The Texas Senate has unanimously passed a significant water legislation aimed at addressing the pressing water issues facing the state. This legislation, known as Senate Bill 7, is part of a larger strategy to develop new water sources to meet the increasing demands of Texas’ growing population.

Key Provisions of Senate Bill 7

Filed by State Senator Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, SB 7 seeks to enhance Texas’ water supply through various innovative approaches. The bill focuses on:

• Funding for desalination projects.
• Development of treatment plants for produced water.
• Construction of new reservoirs.
• Establishment of a dedicated office for infrastructure planning, referred to as the “water tree.”

Focus on New Water Sources

Senator Perry emphasized the importance of expanding water resources, especially through the utilization of brackish and marine water, alongside enhancing wastewater treatment facilities in rural regions. He noted that the state is lagging in terms of supply development, stating, “We’ve developed all the cheap water, and all the low-hanging fruits have been obtained.” Furthermore, he highlighted the need for comprehensive planning that includes all of Texas’ 254 counties, ensuring collaboration across regional water expertise.

Amendments and Protections

Recent amendments made to the bill include:

• Clarification of funding provisions for administrative costs, allotting up to 2%.
• Details on the importation of water from outside Texas through state-funded pipelines.
• Protection of freshwater sources by barring excessively draining water sources.

These changes underscore Perry’s commitment to preventing the depletion of existing freshwater aquifers while ensuring new sources are developed responsibly.

Support from Legislators and Experts

Senator Perry’s initiative received praise from fellow legislators, including Senator Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, who described the bill as “visionary.” Experts within the water sector, such as Jennifer Walker from the National Wildlife Federation, remarked on the bill’s potential to provide Texans with reliable water supplies.

Next Steps and the Constitutional Amendment

As part of the legislative process, House Joint Resolution 7 will accompany SB 7, proposing a constitutional amendment that dedicates $1 billion to the Texas Water Fund over the next 10 years. This funding aims to assist local agencies in securing water resources and upgrading aging infrastructure, with a potential vote on this measure in November.

Looking Ahead

With projections indicating that Texas’ water availability could decline by 18% by 2030, urgent actions are necessary to mitigate future water shortages. SB 7’s passage marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the state’s water infrastructure. However, stakeholders, like Jeremy Mazur from Texas 2036, stress the need for further legislative actions concerning water policy and infrastructure funding.