” Acevedo says. “If we have no water, we have no life.”