YES — We Are FOR Prop 4!
The Consolidated Water Supply Corporation has received some questions about Proposition 4 and how it impacts our members and the future of rural water in Texas. Below are a few quick answers to help explain why Consolidated strongly supports this important initiative.
Q: What is Proposition 4?
A: Proposition 4 authorizes the use of existing state sales tax revenue (no new taxes!) to fund essential water infrastructure projects across Texas. This includes pipeline replacement, leak reduction, and system upgrades for rural and municipal utilities.
The measure directs surplus state funds to the Texas Water Fund, administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), ensuring the money is invested in long-term, sustainable improvements to Texas water systems.
Q: What is Consolidated WSC’s position on Prop 4?
A: We fully support it. Proposition 4 represents one of the most significant opportunities in decades to invest in Texas’ aging rural water infrastructure. For systems like ours—formed in 1967 and now operating over 860 miles of pipe, 67 tanks, and 12 wells—this means direct access to funding that can help us replace end-of-life pipelines and upgrade critical components without placing that burden solely on rate payers.
If Prop 4 passes, Consolidated will aggressively compete for these funds to shield our ratepayers from the substantial costs of system renewal. We have begun internal planning, including job design for an in-house Grant and Project Manager who will lead our funding applications and project delivery. (See our Job Openings page for more information.)
Q: What about the part of Prop 4 that supports new water?
A: The other half of Prop 4 funds are aimed at new and alternative water sources, including the currently cost-prohibitive seawater and brackish groundwater desalination. We believe this is an important and balanced approach. By giving urban and coastal areas tools to develop new water supplies, the state reduces the pressure to export fresh groundwater from rural East Texas aquifers—a growing threat we’ve fought to protect against.
Q: How will Proposition 4 benefit Consolidated members?
A: It provides grant and low-interest loan funding to replace aging waterlines, pumps, and tanks. Replacing this aging infrastructure helps protect water reliability by reducing service interruptions. Prop 4 may indirectly help our members by incentivizing urban development of alternative sources to fresh groundwater and discouraging exportation of fresh groundwater out of our area.
Q: Will Prop 4 increase taxes or utility rates?
A: No. Proposition 4 redirects a portion of existing state sales tax revenue into the Texas Water Fund. There are no new taxes, fees, or local assessments tied to the measure.
Q: How can I learn more?
- Watch: KETK’s recent interview with Rep. Cody Harris explains what Proposition 4 could mean for water systems in East Texas. The discussion highlights how the measure aims to strengthen statewide water security by supporting conservation of fresh groundwater protection in rural areas and the development of new water sources in urban areas.
- Read: Texas Water Development Board’s Proposition 4 FAQ for official program details and funding structure.
