SAN ANTONIO - As the drought in Texas continues, farmers in rural areas of the state are growing more concerned about their water.

Mark Friesenhahn, a former Exxon Mobile engineer turned pecan farmer, voices growing apprehension among agricultural workers about the future availability and cost of water in Texas.

"Somebody's got to come up with water supplies to fill that need," Friesenhahn said.

The concerns stem from a confluence of factors: an already steep price tag associated with farming, compounded by worries over water access, exacerbated by Texas' burgeoning population.

"With more population, becomes more demand for water resources, and it stresses all our natural resources," said Roland Ruiz of the Edwards Aquifer.

Friesenhahn emphasized the economic strain faced by farmers amidst rapid urban growth, which often prioritizes water allocation to larger cities like San Antonio.

"We're economically being displaced because of the massive growth and the high cost of the replacement water. Simple as that," he explained.

Both Friesenhahn and Ruiz agree that tackling these challenges demands a collective effort.

"I think the more that the region can work together and pull those resources, bring all the brainpower that we can to the table to start to identify those potential solutions, the better off we'll be," Ruiz said.

Friesenhahn suggested a focused approach: "Let's go back and study our individual region water situation better and see if we can put a statewide position together to work with the legislators."

While conservation efforts are recognized as crucial, Ruiz cautioned against viewing them as a singular solution.

"Conservation is a tool. It's a management tool, but it's not a silver bullet," he said. "We need to plan a lot of supplies over the long term, and make the most efficient use whether you're in drought or not in drought."

Looking ahead, stakeholders will gather on August 1 for the next water planning meeting for South Central Texas.