AUSTIN, Texas — The most common groundwater pollution in Texas comes from gas stations. Leaky storage tanks contaminate shallow groundwater meant for drinking or household use. 

“A lot of people avoid shallow groundwater where we’re seeing a lot of this contamination, but on the other hand, it would be nice if it were more available because that’s the easiest groundwater to get to,” said Justin Thompson with the Bureau of Economic Geology. 

Thompson played a small role in producing this year’s Groundwater Monitoring and Contamination Report, prepared by the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee. 

The report lists 252 new groundwater contamination sites in 2023, but the trend over the past eight years shows a decline in the number of cases.

“Hopefully that means that there is simply less cases of actual groundwater contamination that we need to be worried about. But it’s hard to say that for sure,” said Thompson.

Groundwater contamination is just a drop in the bucket of the state’s ongoing water challenges. 

On Tuesday, the Texas Water Development Board solidified its legislative priorities, which include clarification on groundwater management and deposits and longterm funding for water conservation efforts.

“I also like to note that we have worked with a lot of our sister agencies on these, these priorities, to ensure that we’re all on the same page. And I can’t wait to see what happens this session,” said board chair Brooke Paup.

Gov. Greg Abbott called on lawmakers to prioritize securing water resources during an event with Dallas business leaders.

“The governor’s comments reflect the importance of reliable water infrastructure to the success of the state’s economy,” said Jeremy Mazur, the Texas 2036 director of infrastructure and natural resources policy.

Every drop of the state’s water counts according to a poll from Texas 2036 that says 85% of Texans are concerned about the reliability of their water supply during the next severe drought. Mazur validates those concerns, explaining that Texas faces serious water challenges without legislative intervention.

“Continued population and economic growth are increasing the state’s demand for water and water infrastructure,” he said. 

Mazur wants to see the state build a diversified water supply portfolio and address the problem of aging, deteriorating drinking water and wastewater systems that are becoming liabilities to the communities that they serve.

“We’re supporting the legislatures creating a $1 billion dedicated revenue stream for the Texas Water Fund,” said Mazur.

Mazur says the appropriate legislation is in the works and expects there to be water funding, with the governor's blessing next session.