(UI) — A sweeping legislative package aimed at revitalizing Texas' aging water infrastructure and preparing for future shortages was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 18, according to KPRC 2.

The move includes Senate Bill 7 and House Joint Resolution 7—two key measures that together could channel more than $20 billion into water system upgrades across the state.

The newly signed law allocates $2.5 billion in immediate funding to the Texas Water Fund, which will be used to repair leaky pipes, modernize aging treatment facilities, and explore new water sources. A long-term funding proposal under HJR 7 would contribute $1 billion annually for the next two decades, pending voter approval on the November ballot.

Governor Abbott called the initiative a “generational investment,” citing firsthand experience with the dangers of water shortages. “With this law, we will secure Texas’ water future for generations to come,” he said during the bill signing ceremony in Lubbock.

As KPRC 2 reports, questions remain about how the funds will be distributed, and how quickly cities like Houston and Harris County may begin to benefit from the investment.