Securing Texas’ water future

Water is our state’s most precious resource. It is fundamental to our communities, our economy and the industries that sustain modern life.

Today, long-term water security is one of the most critical challenges facing Texas. For the business of chemistry and the broader manufacturing sector, water is not simply a resource; it is a cornerstone of economic growth, environmental stewardship and quality of life for millions of Texans.

Texas continues to experience rapid population growth, expanding economic development and new investments that create jobs and strengthen local communities. At the same time, prolonged drought, aging infrastructure and increasing competition for limited water supplies are placing growing pressure on our water systems. Addressing these realities requires a forward-looking strategy that embraces sustainable solutions and modernizes water infrastructure.

The Texas Chemistry Council and our member companies recognize that ensuring a sustainable water future requires leadership, innovation and collaboration and our industry is committed to doing its part. Across Texas, our members continue investing in water conservation technologies, reuse and recycling systems and process improvements that reduce water consumption.

Just as importantly, the business of chemistry plays a vital role in ensuring clean and safe water supplies, from treatment technologies and filtration systems to advanced materials and processes that help communities purify, reuse and protect essential natural resources. These efforts demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible resource management while supporting economic growth.

But industry action alone cannot solve the scale of the challenge before us. Meeting Texas’ water needs will require strong state leadership and sustained investment.

We commend the Texas Legislature for its leadership in advancing voter-approved Proposition 4, which dedicates up to $1 billion annually for 20 years, for a total of up to $20 billion, from state sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund. This historic investment is a significant step toward securing reliable water supplies for our growing state. Strategic funding through the Texas Water Fund will help accelerate critical infrastructure projects, support innovative supply development and strengthen regional resilience across Texas.

One critical example is the urgent need for seawater desalination projects along the Texas coast, particularly in the Corpus Christi region. The Inner Harbor desalination initiative represents an important step toward diversifying our water portfolio, enhancing regional resilience and supporting continued industrial and community growth. Projects like this provide new, drought-resistant water supplies that help protect existing resources while ensuring long-term reliability.

However, desalination is not enough. Texas must pursue a diversified strategy that maximizes existing resources and develops new ones through innovation and smart policy. Opportunities include expanding water reuse and recycling programs, investing in aquifer storage and recovery, reducing system losses through infrastructure upgrades, supporting regional partnerships and encouraging technologies that increase efficiency across sectors.

The business of chemistry stands ready to partner with policymakers, water authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders to advance practical solutions that benefit all Texans. Water security is not just an industry issue. It is a Texas issue. By investing in resilient infrastructure and working together toward sustainable solutions, we can secure the water resources needed to support continued growth, protect our environment and maintain the quality of life that makes Texas strong.

Together, we can ensure that Texas remains not only a leader in economic opportunity but also a model for responsible stewardship of our natural resources.

For more information, visit texaschemistry.org.