Proposition 4: Securing Texas’ Water Future

This November 2025, Texans will vote on Proposition 4 (HJR 7), a bipartisan constitutional amendment that would dedicate part of the state’s sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund. At its core, Prop 4 is about whether we make a long-term investment in protecting the most basic resource we all depend on: water.

📖 Read the full text of HJR 7 (Prop 4): 89(R) HJR 7 Enrolled Version  

📑 Read the Senate Research Center’s Bill Analysis

Starting in 2027, the first $1 billion of state sales tax revenue collected above $46.5 billion each year would be automatically deposited into the Texas Water Fund. The money could be used for water infrastructure repairs and upgrades, developing new water supplies, conservation projects, and transfers to the New Water Supply for Texas Fund — with at least 25% earmarked for new water development. Importantly, the amendment prohibits using these funds to build pipelines that siphon fresh groundwater out of rural aquifers.

Texans across the political spectrum know water is life. Rural communities, farmers, and towns hit hardest by drought or industry overuse will benefit from stronger infrastructure and protections for their water supply. Prop 4 is about planning for climate change, ensuring equity for vulnerable communities, and making sure our economy has the water it needs to thrive.

But here’s the BIGGER issue…while Prop 4 dedicates money, it avoids tackling the root causes of water stress. Massive industries like oil, gas, and data centers consume millions of gallons of water each day, often competing with local communities. Without stronger rules to ensure conservation and accountability, Texans will keep footing the bill while industries drain our public resources.