A bill sent to the governor by the Texas Legislature allocates $1 billion towards new water projects and the repair of aging infrastructure. The aim is to strengthen the state's water supply against droughts and meet the demands of a rapidly growing population. Senate Bill 28 outlines the allocation of $1 billion towards projects that include marine desalination and the treatment of water that emerges during the oil fracking process.
In addition to the billion-dollar plan, lawmakers have also designated $125 million to match federal funds for water infrastructure. This will unlock over $750 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, allowing for various projects such as lead pipe replacement and the elimination of water contamination from drinking water systems. Texans frequently experience water disruptions due to leaky pipes, aging treatment plants, increased demand, and extreme weather events.
The existing Texas Water Development Board’s plan to secure an additional seven million acre-feet of water by 2033 relies heavily on constructing new reservoirs, but these have shown vulnerability to extreme droughts and increased evaporation rates.
The approved plan includes the creation of the Texas Water Fund, which will support various water infrastructure projects, particularly focusing on small and rural communities that have traditionally been excluded from water project funding. A portion of the $1 billion appropriation will be allocated to the newly established supply fund, prioritizing desalination, produced water and aquifer storage projects.