But what are our lawmakers doing to make sure there’s plenty for all during times of drought?

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst visits with reporters at a Waco media event.

The dust has all but settled on the 81stLegislative Session but lawmakers are already working to jumpstart the key issues they will face in 2011, particularly when it comes to dealing with the state’s already strained water supply.

Texas is the fastest growing state in the nation today. Over the next 30 years, the population is expected to leap from 25 million people today to upwards of 45 to 50 million.

"In many ways, our state’s future flows right through our rivers, reservoirs, lakes and aquifers," Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said. "With our population expected to double in the next 30 years, safe and reliable water resources are critical to the health and quality of life of our citizens, as well as business and industry."

In 2007, Dewhurst and State Sen. Kip Averitt (R-Waco) led passage of Senate Bill 3 to strengthen the State Water Plan. Also, the 80th Legislature for the first time appropriated state general funds for the implementation of the State Water Plan, totaling nearly $50 million for the biennium. In 2009, the 81st Legislature appropriated an additional $45 million in water planning funding.

"While I am very proud of the Legislature’s success over the last four years funding the state’s water plan, that funding was only the beginning of the work that needs to be done to satisfy the future water needs of all Texans," said Averitt, who chairs the powerful State Natural Resources Committee.

In December, the pair spoke to media representatives in Waco focusing on the need to take a determined and serious look at water conservation and reuse. Water resource expansion looks to be a top priority for years to come.

The lawmakers were joined by Phil Ford, general manager of Brazos River Authority.

"Whether it’s constructing new reservoirs, using groundwater conjunctively, building pipelines or investing in conservation programs, we need all of those to meet the state requirements for our doubling population," Ford said.

As the Senate Natural Resources Committee prepares for the 2011 Legislative Session, Dewhurst directed its members to work on the following issues:

• Differences in cost between immediate and delayed implementation of the State Water Plan;

• The joint planning process for management of Texas’ finite groundwater resources;

• Implementation of water conservation and reuse projects.

The committee is expected to hear from local groundwater districts in early 2010 on their desired future conditions of the state aquifers.

Texas Farm Bureau will be monitoring these committee meetings closely to ensure farmers, ranchers and rural Texans have a seat at the table when it comes to discussions of water policy, TFB State Legislative Director Billy Howe said.

The same SB 3 praised for its state funding avenues also set aside the acreage footprint for 19 new reservoir sites throughout the state of Texas.

"Texas Farm Bureau opposed designating these 19 reservoir sites without compensating property owners for any devaluation of the property that might occur because of the state designation of the reservoir site," Howe said.

"Texas Farm Bureau does not oppose the construction of water projects to provide for the state’s future water needs," he added. "However, some of the proposed projects would have a negative effect on agriculture, private property rights and rural communities. For example, if all 19 reservoirs are constructed, more than 280,000 acres of private land will be lost. And, additional private land will be taken to mitigate the environmental impact of the reservoirs."

Dewhurst and Averitt also spoke of possibly speeding up the State Water Plan, in hopes of meeting a growing population and possibly reducing costs.

"If you don’t have water, eventually you’re going to have to shut down," Dewhurst said. "You simply can’t make everything else work."

The recent drought, the worst since the 1950s, has created a renewed interest in expanding Texas water resources. In some areas, lakes and reservoirs were dropping at the rate of one foot per day and costing millions to businesses.

"We are working to make our water supplies more drought resistant," Averitt said. "We want to provide water in good times and bad and we can do that with planning, with infrastructure and some hard work."