As Texas continues to experience rapid population growth and ongoing drought conditions, water infrastructure has been a continuous topic. The unanimous passage of Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) occurred on April 2, signaling the Texas Senate’s commitment to safeguarding the state’s water future.
At Stiver Engineering, we’re closely following the implications of this legislation, including its massive funding scale and the future of sustainable infrastructure design and development across the state of Texas.
What Is SB 7?
Filed by Senator Charles Perry, SB 7 lays the foundation for a $1 billion-per-year dedicated funding stream to support water infrastructure projects across Texas. This includes new sources of water supply desalination plants, aquifer storage and recovery (ASR), and water reuse systems. This is a strong shift away from over-reliance on groundwater pumping and toward developing innovative, long-term water solutions.
Why It Matters
The state’s water plan projects a significant decline in water availability by 2030, especially from groundwater sources. Without immediate and strategic action, many communities—especially rural and agricultural regions—face the threat of severe shortages. SB 7’s approach prioritizes creating new water supply rather than depleting existing resources. This is critical for ensuring a stable water supply for future generations.
Impact on Engineering and Infrastructure
The bill paves the way for widespread engineering opportunities:
- Reservoir Construction: With new reservoir projects eligible for funding, the demand for innovative structural, tunneling, and water engineering is expected to rise.
- Desalination & Water Reuse: Projects involving advanced water treatment facilities will require specialized mechanical and civil design expertise.
- Water Delivery Systems: With an emphasis on coordinated water planning, expect pipeline, pump station and transmission infrastructure to grow in complexity—and opportunity.
What Comes Next
While SB 7 has passed the Senate, it will move to the House for debate. If approved, voters will weigh in on House Joint Resolution 7 in November, determining whether to dedicate these funds for the next decade.
In the meantime, the Texas Water Development Board will begin establishing the framework to evaluate and prioritize projects. This represents a significant opportunity for forward-thinking municipalities, utilities, and engineering partners to help shape the water landscape of tomorrow.
The Future of Water in Texas
We believe legislation like SB 7 represents more than funding—it reflects a shift in mindset. A shift toward integrated planning, sustainable design, and responsible resource management. As engineers, we’re excited about the role we can play in helping Texas communities adapt and thrive with smarter, more resilient infrastructure.
Whether it’s rural or urban projects, Stiver brings expertise and specialization in water engineering. Our capabilities range from advanced solutions in water resources to comprehensive water supply and water treatment. With a strong focus on utility system design, our skilled team of water design engineers create safe, optimized, and durable water systems.
At Stiver, we specialize in complex conveyance projects and understand the importance of designing safe, durable solutions that support long-term infrastructure performance. Our work on these projects spans from temporary structure design to permanent infrastructure solutions. We excel in shaft, tunnel, and reinforced concrete designs tailored to the unique needs of each conveyance system—delivering dependable, custom-engineered results every time. From tunnel design and shaft construction to pump station engineering and structural design, we bring 45 years of real-world expertise that aligns with the direction SB 7 is moving Texas toward.
If your city or utility is planning a project that could align with SB 7 priorities, Stiver Engineering is ready to help. Let’s build a water-secure Texas—together. Contact us to get started.
