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A major state water bill is advancing through the Texas Legislature, but local officials say its success will depend on whether rural communities like Elgin receive equal funding and attention.
Senate Bill 7, passed unanimously by the Texas Senate April 2, seeks to expand the state’s water supply and infrastructure through the Texas Water Fund. The legislation would add $2.5 billion for the next two years and create a framework for investing $1 billion annually in water development moving forward.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called the measure a critical step for Texas as the state continues to expand.
“With rapid population growth and industrial development comes increased demand for water,” Patrick said in a statement. “It is imperative to invest in the sustainable expansion of our water supply and related infrastructure.”
The bill, authored by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, broadens the Texas Water Fund to support infrastructure projects that transport and integrate new water sources. Officials said it also expands the role of the fund’s advisory committee to improve transparency through reports on fund usage and project progress.
For Bastrop County, the potential benefits of SB 7 will largely depend on how funds are distributed, according to Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District General Manager Jim Totten.
“Senate Bill 7 takes a step toward addressing Texas’ long-term water challenges,” Totten said. “The expansion of the Texas Water Fund to include infrastructure projects and improve regional coordination is a positive move.”
Totten noted that while the bill’s intent is encouraging, there are concerns that funding may favor large metropolitan areas—particularly those along the U.S. 35 corridor—at the expense of rural communities.
“If that happens, smaller or rural communities like those in Bastrop County may not see much of the benefit,” Totten said. “It is critical that any investment in water infrastructure considers the needs of all Texans, not just the major metropolitan regions.”
He cautioned that prioritizing high-growth urban areas could inadvertently worsen water challenges in rural parts of the state if projects divert water from rural to urban users.
“SB 7, standing alone, has merit,” Totten added. “But there is always the concern that once it is combined with other legislative efforts, funding may primarily benefit larger urban areas.”
The bill also calls for a new office to support regional planning and limit land seizures for water projects, along with protections to safeguard rural water sources by preventing transfers of groundwater with low total dissolved solids, according to legislative records.
A related measure, House Joint Resolution 7, would dedicate an additional $1 billion annually for up to 10 years to support the Texas Water Fund, if approved by voters in November.
However, Totten emphasized that infrastructure investment alone will not solve Texas’ water challenges.
“No amount of investment will truly be effective if we don’t also change how we value and use water,” he said. “We need to start thinking differently about water. It is not just a resource to be developed. It is something to be conserved and respected.”
Even small actions, Totten said, such as fixing leaks and reducing unnecessary irrigation, can collectively make a significant impact.
“The way we manage and use water in our homes, neighborhoods, communities and businesses is key to making sure that any water investment is truly effective over time,” he added.
As SB 7 moves through the House, Totten said he is hopeful but cautious, describing the bill as “a solid foundation.”
“With thoughtful implementation alongside broader conservation efforts, it has the potential to make a real difference,” he said. “Long-term water resilience in Texas and Bastrop County depends on both smart investments and smarter water habits across the board.”
The district will continue to monitor the legislation closely as it progresses.
Senate leaders have indicated they hope to pass all priority bills by mid-April, with the focus then shifting to the House for further action, according to the Texas Senate website.
SB 7 was referred to the House Natural Resources Committee April 9.
