Population Density Is Not The Main Issue
The clamor to limit population density in the unincorporated areas of our county has become a common objective of local governmental leaders; limiting home minimum lot size is apparently the tool by which these elected leaders expect to achieve their objective.
Thinking Beyond Rockwall County
The most fundamental foundation of all civilizations is wealth. The only source of wealth is manufacturing. Yes, value-added sales and services enrich us also, but you cannot sell or service something that does not exist.
Manufacturing industries represent investment opportunities to capitalists and to the workforce, as employment opportunities.
The limiting factor to industrial growth within the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) is the water resources available to potential industries.
Present-Day NTMWD Resources
Four river basins feed five reservoirs (manmade lakes): Red River, Trinity River, Sabine River, and Sulphur River. At present, there are five active reservoirs: Lake Texhoma, Lake Bonham, Lake Lavon, Lake Tawakoni, and Lake Jim Chapman. The newest reservoir online now is Lake Bois d’Arc.
NTMWD Challenges
The NTMWD provides water to 2,000,000 customers in 10 counties. The district projects water use to nearly double by 2050.
Pertinent to population growth, this report from the Census Bureau, 30 March 2023 | Growth in the Nation’s Largest Counties Rebounds in 2022. Table 3: Top 10 Counties in Percent Growth (Annual) reports Kaufman County, number two, and Rockwall County, number six, with the greatest growth in percent of population.
In Summary
The various water producers, private and public, must develop alternatives beyond recycling sewage water. Are there options? I believe so, and I know for a fact the North Texas Municipal Water District that serves my city is actively seeking and developing plans to capture those options.
John White
Rockwall, Texas
John N. White 
Leave a comment