Imagine a Day Without Water
Unfortunately, the reality is many Texans do NOT have to “imagine” a day without water, – many lack simple, reliable drinking water access. As we consider today’s existing water needs and work to address disparities in water access across the state, we must also plan for the future.
Did you know that the State Demographer estimates 250 people a day (yes, that’s every day!) move to the Hill Country? Would it surprise you that none of them are bringing their own water? The 2022 State Water Plan projects a 73% population increase and a 9% water demand increase across the state over the next 50 years. At the same time, there is an 18% decline of existing water supplies. If we continue to follow business as usual, it will lead to far more people with a far smaller water supply.
In order to protect our economic vitality and unique ecology, HCA is working with partners across the region to ensure that future water deficits are met, while also protecting the Hill Country’s unique natural resources.
Here are some other things in the works to ensure that future generations of Texans do not ever have to face a real day without water:
- We champion integrated water management solutions – known as One Water practices – that offer a way for us to grow as a region while protecting and respecting water resources at the same time.
- We encourage local innovation in water management through forward thinking water plans and One Water resolutions
- We produce educational materials to distribute to local folks who need guidance on how to successfully navigate water shortages in the Hill Country, including topics like:
- We partner with government and local, NGO affiliates to host numerous workshops throughout the year that give landowners an opportunity to learn new riparian and land management techniques that benefit our collective water resources.
- We work to protect groundwater resources in the Hill Country, which – while often unseen – have a tremendous impact on the water we use for drinking and recreation.
- We are involved in the statewide water planning process, where we work to represent and gently advocate for the natural assets that make the Hill Country a great place to live.
We ALSO rely on support from folks like you to make our work on the future of Texas water possible. You can support our efforts with a tax deductible donation. Donate today to help HCA’s efforts to ensure the Hill Country stays clean, clear, and flowing with water for everyone to drink and enjoy – both for us and for our grandchildren.
- One Water Resolution
- Tools for Managing Groundwater in the Texas Hill Country
- Resource Spotlight: One Water Guidebook
Hill Country Communities Championing One Water
HCA is raising awareness in communities about the benefits of embracing a One Water approach to water management, including by supporting the passage of One Water resolutions. These resolutions are intended to help direct local governments (staff, in particular) to explore One Water approaches to public and private development projects, so they can be thoughtfully considered and, where appropriate, utilized. They are intended to be modified and adapted to specific Hill Country communities and there are places in the draft where specifics for a specific community would be plugged in.
If you would like to see a One Water resolution passed in your community, click here to email HCA’s Water Program Manager, Marisa Bruno and learn more.
Click here to view the City of Fredericksburg’s One Water Resolution, which passed on 10/17/2023.
Tools for Managing Groundwater in the Texas Hill Country
Tools for Managing Groundwater in the Texas Hill CountryThis resource from the Hill Country Alliance – created in May 2023 – is meant to demystify the available tools for groundwater management and make groundwater planning and management more accessible across the Hill Country.
One Water in the Texas Hill Country: Connecting Communities with Projects and Professionals
One Water in the Texas Hill Country: Connecting Communities with Projects and ProfessionalsThe Hill Country Alliance is working with National Wildlife Federation and partners to promote and educate on One Water throughout the Hill County. This guidebook, a joint project of our organizations, is intended to connect Hill Country communities facing growth and increased demands for water with water professionals experienced with One Water strategies, planning, implementation, design and construction.
We interviewed engineers, architects, planners and landscape designers to gain insight into the realities of One Water projects, and within these pages feature the 14 selected professionals along with an example project each completed in Texas. Finding and connecting with consultants who can be trusted with a community’s most precious resource—its water—is a serious undertaking, and we hope this guidebook gives you a good place to start. Our organizations are committed to help you along the way as well.
Click the image to explore the Guidebook.
Click here to explore more resources and connect with One Water professionals.
Imagine a Day Without Water is part of a national movement led by The Value of Water Campaign and supported by more than 1,000 organizations – including the Hill Country Alliance.
Imagine a Day Without Water began in 2015 as a project of The Value of Water Campaign. In 2018, more than 1,000 organizations signed up to participate in the annual day of advocacy and education. The Value of Water Campaign educates and inspires the nation about how water is essential, invaluable, and in need of investment. Spearheaded by top leaders in the water industry, the Value of Water Campaign is building public and political will for investment in America’s water infrastructure. You can follow the conversation on social media at #ValueWater