In a time when many issues prompt divisiveness, one issue that supersedes many of those divides, bringing together people of different cultures, geography, and socioeconomic backgrounds, is water. Although water doesn’t negate all differences, its value is indisputable and can inspire a sense of shared commitment to ensure its long-term availability. An example of this commitment is evolving during this year’s legislative session in the Texas Capitol.

Texas has a $32.7 billion budget surplus and decisions are forthcoming on spending. Many desire to see water become a legislative priority in the face of unprecedented population growth and failing infrastructure; however, the new generation of lawmakers are less familiar with the state’s critical water issues. To fill the knowledge void, the Texas Water Foundation worked with the Texas House to create the Texas House Water Caucus, a bi-partisan non-voting group, whose objective is to educate legislators about the state’s water issues.

The Caucus began with a roster of 38 members and has grown to more than 70 with representation from both parties. The group will focus on building consensus regarding the importance of conservation and infrastructure and encourage prioritization in spending proactively and not just in response to disasters, such as droughts or water outages. The Caucus plans to support bills that fund water infrastructure projects statewide, “particularly for the communities that find themselves with a low tax base or just are not financially able to do that,” according to Caucus Chair Tracy King.[1]

The Texas Water Foundation supports the educational efforts of the Texas House Water Caucus, hosting information sessions relevant to the various facets of water policy. The goal of these efforts is to instill a recognition of the size and scope of investments necessary to ensure water security for the state. Despite the significant surplus and the efforts of the Water Caucus, this year’s legislature will only scratch the surface as estimates for repairs and upgrades statewide are as much as $330 billion.[2]

[1] DuPree, Will. “New Texas House Caucus to Focus on Water Security, Updating Systems.” KXAN Austin, KXAN Austin, 11 Feb. 2023, https://www.kxan.com/news/texas-politics/new-texas-house-caucus-to-focus-on-water-security-updating-systems/?ipid=promo-link-block2.

[2] Schneider, Andrew. “New House Caucus Aims to Put Water Infrastructure Upgrades Front-and-Center of Texas Legislative Agenda.” Houston Public Media, 18 Jan. 2023, https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2023/01/17/441534/new-house-caucus-aims-to-put-water-infrastructure-upgrades-front-and-center-of-texas-legislative-agenda/.