Texas House Bill HB1192

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to permissible uses of graywater for domestic use.

Impact

If enacted, HB1192 would modify existing statutes related to water usage, allowing residents to utilize graywater more freely. By permitting its use for sanitary purposes, the bill aims to alleviate water supply issues and encourage environmentally-friendly practices among homeowners. The stipulation that households may collect and directly use graywater for non-potable purposes without the need for a permit is expected to streamline conservation efforts and facilitate greater adoption of graywater systems across Texas.

Summary

House Bill 1192 aims to revise the regulations concerning the use of graywater for domestic purposes within Texas. The bill proposes that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) must permit the use of graywater for toilet and urinal flushing. It also specifies that a permit will not be required for the domestic use of less than 400 gallons of graywater per day, provided that it meets certain criteria established in the Health and Safety Code and the Water Code. This change is positioned as a progressive move to promote water conservation efforts within the state.

Contention

The introduction of HB1192 may lead to debates regarding public health and safety concerns surrounding the use of graywater. Critics may argue that while the bill encourages conservation, it could inadvertently expose residents to health risks if not properly regulated. Notable points of contention may include the adequacy of the TCEQ's standards, the effectiveness of the proposed labeling and containment systems for graywater, and potential environmental impacts stemming from unregulated domestic graywater systems.