Rural communities across Texas are receiving a major boost in water infrastructure funding, with nearly $223 million approved for projects repairing and upgrading local systems. The allocations come from the Texas Water Fund, a $1 billion program voters approved in 2023 to strengthen the state’s aging water network, according to data obtained by The Texas Tribune.
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has so far approved more than 40 projects, most in towns with fewer than 10,000 residents. The projects range from replacing water lines and storage tanks to drilling new wells and improving drinking water systems.
Small towns such as Alba, Benjamin, Corrigan, Weimar, and Jefferson are among those receiving funds.
“These systems literally cannot afford to upgrade their system without access to these funds,” Mary Alice Boehm-McKaughan, general counsel for the Texas Rural Water Association, told The Texas Tribune.
According to data obtained by The Texas Tribune, the TWDB has now committed more than $735 million from the Texas Water Fund for rural upgrades, conservation programs, and public awareness efforts. About $45 million of that total is going to very small systems — those serving fewer than 1,000 residents — through the Rural Water Assistance Fund, where grants can cover all project costs.
Experts say the 2023 fund was an important start, but only a fraction of what’s needed to meet Texas’ long-term water demands.
“That $1 billion injection was, in some ways, like if somebody has a wound and it’s bleeding and you have to put a temporary stop on it,” said Sarah Schlessinger, CEO of the Texas Water Foundation.
Proposition 4, on this year’s ballot, would allow lawmakers to dedicate $20 billion over the next two decades to secure the state’s future water supply. At least half of the funding would go toward expanding water resources through desalination, reuse, and aquifer storage, while the rest would support infrastructure repairs.
Supporters, including Gov. Greg Abbott, legislators, and water advocacy groups, say the additional investment is essential.
“There’s going to be an option for a future Legislature to continue it or renew it,” said Jeremy Mazur, infrastructure policy director at Texas 2036. “But in order for that to happen, there needs to be clear evidence that this funding stream has worked.”
The Texas Tribune also reported that lawmakers and advocates are pushing for more transparency from the TWDB, which has not yet released a full public breakdown of funded projects.
Perry Fowler, executive director of the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, told The Texas Tribune that while the board faces pressure to distribute money quickly, accountability remains crucial. “There probably are ways they could help demonstrate how money is being spent and when and where a little better,” he said, “but I don’t think they’re being irresponsible.”
A new law, Senate Bill 7, aims to increase legislative oversight by requiring the TWDB to report regularly on spending and project outcomes.
According to Texas 2036, the state will need an estimated $154 billion in water infrastructure investment by 2050 — far beyond the scope of current funding. The TWDB’s 2022 State Water Plan warns that, without sustained investment, some regions could face severe shortages by 2030.
“Every dollar spent on water will deliver powerful results — repairing old systems, reducing waste, and keeping water affordable for Texas families and businesses,” said Kelty Garbee, executive director of Texas Rural Funders.
