As Terlingua, Texas, welcomes thousands of visitors for its tourist season, including the celebrated Original Terlingua International Championship Chili Cookoff, locals and experts alike are encouraging visitors to be mindful of their water usage. The annual event, a lively tradition since the 1960s, draws visitors from across the United States and beyond, bringing the desert town to life with music, meet-and-greets, and, of course, chili competitions. This festival, set against the rugged backdrop of the West Texas desert, marks the start of a season that sees tourists flocking to Terlingua and its surrounding attractions, such as Big Bend National Park.
Visitors can look forward to hiking scenic trails, camping under the vast night skies, and mingling with Terlingua’s residents, many of whom prize the area’s isolated beauty and untamed landscape. But with this influx comes a surge in demand for water—a precious resource that locals work hard to preserve. Experts warn that with limited and uncertain water supplies, conservation is essential to maintain the balance between the region’s natural resources and the needs of its visitors.
Terlingua’s Desert Environment: A Water-Limited Zone
Terlingua lies in an arid desert region east of Big Bend National Park, known for its striking landscape and remote charm. This desert community is politically unincorporated, operating under the jurisdiction of Brewster County rather than a municipal government. Its isolation has drawn a diverse range of visitors, from adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts to those looking to escape city life for a few days of quiet.
One of the region’s unique attractions is its boutique accommodations, such as tipis, A-frames, and bubble-shaped structures that offer stunning, unobstructed views of the world’s largest dark sky reserve. In recent years, short-term rentals in Terlingua have tripled, with the number of properties rising from 133 in 2018 to nearly 400 in 2024. The growing popularity of these rentals has helped establish Terlingua as a must-visit destination, yet it also raises questions about how the area will sustainably manage resources, particularly water, to accommodate this growth.
Understanding Terlingua’s Water Sources
In a landscape that sees minimal rainfall, Terlingua’s water supply is derived from natural springs and underground sources. Local experts believe an underground aquifer, similar to the Ogallala aquifer in the High Plains, may lie beneath South Brewster County’s soil, though its boundaries remain unknown. Called the Santa Elena aquifer, this potential water source remains largely unstudied, with the last major survey conducted in the 1990s. While there is interest among local and state officials to investigate the aquifer further, it would require significant funding, time, and the cooperation of residents, many of whom are wary of government involvement.
Without clear information on the aquifer’s size and capacity, Terlingua’s water supply remains a delicate issue. Locals must rely on personal wells or small water systems, such as the Study Butte Water Supply Corporation, which serves a limited number of residents within a defined boundary. The Terlingua Ranch Lodge, a large complex where thousands own land, has drilled several wells and sells water to residents registered with the association. However, those living outside these service areas must either drill their own wells or use water catchment systems to capture rainwater, a costly solution with no guarantee of sustainable yield.
Why Water Conservation Matters for Terlingua’s Visitors
As more travelers visit Terlingua, they contribute to the rising demand for water. Locals and conservation advocates stress the importance of using water carefully, especially given the region’s limited resources. Drilling for water can be expensive, with no certainty that a well will yield sufficient water. Robert Mace, executive director of the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, urges visitors to recognize the impact of their water use on both the environment and the local community. Mace’s message to travelers emphasizes the need to use water efficiently and thoughtfully, understanding that every drop is valuable in a desert setting like Terlingua.
Visitors are encouraged to adopt a conservation mindset to support the town’s sustainability goals. Even small actions, like taking shorter showers or turning off faucets when not in use, can make a meaningful difference. With a limited water supply and a local economy that increasingly depends on tourism, residents hope that travelers will be mindful of the impact their presence has on this delicate ecosystem.
Terlingua’s Growing Water Demands
Over recent years, the demand for water has escalated in Terlingua, reflecting the region’s growth in popularity. Data from the Texas Water Development Board shows that more than 50 new water wells have been drilled since 2018. Additionally, the Study Butte Water Supply Corporation has reported a significant increase in water consumption over the past decade, with water usage more than doubling from 8.4 million gallons in 2014 to 18 million gallons in 2023.
In response to these concerns, the Terlingua Ranch Property Owners Association implemented measures to limit water sales when levels drop, reflecting the community’s growing awareness of the need for conservation. The absence of major water infrastructure investments complicates efforts to measure the area’s water levels accurately, making it difficult for locals and officials to assess long-term availability.
- Growing Impact of Tourism: Increased demand for water due to tourism is straining Terlingua’s resources.
- Local Solutions: Water supply limitations have led residents to restrict water sales during low availability periods.
How Travelers Can Help Conserve Water
Visitors play an important role in supporting water conservation efforts during their time in Terlingua. According to Larry Sunderland, a former water board chair and advocate for local water sources, tourists can start by choosing accommodations that prioritize water conservation. He encourages guests to inquire about water-saving measures implemented by their hosts and to select eco-friendly lodging when possible.
Travelers are also advised to take practical steps to minimize water use during their stay. Simple practices, such as limiting showers to five minutes or turning off the faucet while brushing teeth, contribute to the preservation of Terlingua’s water resources. Additionally, refraining from unnecessary toilet flushing and asking about water catchment systems are ways visitors can show respect for the community’s conservation efforts.
Broader Implications for Desert Destinations
Terlingua’s focus on water conservation highlights a growing need for sustainable tourism practices in fragile environments. As similar destinations worldwide face rising visitor numbers, concerns about resource availability, particularly water, are becoming more urgent. Terlingua’s situation illustrates the delicate balance required to maintain tourism while safeguarding local resources, a challenge many desert and remote tourist spots will likely encounter as travel trends evolve.
By promoting mindful water use, Terlingua serves as an example of how tourism and environmental stewardship can coexist. For travelers, it offers a reminder to respect and adapt to local conditions, preserving the unique qualities that draw people to these special places.
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