PROPOSITION 4 ON NOVEMBER 4

Note: Would like to add a Prop 4 graphic on top of the umbrella graphic - possibly a social media asset or the Prop 4 title slide from slide deck

The Basics: Proposition 4 (prop 4) is a proposed constitutional amendment (a change to the Texas Constitution that must be approved by voters) that dedicates up to $1 billion per year from existing sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund for 20 years.

What it will do: Provide a dedicated source of funding for local and regional water, wastewater, and flood infrastructure projects - paid for with existing sales tax revenue.

What it won’t do: Increase or impose state taxes or fees.

The Vote: Texans will vote on Prop 4 during the 2025 election.

  • Early Voting October 20 – October 31, 2025.

  • Election Day November 4, 2025.

 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Funding dedicated by the constitution is subject to the legislative appropriations process, and will be distributed through the Texas Water Development Board’s existing financial assistance programs.

  • If approved by voters, dedicated funding would be available on September 1, 2027.

  • Proposition 4 funds can support water infrastructure improvement, expansion, or new projects in large, small, and rural communities. Public entities that apply for the funding and are approved will benefit from the funds, as could customers whose rates will not have to cover as much of the project cost. In addition to built infrastructure projects, the Texas Water Fund can also fund other strategies that support water supplies, water efficiency, or flood mitigation.

  • Proposition 4 funding can be used to support wastewater reuse projects and other clean water needs which could improve water quality and environmental flows in rivers and streams. Projects supported by Proposition 4 funds must still meet the state’s environmental permitting requirements.

  • Groundwater projects are eligible for funding, particularly if they are in the State Water Plan. SB 7, the enabling legislation for Proposition 4, imposes some limits on the use of constitutionally dedicated funding for projects that move fresh groundwater from one region to another.

  • Desalination is a water management strategy that uses reverse osmosis filtration technology to remove dissolved solids/salinity to make fresh drinking water. It is a common and important technology that is used for marine and brackish water treatment. For it to be used well, strong regulatory and governance systems must be in place to safeguard against potential environmental impacts, and discharges must be approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

  • Industry, water sector, and environmental groups support Proposition 4. No water sector professional or trade associations oppose the proposition. Opposition to Proposition 4 centers largely on concerns with dedicating spending through the state constitution.

 

Media contact:

For interview requests, please contact Haley Durbin.