Abbott Explores Deal to Send Houston Water to West Texas

HOUSTON, TX - Gov. Greg Abbott is considering a plan to purchase excess water from Houston and redirect it to West Texas, a move aimed at addressing water shortages in the Permian Basin and other arid regions of the state, according to a report made by the Houston Chronicle. 

Houston Mayor John Whitmire confirmed discussions with Abbott, stating the proposal includes state funding for Houston’s aging infrastructure in exchange for selling water to the state.

“We get monies for our infrastructure. They get their water. It would be a win-win,” Whitmire told the newspaper. 

Houston produces 183 billion gallons of water annually but faces its own challenges. The city’s water infrastructure requires an estimated $15 billion in repairs, including leaky pipes that have lost 36 billion gallons over the past two years. The deal could include building reservoirs to store water for state use, helping Houston secure the funds needed to modernize its system.

The idea has sparked controversy, with lawmakers from East Texas opposing the potential draining of lakes and reservoirs. Critics argue the state must first ensure Houston has enough water to meet its own future needs, as the region could face shortages by 2030, according to a recent State Water Plan, the Chronicle reported. 

Charles Perry, a state senator from Lubbock, has pushed for more comprehensive water infrastructure projects, including desalination and floodwater diversion. He acknowledged the complexity of the Houston deal, emphasizing the need for a statewide approach to water management.

The Permian Basin and growing industries like AI and cryptocurrency data centers are driving increased water demand in West Texas, where aquifers are running dry. Advocates in the region are eager for solutions but acknowledge the logistical and political challenges of transporting water across the state.

Abbott, who has promised “transformative” measures to secure Texas’ water supply, has yet to release detailed plans. Conversations with Houston officials began last fall, but the governor’s office has not commented publicly on the negotiations.

Local officials in Houston view the water deal as an opportunity to address longstanding infrastructure issues. However, advocacy groups and residents have expressed concerns about transparency and the potential impact on the city’s water supply.

“The public needs to be engaged in any potential decision,” said Ben Hirsch of West Street Recovery, a disaster relief organization.