Analysis: Thermal power plants strain Texas water supplies
Posted: Tue, 2 Jun 2026 01:10 PM - 65 Readers
By: Mark Richardson - Texas News Service
Texas thermal power plants are consuming vast amounts of water, putting additional strain on the state's already dwindling supplies amid ongoing drought conditions. According to a new Sierra Club report, Texas coal plants used about 34 billion gallons of water in 2024, while natural gas plants consumed 56 billion gallons and the state's two nuclear plants used another 26 billion gallons—for a total of roughly 100 billion gallons. By comparison, wind, solar, and battery storage consume negligible amounts of water. The report highlights how these thermal plants rely heavily on water for cooling, exacerbating pressure on key reservoirs like the Highland Lakes system as 75% of Texas faces drought.
The Sierra Club is urging state agencies—including the Public Utility Commission, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and Texas Water Development Board—to better assess and regulate thermal power plants' water use. The group calls for reforms to how unused water rights are managed and stronger incentives to shift toward renewables. Coal plants alone hold rights to consume up to 116 billion gallons annually, rights that were granted for free decades ago and can now be sold for millions even after plants close. Advocates argue that with viable alternatives like solar, wind, and batteries available, Texas should update its policies to prioritize water conservation.
