Texas infrastructure stuck at ‘C’ as energy, water systems struggle

(UI) — The Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has given the state’s infrastructure a cumulative grade of ‘C’ in its 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card—unchanged from 2021. While federal and state investments have helped stabilize some sectors, population growth, rising energy demands, and aging systems continue to strain critical infrastructure.

Energy, drinking water, and wastewater systems saw declines, while aviation and roads were the only categories to improve. The state also assessed broadband, hazardous waste, ports, and rail for the first time.

Key grades:

• B – Aviation
• C – Energy, Rail
• C- – Stormwater, Roads
• D+ – Drinking Water, Transit, Dams, Broadband
• D- – Wastewater, Levees

Energy infrastructure dropped from a B+ to a C, reflecting rising electricity demands and vulnerabilities exposed by winter storms. Texas, the nation’s top natural gas and wind producer, also ranks second in solar energy. But with demand increasing by 50,000 MW in the past year, the state faces growing pressure to expand and modernize its power grid.

Water systems are also struggling. Drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater infrastructure are overwhelmed, with many systems exceeding their design life. Winter storms in 2021 led to widespread boil-water notices, and leaking pipelines result in 30 gallons of treated water lost per connection per day.

State and local agencies have responded with initiatives such as the Texas Water Development Board’s $2.19 billion in funding for 165 projects and the state’s first comprehensive flood plan. However, ASCE leaders warn that more investment is needed to address long-term risks.

"Texas is growing rapidly, fueling a pressing need for resilient, modern infrastructure," said Mark K. Boyd, president of ASCE Texas Section. "Now is the time to act."

Recommendations to Improve Infrastructure:

• Increase funding through grants, loans, and public-private partnerships.
• Modernize engineering standards to address environmental risks.
• Prioritize asset management to extend infrastructure lifespan.

The report serves as a call to action for policymakers and the public, urging proactive investment to ensure Texas’ infrastructure can support its booming population and economy.

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