Estimated Time to Read: 3 minutes
Texas Policy Research submitted the following written testimony to all members of the Texas House Committee on Natural Resources ahead of its interim hearing.
- Committee: House Committee on Natural Resources
- Hearing Date: August 24, 2026
- Context: 89th Legislature, Interim
- Subject: Regional Water Planning
- Position: Informational
- Texas Liberty Compact:
- Submitted By: Jeramy Kitchen
- Entity: Texas Policy Research Action (TPRA)
The text below reproduces the testimony as submitted to the committee.
The submitted document linked above is the authoritative version.
Chairman Harris and Members of the Committee,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments regarding Texas's regional water planning process.
Texas faces a genuine long-term water challenge driven by continued population growth, economic expansion, and aging infrastructure. These challenges are not signs of policy failure, but of Texas's continued success in attracting families, businesses, and investment. The purpose of regional water planning should be to ensure the state can meet that demand efficiently, not to determine which industries or communities should be allowed to grow.
Recent updates to the State Water Plan illustrate both the magnitude of the challenge and the importance of prioritizing projects that produce measurable results. As infrastructure costs continue to rise, every public dollar should be invested transparently and accountably in projects that demonstrably improve long-term water reliability while respecting taxpayers.
The regional planning process should rely on continually updated data regarding population growth, industrial demand, infrastructure conditions, and water loss. Forecasts should be routinely evaluated so investment decisions reflect current conditions rather than outdated assumptions. As Texas's economy evolves, planning must remain flexible enough to accommodate changing demands.
Texas should also continue prioritizing improvements to existing infrastructure. Significant quantities of treated water are lost each year through aging systems before ever reaching consumers. Reducing those losses is often among the most cost-effective ways to increase available water supplies while maximizing the value of existing infrastructure.
Regional planning should preserve local flexibility and respect private property rights. Water challenges differ substantially across Texas, and local communities are generally best positioned to identify solutions that fit their unique needs. The state's role should remain focused on establishing transparent planning standards, improving coordination, and ensuring accountable financing rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions.
Finally, policymakers should ensure the costs of growth are allocated fairly. As Texas welcomes new residential and industrial development, major new water users should contribute an appropriate share of the infrastructure investments necessary to serve that growth whenever feasible, helping protect existing ratepayers while preserving a competitive economic environment.
Texas has long succeeded by planning ahead while allowing innovation, local decision-making, and responsible investment to solve emerging challenges. Continued improvements to the regional water planning process should reinforce those same principles while ensuring Texas remains prepared for generations of continued prosperity.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sources
- 2027 State Water Plan, Texas Water Development Board
- Water Loss Audit reports, Texas Water Development Board
- Regional Water Planning Groups, Texas Water Development Board
Related TPR Work
- Texas Water Plan Shows $174B Price Tag and Growing Supply Gap, April 2026
- Corpus Christi Water Crisis and What Comes Next, May 2026
- 89th Legislative Session Policy Brief: Water & Energy, July 2025
- Texas' Data Center Dilemma: Growth, Grid Strain, and Water Costs, October 2025
- TPR Written Testimony, Innovative Water Supply Strategies, House Committee on Natural Resources, August 24, 2026
Support Our Work
Texas Policy Research relies on generous donors across Texas. If you found this helpful, please consider supporting our efforts.
Donate TodayStay in the Loop
Subscribe for occasional emails with new research, event details, and ways to engage with Texas policy.
Subscribe for Updates
