Texas House Bill HB2134

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/09

Caption

Relating to the frequency of water audits by certain retail public utilities.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to have significant implications for how water management is conducted within the state. For larger utilities, the annual audits will continue, which is seen as necessary for maintaining effective water management strategies and addressing potential losses quickly. For smaller utilities, the extended timeframe for audits could provide relief in terms of administrative workload and financial strain, allowing them to allocate resources to other operational needs. However, there is a risk that less frequent audits might lead to unaddressed inefficiencies in water loss management for these smaller providers.

Summary

House Bill 2134 proposes to amend the Water Code of Texas, specifically relating to the frequency at which water audits must be conducted by retail public utilities that provide potable water. Under the current law, these utilities are mandated to perform annual audits to assess their system water loss. The bill proposes that retail public utilities serving populations of 3,300 or less, which do not receive any financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board, may instead conduct these audits every five years. This change aims to relieve smaller utilities of the burden of annual reporting while still ensuring oversight and management of water loss.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB2134 may focus on the balance between regulatory oversight and operational flexibility for smaller utilities. Supporters argue that the bill provides necessary relief for smaller services, potentially fostering better resource allocation, while critics might express concerns that the reduced frequency of audits could lead to insufficient accountability. The debate may touch upon the effectiveness of existing water management practices and the importance of timely reporting, particularly in a state where water scarcity is a growing concern.