Texas House Bill HB3889

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study on public drinking water infrastructure by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Impact

The implications of HB 3889 are significant for public health and environmental safety. By requiring a thorough evaluation and action recommendations, the bill highlights the state's commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges that may compromise water quality. The TCEQ's report will serve as a foundation for potential legislative actions and funding allocations to upgrade existing systems, ensuring sustainability and safety for future water supply. This proactive approach can potentially prevent public health crises rooted in water contamination or inadequate infrastructure.

Summary

House Bill 3889 focuses on the public drinking water infrastructure in Texas, tasked to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The bill mandates the commission to conduct a comprehensive study to assess current infrastructure, identify issues, and recommend necessary improvements. It aims to ensure that drinking water remains safe and meets the standards outlined in the state's public health regulations. Notably, the bill emphasizes the importance of modernizing aging infrastructure, including pipelines and drainage systems that are critical for safe public access to drinking water.

Contention

While HB 3889 is poised to enhance the safety and quality of drinking water, discussions surrounding the bill may touch on funding concerns and the prioritization of projects. There might be debates over how the findings of the study will be implemented, especially concerning budget allocations and timeline expectations. Some stakeholders could express apprehension about the adequacy of state funding to address the identified issues, which could lead to a perception of a gap between the study recommendations and actual improvements in water infrastructure.