Texas Senate Bill SB1379

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

The implications of SB1379 are significant, as it aligns financial assistance with accountability regarding water usage practices. By requiring recipients to implement watering restrictions, the bill seeks to enhance water conservation efforts across Texas. This may lead to a more efficient use of water resources, reducing waste, and potentially easing the burden on municipal water supplies, especially during drought conditions or periods of high demand.

Summary

SB1379 establishes new requirements for entities receiving financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board for municipal water supply projects. Specifically, the bill mandates that recipients receiving more than $500,000 must implement a water conservation program that includes restrictions on outdoor watering practices. This initiative aims to promote sustainable water usage among municipal utilities and ensures that financial recipients actively contribute to conservation efforts.

Contention

While the bill appears to have broad support due to its conservation goals, there may be contention regarding the potential increase in regulatory oversight imposed on municipalities. Some stakeholders might argue that the restrictions could complicate local management of water resources, particularly for smaller municipalities that may lack the resources to develop comprehensive water conservation programs. Additionally, the bill allows the Texas Water Development Board to waive requirements during emergencies, which could lead to debates over the criteria for what constitutes an emergency.