Texas House Bill HB1319

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/1/11

Caption

Relating to the calculation and reporting of water usage by municipalities and water utilities.

Impact

The bill proposes that the Texas Water Development Board, in consultation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Water Conservation Advisory Council, will develop a data collection and reporting program specifically for municipalities and water utilities with over 3,300 connections. The board is also responsible for submitting reports to the legislature that detail statewide water usage, ensuring lawmakers have access to up-to-date information for policy making. This will ultimately influence state laws related to water management and conservation strategies.

Summary

House Bill 1319 addresses the calculation and reporting of water usage by municipalities and water utilities in Texas. It mandates the development of a consistent methodology for tracking water usage across various sectors, including residential, industrial, agricultural, commercial, and institutional. This bill aims to enhance water conservation efforts and ensure that water management practices are based on reliable and comprehensive data, which is necessary for effective planning and resource allocation in water-scarce regions.

Contention

An essential point of contention surrounding HB 1319 is the balance between state oversight and local control. While supporters argue that uniform reporting standards will streamline water management and enhance conservation efforts, critics might raise concerns regarding the additional reporting burdens placed on municipalities, especially those with limited resources. Furthermore, there may be apprehensions about how the collection of detailed water use data will be utilized and the implications it may have on local autonomy in water governance.