by Sen. Robert Nichols
Texans pride themselves on building — building businesses, communities, and opportunity. But none of that works without reliable water infrastructure. On November 4th, Texans have the chance to vote “YES” on Proposition 4 and support the future of our state’s economy by making a generational investment in water infrastructure.
This constitutional amendment is not just about pipes and pumps — it’s about ensuring that the Texas economy continues to grow. Proposition 4 creates a dedicated funding stream using $1 billion annually of existing state sales tax revenue to modernize our aging water systems, expand supply, and support local utilities. In total it represents a $20 billion investment though the year 2047. No new taxes, no new bureaucracy — just smart investment in water projects that will allow communities to grow and keep Texas open for business.
Protecting East Texas and Ensuring Sustainable Growth
One of the most important provisions in Proposition 4 is the prohibition against funding projects that pump and transport fresh groundwater out of East Texas. This provision, which I and many of my East Texas colleagues fought for, protects local aquifers from over-pumping while encouraging innovation in other regions — desalination on the coast, water reuse in urban centers, and more efficient water systems statewide.
This balance matters economically. Depleting East Texas aquifers would devastate local industries — agriculture, timber, tourism — that depend on groundwater availability. By keeping that water where it belongs and investing instead in technology and infrastructure upgrades, Proposition 4 protects East Texas groundwater and promotes growth that lasts.
Investing in our Past and our Future
Texas communities and companies depend on robust water infrastructure to grow and remain competitive. Yet across Texas our water systems are old, leaky, and outdated. Each year, we lose billions of gallons through broken pipes and inefficient treatment systems. According to some reports Texas must invest at least $154 billion over the next 50 years just to upgrade existing water and wastewater infrastructure—and that’s before accounting for population growth, drought, and climate volatility. Many smaller towns and rural systems, especially in East Texas, don’t have the tax base or bond capacity to shoulder that burden alone.
Proposition 4 addresses this directly. It provides predictable, long-term funding for the repair and replacement of critical infrastructure and for projects that expand water supply through desalination, conservation, and other new water projects. This investment in our existing infrastructure and creation of additional water supplies will ensure Texas companies and communities have the water they need to continue to grow and succeed.
The Bottom Line
Approval of Proposition 4 is helping Texas manage one of its biggest risks: water availability. It’s a rare chance for bipartisan action that strengthens infrastructure, protects natural resources, and safeguards our state’s economic future.
On November 4th, cast your vote for Texas’ future. Vote YES on Proposition 4 — to fix what’s broken, protect what’s precious, and ensure every Texan has the water resources we all deserve.
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