To the Editor:

In the midst of one of the worst droughts in its history, Texas legislators are rightly focused on ensuring that their communities have adequate access to water (“As Texas Bakes in a Long Drought, Water Becomes a Focus for Legislators,” news article, Jan. 13). Leaders from both parties deserve praise for depoliticizing what is truly a nonpartisan issue.

Sustainable, safe and reliable water service is the lifeblood for every community, essential for public health and economic development and growth.

As legislators move forward on developing a water infrastructure bank, they should remember that 16 percent of treated water never reaches the tap, a result of aging and rapidly degrading infrastructure.

Even as the state focuses on new projects, communities and utilities throughout Texas also need to continue investing in repair and replacement of the existing water infrastructure to help reduce waste and alleviate water scarcity.