Texas House Bill HB2957

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a requirement that certain recipients of financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board adopt certain restrictions on water use by their customers.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will amend existing provisions within the Water Code to introduce these new requirements for financial assistance. By mandating conservation programs, the bill aims to motivate local public utilities and other public entities to actively participate in water conservation efforts. Additionally, it grants the Texas Water Development Board the responsibility of developing rules to guide the implementation of these new requirements. This oversight can help ensure uniform compliance across various utility providers in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2957 aims to impose specific restrictions on water use for entities receiving significant financial assistance (over $500,000) from the Texas Water Development Board. The bill is primarily targeted at retail public utilities and public entities managing municipal water supply projects. One notable aspect of the bill is its focus on ensuring that recipients of this financial assistance implement a water conservation program that includes mandatory time-of-day limitations on outdoor watering for their customers. This legislative measure reflects an increasing awareness of water conservation needs in Texas, especially given the state’s periodic droughts and water scarcity issues.

Contention

While the bill seeks to foster water conservation, it may not be without contention, particularly regarding its implementation and the burden of compliance on local entities. The requirement for mandatory watering restrictions could meet resistance from some municipal water authorities and businesses that rely on water for their operations. Opponents might argue that such stringent measures could negatively affect customer service or operational flexibility. However, proponents could counter that these measures are essential for sustainable water management in an increasingly resource-constrained environment.