Most voters support Prop 4 for Texas water infrastructure
This is a preview of our Texas 2036 newsletter with what you need to know about the Texas voter support for water infrastructure. To receive this weekly look at our work, sign up here.
Texas is growing fast, and we all depend on water to power that growth. But without action, drought and shortages could put the Texas Miracle at risk.
This week, we take a closer look at Texas’ long-term water needs and what’s on the ballot this fall with Proposition 4.
A Texas-sized water challenge
Texas’ water infrastructure funding gap (2020-2079)
Based on existing inflation adjusted cost estimate and projected funding efforts
A prolonged drought could cost the state $165 billion in GDP each year by 2050.
Meeting the needs of a growing population and replacing aging water systems will require at least $154 billion in investment over the next 50 years.
Even after accounting for existing state and federal programs, Texas still faces a $112 billion funding shortfall for water infrastructure.
Prop 4: A new funding approach
Prop 4 on the constitutional amendment election ballot would dedicate $1 billion per year from state sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund.
✅ If voters approve, this funding stream could provide up to $20 billion for long-term water needs, including expanding supply, repairing aging systems and building flood protection projects.
The takeaway: Instead of relying on one-time money, Prop 4 would create a steady, ongoing source of funding to support water investments for the next 20 years.
Prop 4: Voters like it
We recently asked voters about their level of support for Prop 4. Here’s what they told us:
✅ 76% support Prop 4 when they learn it will fund $1 billion per year for 20 years to water projects, funded by existing sales tax with no new taxes.
Due to rounding up, percentage numbers in charts displayed may not add up to 100%.
✅ 84% support Prop 4 when they learn Texas loses 88 billion gallons to leaks each year, and that the measure will help repair and replace aging pipes.
Due to rounding up, percentage numbers in charts displayed may not add up to 100%.
✅ 75% support Prop 4 when they learn it ensures a more reliable water supply so communities can thrive without fear of shortages.
Due to rounding up, percentage numbers in charts displayed may not add up to 100%.
💧👍 After learning the items noted above, 73% of likely constitutional amendment voters say they would vote for Prop 4.
Did you know? Texas voters have consistently supported water investments. In 2023, nearly 78% approved Proposition 6 creating the Texas Water Fund, which is the highest support for any water measure since 2000.
Polling from Texas 2036 shows overwhelming majorities support state investment to expand water supplies and repair aging, leaky systems.
Texas faces 3 big threats to our water future
Texans support investing in water, and for good reason. The challenges ahead are real. Here are the three biggest threats to our water future.
1. Water shortage
Texas faces a long-term water shortage if we don’t expand our water supply portfolio and undergo a prolonged drought. If Texas doesn’t have enough water, then the state will lose billions in lost GDP and over 1 million jobs.
2. Failing water systems
Texans endure an average of nearly 3,000 boil water notices per year, as our aging water systems leak enough water to fill an enormous reservoir each year. Left unresolved, aging infrastructure will make water service more unreliable for Texas families.
3. Floods
Over the past decade, Texas has endured several catastrophic flood events, including July’s Hill Country Flood, that have taken lives and destroyed communities. Texas’ state flood plan recommends over $54 billion in projects needed to protect communities from flooding disasters.
Our expert says it best:
“Water is the foundation of Texas’ future, and Prop 4 represents the largest and most foward-looking investment in our state’s water infrastructure in Texas history.”
– Jeremy Mazur, Director of Infrastructure and Natural Resources Policy
👉 Dive deeper: Texas 2036’s Jeremy Mazur explains how and why the recent legislative session was historic for our state’s water future in his recently-published commentary in the Texas Water Journal.
Next stop: Nov. 4 🗳️
This month, Texas 2036 and statewide partners will launch a coalition in support of Prop 4.
Key dates for voter registration and early voting in the Nov. 4 Constitutional Amendment Special Election are available here: Important Election Dates
Pol. Adv. Texas 2036