#49 - The Coming Water Crisis | Andrew Weber

In this episode of The Clear Voice, we sit down with Andrew Weber, a Texas attorney and public policy leader focused on groundwater, water governance, and aquifer sustainability.

Andrew is a partner at Kelly Hart and Hallman, where he leads the Austin office and chairs the firm’s Public Law practice, working at the intersection of law, policy, and government relations before the Texas Legislature and state agencies. He currently serves as President and Executive Director of the Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association and President of Friends of Wimberley Parks, where his work centers on groundwater protection and regional water stewardship.

Earlier in his career, Andrew served on the staff of the Texas Supreme Court and later as First Assistant Attorney General of Texas, giving him experience at the highest levels of state government before transitioning into nonprofit advocacy and water policy.

In this conversation, we break down how groundwater conservation districts work, why Desired Future Conditions matter, and the growing challenges around data, modeling, and determining how much water is truly available. We also explore “white zones” where no groundwater districts exist, creating gaps in regulation and long-term planning.

Andrew shares insight into ongoing litigation involving Aqua Texas, the role of private utilities, and the broader tension between development, property rights, and resource sustainability. The discussion also covers recent legislative activity, funding efforts, and what may be coming next for water policy in Texas and beyond.

The episode closes with practical advice for city leaders, emphasizing the importance of requiring sustainable water sourcing before approving development and the growing need for informed, science-based decision making at the local level.

Learn more: Andrew Weber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-weber-61223217 Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association: https://tespatexas.org/about/ Friends of Wimberley Parks: https://friendsofwimberleyparks.org/

Training resource mentioned in the episode: Hill Country Alliance Leadership and Environmental Training Program: https://hillcountryalliance.org/

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