Integrated Urban Water Management in Texas: A Review to Inform a One Water Approach for the Future
Opportunities for a One Water future in Texas
Texas is facing serious current and future water management challenges. This is driven by significant urban growth, water scarcity and flooding, aging infrastructure, and a management system based on an outdated cost of water. To address these challenges, the Institute for Sustainable Energy (now the Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability) identified opportunities for Texas cities to transition to an integrated urban water management approach, otherwise known as the One Water approach.
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AUTHORS
Jacqueline Ashmore, Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Victor Marttin
Key Findings
- Case studies from the Texas cities of Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth reveal opportunities for advancing the One Water approach in Texas cities, particularly in the areas of water sourcing, revenue models, and capital sourcing.
- Growth in water demand projections should include incorporating efficiency mechanisms, economic development, and population growth.
- Equity and affordability should be key considerations in the water planning process.
- Business models should become flexible towards incorporating alternative sources of capital spending and project financing.
- Long-term planning must consider climate change risks and how to address those risks to ensure supply and economic reliability.
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