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Tom Bailey flushes out a water line in Zavalla on April 10, 2023.
Broken Pipes

Texas’ water infrastructure is broken, jeopardizing quality and supply for a growing state

On a daily basis, water managers in cities across the state move from crisis to crisis hoping to keep the water flowing to residents.


Lightning from a passing storm strikes in the vicinity as City of Odessa Water Distribution employees work through the night to repair a broken water main Tuesday, June 14, 2022 in Odessa. According to Mayor of Odessa Javier Joven, repairs were completed around 3:45 a.m. Wednesday.

Boil-water notices bring to light water infrastructure woes

Water pipes inside of Water Well #2 in Zavalla, Texas on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023.

Barely keep up with growth

City manager Randy Criswell at his desk in Wolfforth on Monday, May 1, 2023.
One of the City of Wolfforth’s water towers stands Wednesday, April. 26, 2023, in Wolfforth, Texas.
Signs advertise a future neighborhood near Wolfforth on Wednesday, April. 26, 2023, in Lubbock County.
Dust blows across a construction site for a future neighborhood near Wolfforth on Wednesday, April. 26, 2023.

In Zavalla, a small rate increase could go a long way

Tom Bailey turns the power back on after changing a fuse on April 10, 2023 in Zavalla.
Tom Bailey talks during a city council meeting on April 10, 2023 in Zavalla, Texas. Seated against the wall is Joy Yarbrough, the city's water compliance coordinator.
Mayor pro tem Kimberly Retherford (center) speaks during a city council meeting on April 10, 2023 in Zavalla.
Tom Bailey collects a water sample on April 10, 2023 in Zavalla.

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Economy Environment Politics State government East Texas Water supply