Senator Charles Perry’s Ambitious Water Infrastructure Proposal for Texas
As Texas faces escalating water demands due to rapid population growth, Senator Charles Perry is spearheading a legislative initiative aimed at securing the state’s water future. The seasoned Republican lawmaker from West Texas is set to introduce a comprehensive package of five bills that include an ambitious proposal for at least $1 billion in annual funding for water infrastructure development.
A Vision for Water Supply
Senator Perry underscores the necessity of creating between 10 to 12 million acre-feet of new water supply over the next few decades, a challenge he acknowledges will require substantial investment and long-term planning. “We must treat our water supply needs with the same seriousness as our state highways,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated and sustainable approach to water management.
The senator recognizes that the current system often lacks adequate local funding and investment, which can lead to a focus on short-term solutions rather than sustainable, long-term water supply development. “If we leave it up to local jurisdictions, we risk developing depleting resources,” he warned. This legislative package seeks to ensure that water supply investments benefit all Texans, rather than just those in select municipalities.
Exploring Desalination and Water Recycling
Central to Perry’s strategy is the development of multiple desalination plants and an interconnected statewide water pipeline system. He believes that innovative water sourcing, including marine desalination and the treatment of produced water from the oil and gas industry, can significantly enhance Texas’s water supply. “The science behind marine desalination is proven and has been successfully implemented in countries like Israel for decades,” he noted.
Addressing environmental concerns related to desalination, particularly potential impacts on local ecosystems, Perry highlighted that rigorous environmental assessments have been completed for the projects in development, such as the one in Corpus Christi, which recently received re-approval after years of careful evaluation.
Addressing Concerns and Improving Infrastructure
With concerns from various stakeholders, including ranchers and local communities about the management of oil and gas wastewater, Senator Perry is actively leading pilot projects to investigate the feasibility of treating this produced water for agricultural and potential potable use. These projects aim to establish safe standards for water reuse, targeting a timeline of around three years for comprehensive data collection and analysis.
Perry asserted, “The technology to clean produced water for drinking is available; it’s a matter of investment and commitment.” Additionally, he recognizes the critical need to repair aging water infrastructure that contributes to significant water loss across Texas. While he prioritizes new supply development, he acknowledges that failing infrastructure must also be addressed. He indicated potential funding problems caused by misallocated water and sewer fees that should have been used for necessary repairs.
Legislative Outlook
Perry is optimistic about garnering bipartisan support for his water legislation, with indications that he has secured backing from approximately 30 senators for his proposed funding levels. “We need action on these issues, and there’s a consensus among my colleagues,” he remarked. The senator plans to file the bills soon and is hopeful for timely passage, emphasizing that water security is as essential as air, with a direct impact on the state’s residents and future.
Given the imperative of addressing both water supply and infrastructural challenges, Perry’s legislative endeavors represent a critical step forward in ensuring that Texas remains equipped to meet its future water needs.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on an interview with Senator Charles Perry and has been edited for clarity and length.
