Texas is in a water crisis. We need real, sustainable answers — not false solutions that poison our future.
Right now, lawmakers in Austin are considering House Bill 16 (HB 16), a proposal that could fast-track desalination projects with no rules about where the toxic waste goes. And here’s the kicker: the communities most at risk — Indigenous, rural, and low-income — are the same ones who’ve been historically ignored or harmed by these types of industrial projects.
We need to act — and fast.
Desalination sounds good on paper. Who wouldn’t want to turn salty water into drinking water? But here’s the truth: desalination creates toxic brine, a concentrated, chemical-laced waste that’s often dumped back into the environment without proper treatment. This waste can:
Worse, HB 16 doesn’t even require an environmental review. No community consultation. No protections. No long-term planning. That’s not just careless — it’s dangerous.
This bill proposes to spend taxpayer money from the New Water Supply for Texas Fund — meant to help us prepare for droughts — on desalination plants. But it includes zero safeguards to prevent pollution or ensure justice for communities at the frontlines.
As the Society of Native Nations points out, many of these desalination projects are planned near Indigenous and rural communities. These are people who already face greater health risks and have fewer resources to fight back.
“Texas’ efforts to secure its water future must not come at the expense of public health or environmental integrity,” says Frankie Orona, Executive Director of the Society of Native Nations.
Texas does need water solutions — but not at any cost.
Instead of toxic desalination, let’s invest in great solutions that are sustainable, cost-effective, and community-led:
These better solutions don’t come with radioactive sludge or dead fish. They’re cheaper, safer, and more equitable.
We’ve got one chance to make our voices heard. On Tuesday, April 2, the Texas House Committee on Natural Resources will hold a hearing on HB 16.
📍 Where: Texas Capitol, Room E2.010
🕥 When: 10:30 AM or after the House adjourns
Can’t be there in person? No problem. You can still help:
Use your voice to demand:
This is our water. Our health. Our future. We don’t need false solutions that funnel money into polluting industries. We need better solutions that protect people, wildlife, and future generations.
Tell Texas lawmakers: Don’t fund desalination without strong safeguards.
Let’s build a water system that works for all Texans — not just for those with money and power.
