Texas Water Backbone
Drought-proof water infrastructure for Texas’s future
The Problem
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Texas population by 2070 | 55+ million |
| Water supply gap by 2070 | 11 million AF/year |
| Annual economic damage without action | $153 billion |
| Marvin Nichols land destruction | 66,000 acres |
| Marvin Nichols first water | 2050+ (uncertain) |
The Solution
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Pipeline length | 420 miles (Gulf Coast to DFW) |
| Pipeline diameter | 96 inches (dual) |
| Design capacity | 500,000 AF/year |
| ASR buffer storage | 360,000 AF |
| Capital cost | $8.6–11.15 billion |
| First water delivery | 2032–2035 |
Regions Served
- Houston Metro
- San Antonio (SAWS)
- Austin
- Dallas-Fort Worth
Funding
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Texas Water Fund | $6–8 billion |
| Federal WIFIA loans | Up to $5 billion |
| Private investment | $2–3 billion |
Key Benefits
✓ Drought-proof — Ocean water doesn’t depend on rainfall ✓ No land destruction — Zero acres flooded ✓ Multi-region — Serves 4 metros, not just DFW ✓ Revenue-generating — Brine, fiber, transmission income ✓ Faster — Decades ahead of reservoir alternatives
Operating Entity
Texas Backbone Authority (TBA)
- 9-member board (Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker appointees)
- Independent state agency
- Cost-plus pricing model
- Municipal wholesale rate: ~$1,400/AF
The Ask
- Pass enabling legislation (89th Legislature)
- Authorize Texas Water Fund allocation
- Incorporate into state water planning
Contact: info@texaswaterbackbone.org | Web: texaswaterbackbone.org