Texas Water Foundation works to advance a sustainable water future by ensuring that Texas water policies are well-designed, well-considered, and effective in addressing water issues that meet the needs of Texans, the economy, and our environment. Where TWF does not advocate for specific policies, we seek to identify the range of policy options available and ensure their implications are well-explained and understood by decision makers and the public.

Tools & Resources

Texas Workforce Report

Texas Water Atlas

Watch Water Day at the Capitol

Water infrastructure funding database

Nonpartisan, objective water issue briefs for decision makers

Prop 6 - Texas Water Fund

The 88th Texas Legislature passed legislation that allows for the creation of the Texas Water Fund, contingent on voter approval on the November 7, 2023 ballot. If approved, Proposition 6 would enable the creation of the Texas Water Fund and the dedication of $1 billion for water projects in Texas. Learn about Proposition 6 and the Texas Water Fund here.

Texas Water Workforce Challenges

A new study released by Texas Water Foundation and prepared by the Houston Advanced Research Center details results from a Texas water workforce survey and reveals that attracting and retaining a skilled workforce is a significant concern among other Texas water infrastructure challenges. View issue brief .

Water Grand Challenges

Water is integral to providing a thriving future for Texas, but Texans will face challenges ensuring water is clean and available for all who need it. What are those challenges? Read the 2020 Water Grand Challenges report to learn what water experts identified as our top six challenges. View issue brief.

Produced Water

Interest in the large volume of produced water in Texas raises several important questions. What is the most efficient use of produced water? What are the current and proposed uses? What data and regulatory needs should be considered? This issue brief serves as an introduction to key concepts and discussions. View issue brief.

Resilience

The February 2021 winter storm left almost 15 million Texans without access to clean water. 2017 Hurricane Harvey was the most significant tropical rainfall event in US history, and the second most costly hurricane in the nation. The 2011 drought impacted all 254 counties, leaving many water utilities in danger of running out of water. The impact and frequency of weather-related disasters in Texas has prompted a focus on the concept of resilience. But what does resilience for Texas water mean? View issue brief.

Equity And Access

Whether due to drought, flood, freeze or contamination, marginalized and vulnerable communities are the hardest hit, and relief is often not equally available. Disasters are, however, not the only way that issues of equity and access exist. Many Texans still lack secure access to clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater treatment. What equity challenges exist in Texas water? View issue brief.

Conservation and Efficiency

Texas’ population is projected to increase 73% between 2020 and 2070. During that time, our water demand is projected to increase and our current supply is projected to decline. The 2022 Texas State Water Plan predicts a potential 6.9 million acre-feet shortage of water by 2070. About 30% of future water supply will come from conservation strategies. Conservation and efficiency have already reduced per capita water consumption in Texas, and are key to Texas’ future water security. View issue brief.