Pol. Adv. Texas 2036

Building Texas’ water infrastructure for tomorrow This November, Texans will have a choice on the state’s water future. Proposition 4 on the constitutional amendment election ballot
creates a $1 billion per year state sales tax revenue dedication to the Texas Water Fund.
If approved by voters, this dedicated funding stream will allocate up to $20 billion towards the state’s long-term water infrastructure needs, which include expanding our water supply portfolio, fixing aging systems and building flood protection projects.

Texas-sized water challenges Click to explore the three biggest threats to Texas’ water future. Water
Shortage
Failing
Water
Systems
Floods
Expanding water supplies for a growing, thirsty state Droughts and population growth will strain Texas’ water supplies. According to the state water plan, Texas faces a long-term water shortage if we undergo a prolonged drought and don't expand our water supply portfolio.
If Texas doesn’t have enough water, then the state will lose billions in lost GDP and over one million jobs.
Did you know?
Without action, prolonged drought could cost the state $165 billion in GDP each year by 2050.
Did you know?
Without action, prolonged drought could cost the state $165 billion in GDP each year by 2050.
Photo Credit: Texas A&M AgriLife
Fixing 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. Did you know?
Texas must invest at least $154 billion over the next 50 years to upgrade aging water systems and meet the needs of our growing population.
Did you know?
Without action, prolonged drought could cost the state $165 billion in GDP each year by 2050.
Protecting communities from 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. Did you know?
Our 2024 report, Future Trends of Extreme Weather, shows a 5% to 15% increase in extreme one-day heavy rainfall since the late 20th century. This trend is expected to significantly raise flood risks across the state.
Did you know?
Our 2024 report, Future Trends of Extreme Weather, shows a 5% to 15% increase in extreme one-day heavy rainfall since the late 20th century. This trend is expected to significantly raise flood risks across the state.
Photo Credit: Texas A&M Forest Service

Dive Deeper How can Texas address future water challenges? Texas 2036 dove into the data to assess Texas’ water needs. Learn More

A Texas-sized solution Proposition 4 on November’s state constitutional amendment ballot proposes to dedicate up to
$1 billion annually in state sales tax revenues
to the Texas Water Fund, where it can be used for needed water supply and infrastructure projects.

HJR 7 was authored by Representative Cody Harris and sponsored by Senator Charles Perry during the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.

Provide reliable funding for water infrastructure Texas needs.
If approved, Prop 4 will dedicate up to $1 billion annually to expand water supplies, repair aging systems and protect communities from floods.
Provide reliable funding for water infrastructure Texas needs. If approved, Prop 4 will dedicate up to $1 billion annually to expand water supplies, repair aging systems and protect communities from floods. Pay for water projects without raising taxes. Prop 4 dedicates existing state sales tax revenues to the Texas Water Fund, with no increase to the tax rate or new taxes for Texans. Pay for water projects without raising taxes.
Prop 4 dedicates existing state sales tax revenues to the Texas Water Fund, with no increase to the tax rate or new taxes for Texans.
Solve water problems that matter most.
Funds dedicated by Prop 4 would be used to provide reliable water supplies so people can stay in their communities and fix aging water systems that leak precious water.
Proposition 4 Solve water problems that matter most. Funds dedicated by Prop 4 would be used to provide reliable water supplies so people can stay in their communities and fix aging water systems that leak precious water. would accomplish the following:

Dive Deeper This summer, Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 7 into law, making a historic advancement in state water policy. SB 7 and House Joint Resolution 7 deliver on the Governor’s call for a “Texas-sized” investment in water infrastructure. Learn More

What Texas voters think of Prop 4 Our August 2025 voter poll shows strong support for investing in the state’s water future.

Explore the results to see how voters responded when asked about Texas’ biggest water challenges and Prop 4’s solutions.
They support how Prop 4 is funded 76% of voters 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%. They support Prop 4 fixing aging pipes 84% of voters 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%. They support Prop 4 to secure water for communities 75% of voters 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%.

Proposition 4 Coalition Across Texas, organizations and leaders are coming together to support Prop 4. By joining this coalition, you add your voice to a growing movement to protect the Texas Miracle and secure long-term, dependable water for our state.

Allen Chamber of Commerce

Association of Water Board Directors

Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce

Environmental Defense Fund

Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Greater Houston Partnership

Graham International

HEB Chamber of Commerce

Longview Chamber of Commerce

Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce

North Dallas Chamber of Commerce

Pasadena Chamber of Commerce

San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce

Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council

Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society

Texas Farm Bureau Association

Texas Pork Producers Association

Texas Vegetable Association

The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce

ARUP

Bay City Chamber of Commerce

Dallas Regional Chamber

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

Garland Chamber of Commerce

Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce

Graham Truck Centers

Kilgore Area Chamber of Commerce

Lubbock Economic Development Alliance

National Wildlife Federation

North Texas Commission

Pearland Chamber of Commerce

Strategic Partnerships

Texas Association of Manufacturers

Texas Citrus Mutual

Texas International Produce Association

Texas Realtors Association

Texas Water Association

Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce

Asian Chamber of Commerce

Bayou City Waterkeeper

Desoto Chamber of Commerce

Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce

Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce

Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce

Halff

LINQ

Mansfield Chamber of Commerce

New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce

Parker County Chamber of Commerce

Plano Chamber of Commerce

Texas 2036

Texas Chemistry Council

Texas Corn Producers Association

Texas Oil and Gas Association

Texas Rural Water Association

Texas Water Infrastructure Network

Upwell

What's Texas 2036? Texas 2036 is a nonpartisan public policy organization dedicated to improving lives and opportunities for all Texans through 2036, Texas’ bicentennial year, and beyond. Learn more

Pol. Adv. Texas 2036
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