Texas House Bill HB30

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/10/08

Caption

Relating to boil water notification requirements for water systems.

Impact

The bill seeks to enhance public safety protocols by formalizing communication measures in the event of potential water contamination. By imposing specific notification obligations on water system operators, HB30 is intended to reduce the risks associated with boil water situations, ensuring that residents are fully aware of the conditions of their drinking water. The requirement for both written and telephonic notifications is designed to mitigate the potential for misinformation or confusion among the public during crises that could affect public health.

Summary

House Bill 30 pertains to the requirements for notifying customers of public drinking water supply systems when a boil water notice is necessary. The bill mandates that operators provide written notice to each customer at their respective street addresses and also make attempts to contact customers by telephone as outlined by regulatory commission rules. This dual notification strategy aims to ensure that all customers receive critical health and safety information in a timely manner, particularly during situations that could affect the safety of drinking water.

Contention

Discussions surrounding this bill may draw attention to the operational costs or logistical challenges for water system operators in complying with the proposed notification requirements. Stakeholders might debate the balance between ensuring public safety through effective communication and the potential financial burden that could be placed on smaller water systems, which may struggle with the increased responsibilities outlined in the bill. Furthermore, there may be discussions about the adequacy of existing measures and whether the requirements outlined in HB30 sufficiently address the more extensive issues of water safety and quality oversight.