Helping Ensure Water Security for West Texas Communities

Helping Ensure Water Security for West Texas Communities

By Louis A. Harveson, Associate Provost of Research and Development
Published in the Alpine Avalanche on February 20, 2025.

Sul Ross State University remains committed to serving our communities by educating students, convening experts, and providing technical expertise. Among the many challenges facing the Big Bend region—including rural health care, agricultural sustainability, and tourism—none is more vital than water security.

As Americans, most of us take water access for granted, but water security—”the ability of a community to access safe water in sufficient quantities to meet its needs”—is becoming increasingly critical.

With persistent drought conditions in West Texas, ensuring a reliable water supply is essential for both communities and industries that depend on water, such as ranching, farming, and tourism. Without strategic planning, these industries could face severe economic consequences.

At Sul Ross State University, we are actively working to develop solutions for these challenges for our region as well as the entire state. Last January, we hosted the “Water in the Desert” conference, attended by over 250 stakeholders, including water experts, legislators, ranchers, and philanthropic foundations. The engagement was so strong that we committed to launching the West Texas Water Research Center, dedicated to providing science-based solutions for water conservation and planning while also training the next generation of water professionals.

Although institutes of higher education are not known for moving quickly, we have made significant strides, including:

  • Organizing a steering committee of key stakeholders to guide the Center.
  • Securing a $375,000 challenge grant from the Horizon Foundation.
  • Leveraging additional funding from the Meadows, Davidson, Shield-Ayres, and Still Water foundations.
  • Initiating a nationwide search for the Center’s Director.
  • Receiving over $600,000 from the Department of Education to hire two water specialists and develop a master’s program in Water Resource Management.
  • Meeting with key legislative leaders about the Legislature’s water infrastructure plan for the 2025 Legislative Session and the role that Sul Ross could play.

Beyond these efforts, the West Texas Water Research Center will engage in research that helps inform sustainable water use strategies. From studying aquifer recharge rates to exploring desalination technologies, we aim to equip policymakers with the best available science. Additionally, we plan to collaborate with local landowners, municipalities, and conservation groups to develop innovative water conservation practices that benefit both urban and rural communities.

The timing of our efforts aligns with significant legislative momentum on water policy. The 89th Texas Legislature has made water security a priority. Governor Greg Abbott has designated water infrastructure investment as an emergency item, and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has included Senate Bill 7, focusing on increasing investments in Texas’ water supply, among his top priorities.

To support the West Texas Water Research Center’s long-term development, Sul Ross State University has submitted a funding request to the Legislature for $1 million annually to fund education, research, and service initiatives. We are grateful for the interest and involvement of Senator Charles Perry, Chair of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs, and Senator Cesar Blanco (who represents Sul Ross), a member of the same committee. Both attended our inaugural conference and are strong advocates for water security in West Texas.

Although we have more work ahead before officially launching the West Texas Water Research Center, we are committed to collaborating with our communities, legislators, landowners, and conservation partners to ensure a secure water future for West Texas.