Public to vote on $53 billion plan to increase Texas' water reserves

Lawmakers in Texas have come up with a proposal they hope can fix the state's dwindling groundwater supply. The plan, which still needs to be approved by voters, calls for $53 billion in infrastructure upgrades that include construction of 20 reservoirs, reports Jim Malewitz for Stateline. At its current pace, Texas is expected to lose 10 percent of its water reserves in the next 50 years, while the population is expected to increase by 80 percent. (AP photo: Dead fish near the banks of Lake Wichita near Wichita Falls)

The problem is that many Texans don't view the dwindling water supply as a top priority in the state, reports Malewitz. "In 2011, Texas’ driest year on record, voters narrowly approved a ballot allowing state water planners to issue $6 billion in extra bonds to fund water projects including fixing pipes and constructing treatment plants. But they voted down a proposition that would have lowered taxes for landowners who practice water conservation techniques." (Read more)