Texas released a new state water plan Thursday projecting the state needs $174 billion over 50 years to avoid a severe water crisis—more than double the $80 billion estimate from four years ago. The plan reflects real pressures: Corpus Christi is months away from declaring a water emergency, rural cities are drilling wells frantically, and a yearslong drought has reduced supplies while population growth outpaces infrastructure capacity. Voters approved only $20 billion in funding last year, meaning the state faces a $154 billion shortfall even with that boost, and one severe drought could inflict $91 billion in economic damages by 2030. Experts say the $174 billion covers only water supply projects and doesn't account for aging infrastructure repairs, so the true cost could reach a quarter-trillion dollars.