If state leaders fail to act, water shortages could cost Texas $12 billion annually. To put that into perspective, that is about 6 percent of the budget the Texas House passed late Thursday night. If the state’s drought conditions worsen, the annual economic loss balloons to $116 billion by 2060. Though as the Texas Legislature debates several bills to turn the tide, other entities are acting with more urgency. The city is opening a brand new water treatment plant in 2014. And the University’s state-of-the-art irrigation system has already reduced water waste since being implemented last year. And UT is also taking a more homegrown approach to landscaping, opting for native plants that require less water. Today, Texans can choose to learn the worth of water for the well will soon run dry.

Read more in depth about water issues

Statewide water shortage threatens Texas economy, population growth

New water treatment plant reported on schedule for 2014 completion

Landscape Services team wins award for sustainability and maintenance

UT's irrigation system saves millions of gallons since last year

Campus saves water with native plants, landscaping design

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