FORT WORTH — The Texas population is expected to nearly double over the next 50 years, so lawmakers and water experts gathered in Fort Worth Monday to convey an important message: We're running out of water.

There is no shortage of alarming statistics to make that point. Texas' population of about 24.3 million is expected to hit about 45.5 million by 2060, but the water supply can't come close to keeping pace.

Imagine the state were to experience a major drought with that many more people. Officials estimate almost every Texan would be without sufficient water and there would be more than $90 billion in economic losses.

Lawmakers and water planners are trying to raise awareness about the issue and the importance of the 2011 Legislature investing in changes called for in the state water plan. Among the moves the plan calls for are the construction of 19 new reservoirs, water reuse programs, more pipelines, desalinization plants and conservation methods.