The Important Roles That Groundwater and Water Conservation

Economic studies estimate the population of Texas to increase at an average of 1.7 percent annually. The growth supports the demand for retail trade, services, and government output (Rylander, 2002). However, increased water use is a result of the growth as well. West Texas’ primary sources of water are aquifers, such as the Ogallala Aquifer (Wheeler, 2008). They are key components for the economic development, growth, and survival of the agriculture, ranching, energy, and industrial as well as municipalities (Geurrero & Amosson, 2013). Lack of water regulation and conservation initiatives over the years combined with population growth, a longer life span, and drought has caused the depletion of aquifers to an alarming point (Somma, 1997). New regulations are vital for the allocation of water to support the various industries. However, they must involve new methods of water conservation to enable the aquifers to replenish naturally from the absorption of runoff and surface water (Wheeler, 2008). Economic studies are being used as one tool to help with new regulations and conservation methods. Research on dry land cropping in conjuncture with expected seasonal rainfall preserves the soil, which, in turn, conserves water without major agriculture consequences (Musunuru, 2003). Studies that estimate the economic value of the limited use of the aquifer and in its effects dollar wise to the food production industries for the whole region (Guerrero & Amosson, 2013). Understanding the impact and value of water marketing and water irrigation will assist in finding new conservation methods through biology research (Yoskowitz, 1997). In addition, new waste water recycling strategies will assist in its conservation for reuse in the future (Galbraith, 2012). The results of these studies will lead to a better understanding of the true value of water and its impact, which will lead to efficient methods of use and conservation regarding its allocation now