Proposition 4 in Texas hits the November Ballots

By Kaylee Gonzalez

Blog Content Contributor

SAN MARCOS — From rural communities to major cities, Texans depend on reliable water sources. Many parts of the state face water shortages, recurring droughts and frequent boil-water notices. Proposition 4, which appeared on ballots this November, is a proposal to address those water challenges through a state water fund. The measure has drawn interest and support from some, while others have expressed caution.

According to Spring Well Water, Texas ranks among the lowest in the country for safe tap water. In 2023, the state recorded 15,340 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. While the act is designed to protect water quality, the continued violations highlight challenges Texas faces in maintaining clean water systems — an issue Proposition 4 aims to address.

Teri Marsh, water advocacy chair for the League of Women Voters in Texas, spoke about why Proposition 4 is important for the state and its water systems.

“It’s a widely shared fact that the water lost to leaky pipes could supply several major Texas cities annually; it’s also true that frequent boil water notices and service interruptions endanger the health of Texans,” said Marsh. “Proposition 4 creates a reliable funding stream to address these problems.”

Marsh lives in a rural community called Fort Clark Springs/Brackettville in Kinney County. She said she has seen firsthand how water issues affect her community. Marsh explained that her town exists because of Las Moras Springs, which has flowed for about 9,000 years. At the beginning of 2022, the spring went dry, prompting Marsh to continue educating herself on water issues and potential solutions.

Some Texans have expressed concern that passing Proposition 4, which dedicates $1 billion a year to water infrastructure, could increase taxes or divert funds from other priorities. According to Marsh, however, the proposal would not raise taxes but instead dedicate a portion of existing sales tax revenue to meet Texas’ current and future water needs.

“Our existing water infrastructure needs to be upgraded, and Proposition 4 funds will address these problems,” said Marsh. “Proposition 4 would also fund new water supply projects. These new water supply projects will tap into additional water sources to reduce the strain on our aquifers and reservoirs.”

When asked what message the League of Women Voters in Texas would like to share with residents, said Marsh, “Our lives, our health, our communities, and our natural environment all depend on water. Say YES to help secure Texas’ water future.”

However, some Texans remain skeptical about whether Proposition 4 will ensure the long-term and effective distribution of funds.

As Texas continues to face water challenges, voters will decide through Proposition 4 how the state should manage one of its most vital resources.