Solution Exercise 1
Higher temperatures will increase evapotranspiration over the contributing and recharge zones. Precipitation changes are as yet unclear. Net precipitation may increase or decrease. However, more extensive droughts and more high rainfall events are predicted. These suggest there will be times when the aquifer cannot meet the water needs of a growing population.
Public policies could include restrictions on population growth (which does not seem possible today), mandatory conservation measures, elimination of irrigated agriculture which has a high consumptive use, and conjunctive use (using surface water in times of high stream flow and the aquifer in times of low stream flow).
Infrastructure options might include aquifer storage and recovery, desalination of brackish waters (Texas has abundant brackish waters), and importation of water from distant sources.