S.B. No. 1525
AN ACT
relating to studies by the Texas Water Development Board of water
needs and availability in this state.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) In this section, "board" means the Texas
Water Development Board.
(b) The board shall:
(1) conduct a study of water needs and availability in
this state; and
(2) use the results of the study to produce a
comprehensive water resources map.
(c) The study must consider:
(1) opportunities for, obstacles to, and costs
associated with the development of new sources of water, including
but not limited to the diversion of water from contiguous states,
the use of flood control diversion channels, and the reuse of water
associated with oil and gas operations;
(2) potential locations of facilities for the
desalination of marine seawater and brackish groundwater;
(3) the allocation of costs associated with the
transportation of desalinated marine seawater and brackish
groundwater from the place of production to end users;
(4) the potential for the use of public-private
partnerships for water development projects in this state; and
(5) methods to ensure that stakeholders from all water
user groups are included in the development of plans for the use of
water in this state.
(d) In conducting the study, the board may consult with the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
(e) Not later than December 1, 2018, the board shall submit
to each standing committee of the legislature having primary
jurisdiction over water development:
(1) a report of the findings of the study conducted
under this section; and
(2) the map developed by the board under Subsection
(b) of this section.
SECTION 2. Section 11.155, Water Code, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 11.155. AQUIFER STORAGE AND RECOVERY REPORTS.
(a) The board shall make studies, investigations, and surveys of
the aquifers in the state as it considers necessary to determine the
occurrence, quantity, quality, and availability of aquifers in
which water may be stored and subsequently retrieved for beneficial
use.
(b) The board, working with appropriate interested persons,
including groundwater conservation districts, regional water
planning groups, and potential sponsors of aquifer storage and
recovery projects, shall:
(1) conduct studies of aquifer storage and recovery
projects identified in the state water plan or by interested
persons; and
(2) report the results of each study conducted under
Subdivision (1) to regional water planning groups and interested
persons.
(c) This subsection expires January 1, 2019. The board
shall:
(1) conduct a statewide survey of the most favorable
areas for aquifer storage and recovery;
(2) prepare a report that includes an overview of the
survey conducted under Subdivision (1); and
(3) not later than December 15, 2018, submit the
report described by Subdivision (2) to the governor, lieutenant
governor, and speaker of the house of representatives. [The board
shall undertake the studies, investigations, and surveys in the
following order of priority:
[(1) areas designated by the commission as "priority
groundwater management areas" under Section 35.008; and
[(2) other areas of the state in a priority to be
determined by the board's ranking of where the greatest need
exists.]
SECTION 3. The Texas Water Development Board is required to
implement Sections 11.155(b) and (c), Water Code, as added by this
Act, only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for
that purpose. If the legislature does not appropriate money
specifically for that purpose, the board may, but is not required
to, implement Sections 11.155(b) and (c), Water Code, as added by
this Act, using other appropriations available for the purpose.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1525 passed the Senate on
April 19, 2017, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0; and that
the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 27, 2017, by the
following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1525 passed the House, with
amendment, on May 24, 2017, by the following vote: Yeas 144,
Nays 2, one present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor