Texas Rural Report
Straight from the dirt roads to the Capitol, Texas Rural Report brings you the real stories behind the policies shaping our rural communities. Hosted by a seasoned legislative consultant and rural Texan, this podcast dives deep into healthcare, education, and economic development issues and, explores how the decisions made in Austin impact rural Texans. With exclusive interviews featuring Capitol insiders and Texans on the front lines, the Texas Rural Report breaks down complex policies in a way that empowers listeners to stay informed and take action. Whether you’re a community leader, small business owner, educator, or just passionate about the future of rural Texas, this podcast is your go-to source for insight and advocacy.
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Texas Rural Report
Water Talk with Perry Fowler
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Texas faces at least $174 billion in identified water infrastructure needs—and the full cost of repairing aging systems, expanding water supplies, treating wastewater and preparing for floods could be much higher.
In this episode of the Texas Rural Reporter podcast, Suzanne Bellsnyder talks with Perry Fowler, executive director of the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, about the decisions Texas must make before the next legislative session.
They discuss the growing gap between the state’s water needs and available funding, the challenges facing small rural water systems, groundwater and private property rights, data-center development, local control and the rising cost of delaying infrastructure projects.
For rural communities, the problem is not simply finding more water. Many towns are operating systems built decades ago while struggling to complete audits, hire engineers, navigate state funding programs and generate enough local revenue to replace what is wearing out.
Perry also explains why state funding cannot replace local leadership—and why citizens must remain engaged in the decisions being made by city councils, groundwater districts and state lawmakers.
Water is a fundamental need. Texas has the knowledge to address it. The question is whether state and local leaders have the political will to act before the faucet stops running.
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