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Staples Today
By the People, for the People
Texas Faces Tough Water Policy Decisions Amid Population Growth
Experts warn the state must find solutions to manage dwindling water supplies as population is projected to nearly triple by 2070.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:42pm
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As Texas grapples with dwindling water supplies and rapid population growth, policymakers must find innovative solutions to manage this vital resource for the next generation.Staples TodayAs Texas' population is expected to grow from 19 million in 1997 to 51.5 million by 2070, the state's available water supply has already shrunk 18% since 1997. Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, says the upcoming legislative session will require experts to reach a consensus on difficult policy questions around water management, including the rule of capture versus development rights, conservation district boundaries, and water export rules.
Why it matters
Texas' water challenges will have major implications for the state's future growth, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Policymakers must balance competing interests and find innovative solutions to ensure adequate water supplies for the growing population.
The details
Staples, a former state legislator, recalled the turmoil over past regulatory changes tied to Senate Bill 1 in 1997 and later legislation in 2005. He said the upcoming session will require tough decisions on issues like the rule of capture versus development rights, whether conservation districts should be defined by county lines or aquifer boundaries, and what constitutes water export. Experts will need to reach consensus rather than pit regions against each other or shift one region's water problems to another.
- Texas' population is projected to reach 51.5 million by 2070, up 171% from 19 million in 1997.
- The Texas Water Development Board estimates the state's available water supply shrank 18% from 1997 to 2020.
The players
Todd Staples
President of the Texas Oil & Gas Association and former member of the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate.
Mike Wirth
CEO of Chevron.
Daniel Yergin
Energy expert.
What they’re saying
“We don't have the luxury of reacting to water issues. We're not planning for the next drought or outage. We're planning for the next generation.”
— Todd Staples, President, Texas Oil & Gas Association
“Water is not just another resource. It is the one resource that determines whether anything else is possible.”
— Todd Staples, President, Texas Oil & Gas Association
“Never bet against innovation in technology.”
— Mike Wirth, CEO, Chevron
What’s next
The Texas legislature will need to address these complex water policy questions during the upcoming legislative session, with input from experts, stakeholders, and the public to find balanced solutions.
The takeaway
Texas faces a critical juncture in managing its dwindling water resources as the state's population is projected to nearly triple by 2070. Policymakers must make difficult decisions to ensure adequate water supplies for the future, requiring collaboration and innovative thinking to protect the environment, economy, and quality of life for all Texans.
