While the demands for Texas water by mining are not large
compared to other demands, an analysis of projections
for demands and needs in this sector provides an example of how our regional
and state water planning process often fails to collect and use the type of
accurate data needed for a state water plan.
For planning purposes, water demands for mining include oil and gas
activities, as well as those demands for coal, uranium, rock, sand, gravel and
other traditional mining activities.
This new analysis shows that water use for mining—both
actual and projected—is significant in some regions of the state, but the
projections do not appear to be based on reliable data. The analysis also reviews the existing statutory
authority of various agencies to collect water use data and discusses how that
authority might be used to develop better projections.
Coming soon: an
analysis of irrigation water use projections.
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