Texas House Bill HB3560

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of a county to implement a pilot program to reuse wastewater at county facilities.

Impact

The bill specifically amends the Health and Safety Code, adding Section 341.0391, which sets the framework for counties to participate in wastewater reuse initiatives. It empowers large counties to innovate in their water management strategies while ensuring public health and environmental protection. The implementation is subject to regulations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to mitigate any risk of nuisance or harm to human health and the quality of surface and groundwater.

Summary

House Bill 3560 allows counties in Texas with a population of more than 3.3 million to implement pilot programs for the reuse of wastewater at their facilities. This includes using treated wastewater for subsurface irrigation and for flushing toilets and urinals. The legislation is aimed at promoting sustainable practices in managing water resources, potentially helping to alleviate water shortages by reusing wastewater that would otherwise go to waste.

Conclusion

Overall, HB3560 represents a progressive approach to water management that promotes sustainability through innovative reuse of resources. However, the success of such pilot programs will depend on rigorous oversight, community engagement, and addressing public concerns related to health and environmental sustainability.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the effectiveness and safety of wastewater reuse programs, particularly concerns from communities wary of the health implications of using treated wastewater. Additionally, the requirement for these programs to be carefully monitored and regulated may draw scrutiny over the adequacy of existing state resources for oversight. Balancing the innovative use of resources with community health and safety standards will be a critical challenge.