Texas Water Day at the Capitol to highlight infrastructure challenges, opportunities

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Water Day at the Capitol will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the Texas State Capitol in Austin.

This is a free biennial event presented by the Texas Water Foundation, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works in the areas of water policy, leadership, and workforce, and statewide water awareness established in 1998.

“Texas Water Day at the Capitol convenes lawmakers, legislative staff, and statewide water professionals to discuss the state of Texas water, provide educational opportunities, and discuss legislative priorities during the 89th Legislative session,” Sarah Schlessinger, CEO of Texas Water Foundation said.

Schlessinger said the Texas Water Foundation is a nonprofit devoted to safeguarding Texas’ water resources through strategic partnerships, education and outreach, and research.

“Its (Texas Water Foundation) original objective was to raise public awareness among all Texans regarding the vital role water plays in our daily lives,” Schlessinger said. “Today, Texas Water Foundation has grown its vision to include investing in the next generation of water leaders and equipping informed decision makers. In that capacity, we support the educational activities of the Texas Water Caucus.”

Schlessinger said Water security continues to be a nonpartisan challenge of growing importance. 

“As one of the fastest growing states in the nation and one of the strongest economies in the world, Texas’ increasing and concentrated growth demands greater access to more reliable, more secure supplies, she said. “Texas Water Day serves as just a small steppingstone to prompt important conversations about what we can do to address these issues.”

One of the primary goals of Texas Water Day is to support the prioritization of water during the legislative session providing a way for legislators, staff, and members of the public to learn about the state’s urgent water challenges.

“If the public, press and our lawmakers walk away from the day even just slightly more informed or inspired to make water a priority, then we’ll have achieved success,” Schlessinger added.

Earlier this month, Governor Greg Abbott announced a “Texas sized investment in water infrastructure” as an emergency priority. 

“This announcement, coupled with Senate and House budget allocations, signals a generational opportunity to secure dedicated and continuous funding for water infrastructure,” Schlessinger said. “While specific legislation has not yet been filed on this initiative, we expect funding for water infrastructure and supply to be of particular importance this session.”

Following the launch of the Texas Water Caucus in 2023, interest has grown in the education-only caucus at the start of the 89th Legislative Session and now includes 80 new and returning members from the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate. 

“An increased interest in and support for the prioritization of water is encouraging, and we can expect great efforts from the Caucus this session to continue elevating water as a top issue for Texas,” Schlessinger said.

Keynote speakers this year include Sen. Charles Perry, Rep. Cody Harris, and Texas Water Development Board Chairwoman L’oreal Stepney. Water industry experts will provide insights on the State of Texas Water and the Future of Texas Water.

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