Water Infrastructure Investments

2025 Legislative Goal Summary

• Increase funding for the Texas Water Fund to support essential water projects and infrastructure improvements across the state, including drinking water, wastewater treatment, water conservation, water reuse, aquifer storage and recovery, and water loss - fixing leaky pipes.
• Prioritize the Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP), including an update and assessment,  to provide grants and loans for water and wastewater infrastructure in communities with limited resources.
• Support environmental flow and mitigation studies to ensure sufficient water flows to maintain healthy ecosystems and sustain communities. The Legislature should provide specific funding through TWDB to support the work of bay-and-basin-specific expert science teams to make science-based recommendations to refine flow protection. Those recommendations would, in turn, inform recommendations by stakeholder committees, and would be considered by the TCEQ.
• Advocate for the Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF), emphasizing nature-based solutions and flood risk reduction, while addressing flood resilience in both urban and rural areas.
• Promote agricultural water and land conservation efforts for private landowners to ensure sustainable water use and land protection in Texas' vital farming and ranching industries through funding for the Texas Water Development Board, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Fund.
• Ensure that these programs prioritize underserved communities with technical assistance and financial support for water projects.
• Oppose any proposals that could undermine local ecosystems or reduce the effectiveness of these vital programs and advocate for reasonable criteria and guardrails for water supply projects with big environmental and economic risks.

2025 Bill Highlights

Currently, the Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter supports:

• HB 422 - by Mary Gonzalez: Raises the maximum amount of bonds that TWDB can issue for the EDAP program from $25 million to $100 millon. 
• HB 365 - by Mary Gonzales: Raises the allowable grants under the EDAP program from a maximum of 75 percent to a maximum of 90 percent.

 Texas Water Infrastructure Facts

1. Texas Water Fund Funding and Allocation

The Texas Water Fund supports projects like water conservation, reuse, and new infrastructure development through the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT). This funding mechanism aids municipalities and rural areas in implementing water management strategies that align with the state's water plan.

2. Economically Distressed Areas Program

EDAP provides critical financial assistance to communities with fewer than 10,000 residents or areas with incomes below 75% of the state's median. It helps ensure access to clean water and wastewater systems, making it a cornerstone of rural water equity​. Now over 30 years old, an update and assessment of the program is needed to make it even more effective. 

3. Flood Infrastructure Fund

The Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) is designed to reduce flood damage through projects ranging from flood control infrastructure to flood mitigation planning. This program, which includes nature-based solutions, helps communities adapt to increasing flood risks driven by climate change​. In 2024, Texas approved the first statewide flood plan, and projects identified in the plan are eligible for state grants and loans - if the Legislature puts more money into the fund. 

4. Environmental Flow Studies

Environmental flow studies ensure that Texas' rivers and streams maintain sufficient water to support wildlife and ecosystems, an effort essential for balancing urban development and the state’s ecological health. These studies help guide policy and resource allocation​. 

5. The New Water for Texas Fund

This new fund was created by passage of SB 28 and approval of the voters. Projects could include new reservoirs, importation of water from other states, desalination, and treatment of produced water from fracking.  It initially has been provided $250 million though no funds have been allocated for these projects yet. Sierra Club has been concerned that it could lead to some projects with economic and environmental consequences.

How to Get Involved

In 2025, we’re focusing on safeguarding the future of our state’s natural resources and communities by advocating for meaningful legislative action. Join us! From lobby days to online advocacy, there's something for everyone.