Texas Water Loss Is Rising But Funding Is Available
Many utilities are losing more water each year due to aging pipes, outdated meters, and system leaks. While these issues drain budgets and strain staff, there is good news: TWDB grants and other state-level funding programs exist to help utilities pay for upgrades, studies, and full-scale water loss reduction plans.
As a result of Proposition 4, starting in 2028 up to $1 Billion in annual funding will be allocated to several programs in the Texas Water Fund to support water conservation and water loss reduction efforts.
Yet, many utilities miss out because they do not know where to start, which programs they qualify for, or how to build a compliant funding application.
At Holistic Utility Solutions, we guide municipalities through the entire process so they can secure the dollars needed to modernize infrastructure, cut water loss, and boost financial strength.
Why TWDB Grants Matter for Municipal Water Systems
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) funds a wide range of water projects, but utilities focused on reducing water loss have several strong and accessible pathways. Programs offer low-interest loans, grants, and principal forgiveness options.
Here’s why they matter:
- Many utilities are operating old systems that waste both water and money.
- State reporting requirements (such as the Water Loss Audit) are tightening.
- Funding helps utilities act now instead of delaying critical improvements.
- Water infrastructure funding can offset rising operational costs.
Most importantly, TWDB grants can help small, medium, and large cities pay for upgrades without adding financial pressure.
Understanding TWDB Grants for Water Loss Reduction
When searching for TWDB grants, utilities often discover that funding falls into several main categories. Each pathway supports a different phase of water loss reduction.
1. Planning and Assessment Funding
TWDB offers programs that help municipalities fund:
- Water loss audits
- Infrastructure assessments
- Meter accuracy tests
- System mapping
- Feasibility studies
These planning funds often cover the first steps needed to understand the scale of water loss and identify solutions.
2. Water Infrastructure Funding for Repairs and Upgrades
When a utility identifies leaks, failing mains, or aging meters, larger programs become available. TWDB funding may help pay for:
- Meter replacement projects
- AMR and AMI technology upgrades
- Line replacement
- Leak detection equipment
- Pressure management systems
- SCADA improvements
These upgrades have a major impact on reducing non-revenue water and improving long-term system performance.
3. State Revolving Fund Programs
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) have set-asides specifically for:
- Water conservation
- Efficiency improvements
- Infrastructure replacement
Many utilities qualify for low-interest loans and partial forgiveness based on income level or project type.
Steps to Secure TWDB Grants for Water Loss Projects
Winning TWDB funding is much easier when utilities follow a simple, structured process.
Step 1: Review Your Latest Water Loss Audit
TWDB looks closely at a utility’s water loss trends and audit history. Therefore, it is vital to ensure the audit is accurate, complete, and based on reliable data.
If needed, Holistic Utility Solutions can redo the audit or help validate all entries.
Step 2: Conduct a Professional Water Loss Assessment
A detailed assessment strengthens your funding application. It should include:
- Leak detection findings
- Meter accuracy reports
- Infrastructure condition insights
- Identified high-risk areas
This report becomes the backbone of your TWDB application.
Step 3: Build a Cost-Effective Project Plan
TWDB grants favor projects that:
- Reduce real water loss
- Improve billing accuracy
- Lower long-term costs
- Provide measurable savings
Our team helps design project plans that align with TWDB scoring criteria.
Step 4: Select the Correct TWDB Funding Program
This is where most municipalities get stuck. Because each program has its own rules, deadlines, and eligibility factors, guidance is key.
Holistic Utility Solutions evaluates the best funding pathways for:
- Small cities
- Large municipalities
- Water districts
- Investor-owned utilities
Step 5: Prepare a Strong TWDB Application Package
A complete funding application includes:
- Technical documentation
- Engineering reports
- Financial details
- Project justification
- Supporting data from audits and assessments
We help prepare all required documents and submit them on time so your chances of approval increase.
Why Work With Holistic Utility Solutions?
Utilities that secure TWDB grants often do so with expert support. When you work with Holistic Utility Solutions, you get:
- Complete project guidance from start to finish
- Accurate water loss audits and assessments
- Funding pathway identification
- Full application preparation
- Project implementation support
- Experience working with Texas utilities of all sizes
Additionally, our team understands how to keep costs low while delivering practical improvements that create long-term savings.
Ready to Start Your Funding Process?
If your utility needs help reducing water loss—and wants help securing TWDB grants or other water infrastructure funding—we can guide every step.
Schedule a free consultation today
Let Holistic Utility Solutions help you unlock the funding your municipality needs to build a stronger and more efficient water system.
