Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Why does Texas need a state water plan?
2. What is Region C?
3. What is Phase 2?
4. What are the primary strategies incorporated into the Region C water plan?
5. What’s next?
6. How much will it cost to update Region C’s water plan?
7. Who is affected by Region C’ s water planning?
8. How can I participate in Region C water planning?
9. Who can I contact regarding regional water planning?

1. Why does Texas need a state water plan?

Water planning is becoming increasingly critical for Texas for two main reasons – the state’s vulnerability to drought and the significant growth Texas is experiencing. Over the next 50 years Texas’ population is expected to increase from its current level of about 19 million people to more than 39 million people by 2050. With this expected population and economic growth, the demand for water is expected to increase significantly, and this projected demand will exceed available water supplies in the coming decades.

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2. What is Region C?

Region C covers all or part of 16 counties in North Central Texas including Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Freestone, Grayson, Henderson (Trinity watershed only), Jack, Kaufman, Navarro, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise. Approximately 25 percent of the state’s population lives in Region C. The primary rivers and major aquifers supplying water to the region are the Trinity River, Red River, Sabine River, Sulphur River, the Trinity Aquifer and the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer.

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3. What is Phase 2?

In June 1997, the Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), comprehensive water legislation responding to Texas’ increased need for planning for the future of water in Texas.

SB 1 put into place a “bottom up” water planning process that allowed members of Regional Water Planning Groups (RWPGs) to prepare regional water plans for 16 regional planning areas in the state. The regional water planning groups each developed water plans, which were incorporated into a state water plan – “Water for Texas-2002.”

All RWPGs have entered into the second round of regional water planning, or “Phase Two.” Phase Two requires the RWPGs to review, revise and refine the currently approved regional water plans over the next four years to respond to changed conditions that may impact water supplies or recommended water management strategies.

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4. What are the primary strategies incorporated into the Region C water plan?


• Water conservation 
• Interbasin transfers
• Development of new water supplies
• Increased water reuse

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5. What’s next?

Over the next four years, Region C and the other 15 RWPGs will be actively reviewing, revising and refining their regional water plans in response to changed conditions in their areas and SB 1 and SB 2 mandates. Some steps the group will take include: updating area descriptions, incorporating 2000 census data into population and water demand projections, selecting and updating water management strategies based on changed conditions, including water conservation and drought management recommendations, assessing impacts of proposed projects on the environment and on water quality and involving the public in plan adoption.

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6. How much will it cost to update Region C’s water plan?

The TWDB has approved $1.9 million for Region C to update its regional water plan.

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7. Who is affected by Region C’ s water planning?

Every person living in a Region C county is affected by regional water planning. If no additional water supplies are developed, Region C will face substantial shortages in water supply over the next 50 years. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) found that water shortages in Region C would mean that:

• The currently connected supplies in Region C would meet only 52.5 percent of projected 2050 demand.
• Without any additional supplies, the region's projected 2050 population would be limited to 6,078,289, instead of 9,481,157, a reduction of 35.9 percent
• Without any additional supplies, the region's projected 2050 employment would be limited to 2,605,111, instead of 4,425,184, a reduction of 41.1 percent
• Without any additional supplies, the region's projected 2050 income would be limited to $109,505,000,000, instead of $171,199,000,000, a reduction of 36.3 percent

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8. How can I participate in Region C water planning?

Voicing your water needs and sharing any information concerning your local community are vital components in updating the Region C water plan. Without your help, the RWPG cannot provide the state with the most current and accurate information concerning the future of water in Texas.

To participate in regional water planning efforts, you may attend any of the RWPG meetings or contact RWPG members or the TWDB for more information. The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) posts meeting notices in advance.

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9. Who can I contact regarding regional water planning?

For Region C water planning meeting information, refer to the “Public Notice” section of your newspaper or contact NTMWD at (972) 442-5405. Meetings are usually held at the TRA Central Wastewater Treatment Plant in Grand Prairie.

To reach the lead consultant, Freese and Nichols, you may contact Stephanie Griffin at (817) 735-7353 or by e-mail at swg@freese.com .

To reach the TWDB, you may contact Ms. Virginia Towles at (512) 475-2056 or by e-mail at Virginia.Towles@twdb.state.tx.us. You can also visit the TWDB Web site at www.twdb.state.tx.us