Long-Range Water Municipality Planning Perceptions in Oklahoma and Texas

Keywords: water, water industry, climate change preparations, Oklahoma and Texas water, water management, water infrastructure
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

As climate change continues to alter the landscape and the resources available to society, water systems require thorough planning on mitigating impacts and scope to their utilities, especially as water infrastructure ages. In Oklahoma and Texas, the climate is becoming arider in the majority of the two states, and therefore, water availability is a growing concern for many. This project aimed to understand current perceptions of the water management community by surveying water industry workers on their concerns for the future and the plans in place to brace for water hardships of the future. In a 36-question survey and a 26-water-manager sample size, the resulting dataset has shown a multitude of interesting, and often clashing findings. The majority of the respondents rely on natural water sources, however, only 4 utilities have drought resiliency plans at the current moment. Further, the majority of respondents feel that water is an underpriced resource and that as the workforce in the industry dwindles, municipalities (especially in rural areas) will have a harder time keeping up with climate change's havoc. This is just a morsel of information gained from this survey. Overall, understanding the shortcomings of planning in the water community will assist in building better long-range planning strategies and comprehending more effective ways to research this in future projects. By pinpointing the current state of the water industry in each state, this study will build a foundation for more actionable scientific methods to follow.