Water in the West Texas desert is scarce but necessary for establishing a thriving community with potential for economic development. The Regional Water Plan for the Far West Texas region expects a 7% increase in water demand by 2040 to meet a growing population. The local economy, driven by agriculture and energy, relies on a steady supply of water in a part of the state known for being hot, and dry with minimal rainfall. Presidio County took a significant step in securing its water sustainability that will allow the region to address water scarcity and plan for future opportunities that can spur economic growth.
Nine entities, including the Cities of Marfa and Presidio, as well as colonias, rural water supply corporations and other populated rural areas in Presidio County are working together with Water Finance Exchange (WFX), in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and Communities Unlimited, to implement a regional approach to water supply and sustainability. By developing a multi-year capital improvement plan and a 39-member steering committee of local representatives to see it through, Presidio County is demonstrating how regionalization, conservation, and sustainability work together. This multifaceted community approach ensures equity by making every community project important. It also demonstrates more clearly how affordable water infrastructure helps enable achievement of community and regional economic aspirations.
Read more about WFX’s work in Presidio County here.