High and Dry: Confronting Texas’ Water Crisis

Hosted by the LBJ Future Forum and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, this timely event brought together experts and community members to examine the critical issue of water scarcity in Texas. With water increasingly becoming the state’s most precious resource — and scientific projections pointing toward growing challenges in the coming decades — the evening offered a thoughtful and urgent discussion on what lies ahead.

Held at the Wildflower Center, the program began with introductory remarks by Lee Clippard, Executive Director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The panel, moderated by Sarah Rountree Schlessinger, CEO of the Texas Water Foundation, explored the implications of water scarcity on Central Texas and beyond, its impact on major industries like agriculture and energy, and the role of conservation and innovation in addressing the crisis.

Panelists included:

• Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, Former U.S. Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission
• Jay Kleberg, Executive Director, The Gulf Trust
• Scott Moorhead, CEO, Texas Water Trade

Following the program, guests gathered for a reception and continued the conversation in a relaxed, informal setting. The event served as a meaningful platform for sharing knowledge, fostering dialogue, and spotlighting the partnerships and ideas shaping the future of water in Texas.