Many Texans could see higher water bills over the next year as utilities face rising costs and limited state funding for critical water infrastructure projects. Experts briefed members of the Texas House Committee on Natural Resources on Tuesday about growing challenges facing the state’s water supply system and the increasing cost of expanding it.

Water Shortages in Texas

Some areas of Texas are already facing significant water shortages. Corpus Christi has less than a year of usable water supply remaining, while planners in North Texas continue searching for new sources to meet growing demand.

Texas voters approved a constitutional amendment last year that dedicates $1 billion annually to help fund new water projects and reduce costs for ratepayers. However, that funding will not become available until the summer of 2028. Until then, utilities and water districts are expected to pass more of the costs for new infrastructure projects on to customers through their water bills.

Sarah Kirkle with the Texas Water Association said several factors are contributing to rising costs and growing water demands. “It’s not just inflation. It’s the population and economic development. All these data centers. We’re not even talking about the water costs associated with the energy needs to support that right. We have worsening droughts. So we have extremes in our climate,” said Kirkle.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.