BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1662 89R10163 ANG-D By: Zaffirini Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs 4/2/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Texans expect their public water supply systems to provide clean, safe drinking water. Some communities, however, have experienced ongoing water quality concerns, including discoloration, foul odors, cloudiness, and mineral depositsissues classified as secondary drinking water concerns. While secondary contaminants are not considered harmful to health, they can affect water quality, household appliances, and consumer confidence in their water supply. A key concern is that when residents file complaints with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) about water quality, public water systems receive advance notice before testing occurs. In communities within Senate District 21, residents have raised concerns about instances in which water suppliers have reportedly conducted preemptive treatments, such as chlorine shocking, before TCEQ inspections, potentially affecting test results. What's more, some communities have reported challenges with communication from their water providers, rate increases despite unresolved water quality issues, and difficulties in obtaining reimbursement for bottled water expenses. These concerns underscore the need for a transparent and accountable water testing process to maintain public confidence. S.B. 1662 would strengthen water quality oversight by authorizing TCEQ to notify public water systems no more than 24 hours before testing a well following a consumer complaint. This change would help ensure that testing accurately reflects water conditions and is not affected by short-term pre-treatment measures. By promoting transparency, strengthening accountability, and reinforcing public trust in water quality testing, S.B. 1662 would help ensure Texans receive the reliable drinking water they expect and pay for. As proposed, S.B. 1662 amends current law relating to notice provided to certain public drinking water supply systems before water quality testing. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 341, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 341.0317,as follows: Sec. 341.0317. NOTICE OF WATER QUALITY TESTING. Authorizes the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to provide notice not more than 24 hours in advance to a public drinking water supply system that obtains its water supply from underground sources of TCEQ's intent to perform water quality testing to investigate a complaint related to the public drinking water supply system's water quality. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1662
89R10163 ANG-D By: Zaffirini
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
4/2/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 1662
89R10163 ANG-D
By: Zaffirini
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
4/2/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Texans expect their public water supply systems to provide clean, safe drinking water. Some communities, however, have experienced ongoing water quality concerns, including discoloration, foul odors, cloudiness, and mineral depositsissues classified as secondary drinking water concerns. While secondary contaminants are not considered harmful to health, they can affect water quality, household appliances, and consumer confidence in their water supply.
A key concern is that when residents file complaints with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) about water quality, public water systems receive advance notice before testing occurs. In communities within Senate District 21, residents have raised concerns about instances in which water suppliers have reportedly conducted preemptive treatments, such as chlorine shocking, before TCEQ inspections, potentially affecting test results. What's more, some communities have reported challenges with communication from their water providers, rate increases despite unresolved water quality issues, and difficulties in obtaining reimbursement for bottled water expenses. These concerns underscore the need for a transparent and accountable water testing process to maintain public confidence.
S.B. 1662 would strengthen water quality oversight by authorizing TCEQ to notify public water systems no more than 24 hours before testing a well following a consumer complaint. This change would help ensure that testing accurately reflects water conditions and is not affected by short-term pre-treatment measures.
By promoting transparency, strengthening accountability, and reinforcing public trust in water quality testing, S.B. 1662 would help ensure Texans receive the reliable drinking water they expect and pay for.
As proposed, S.B. 1662 amends current law relating to notice provided to certain public drinking water supply systems before water quality testing.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 341, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 341.0317,as follows:
Sec. 341.0317. NOTICE OF WATER QUALITY TESTING. Authorizes the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to provide notice not more than 24 hours in advance to a public drinking water supply system that obtains its water supply from underground sources of TCEQ's intent to perform water quality testing to investigate a complaint related to the public drinking water supply system's water quality.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.