the Upper Trinity Regional Water District and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality v. National Wildlife Federation ( 2015 )

ACCEPTED
01-15-00374-CV
FIRST COURT OF APPEALS
HOUSTON, TEXAS
6/26/2015 7:31:10 PM
CHRISTOPHER PRINE
CLERK
No. 01-15-00374-CV
IN THE FIRST COURT OF APPEALS FILED IN
1st COURT OF APPEALS
HOUSTON, TEXAS HOUSTON, TEXAS
6/26/2015 7:31:10 PM
THE UPPER TRINITY REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT and
CHRISTOPHER A. PRINE
TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Clerk
Appellants,
v.
FILED IN
NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION, 1st COURT OF APPEALS
Appellee. HOUSTON, TEXAS
6/26/2015 7:31:10 PM
Appealed from the 126th Judicial District CourtCHRISTOPHER
of A. PRINE
Clerk
Travis County, Texas
BRIEF FOR APPELLANT
UPPER TRINITY REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT
LAMBETH TOWNSEND
State Bar No. 20167500
ltownsend@lglawfirm.com
JASON T. HILL
State Bar No. 24046075
jhill@lglawfirm.com
ELIZABETH P. HERNANDEZ
State Bar No. 24080942
ehernandez@lglawfirm.com
LLOYD GOSSELINK
ROCHELLE & TOWNSEND, P.C.
816 Congress Ave., Suite 1900
Austin, Texas 78701
(512) 322-5800
(512) 472-0532 (fax)
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANT
THE UPPER TRINITY REGIONAL
WATER DISTRICT
APPELLANT REQUESTS ORAL ARGUMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS.......................................................................................... ii
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES.................................................................................... iv
STATEMENT OF THE CASE..................................................................................1
STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT ...............................................2
ISSUES PRESENTED...............................................................................................3
STATEMENT OF FACTS ........................................................................................4
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT ........................................................................9
ARGUMENT ...........................................................................................................10
I. The substantial evidence standard of review governs this
appeal...................................................................................................10
II. The Commission reasonably interpreted Section
11.085(l)(2) of the Texas Water Code. ...............................................12
III. Substantial evidence supports the Commission’s decision
to grant the permit. ..............................................................................13
A. A substantial evidence review standard is a high
hurdle for NWF to cross. ..........................................................13
B. NWF does not overcome its burden of proof. ..........................14
C. Substantial evidence exists that the 2012 Water
Conservation Plan will result in the “highest
practicable levels” of conservation and efficiency. ..................16
1. The District reasonably relied on various
sources of expert guidance to determine
practicability. ..................................................................16
2. The District reasonably relied on Report 362
as an additional guidance in development of
its water conservation plans............................................18
3. Other authorities turned to Report 362 for
water conservation standards..........................................20
4. NWF failed to offer credible evidence
discounting the District’s development of its
water conservation plans. ...............................................22
ii
D. Substantial evidence in the record demonstrates
that the 2012 Water Conservation Plan is the most
efficient “achievable within the jurisdiction” of the
District.......................................................................................24
1. “Achievable within the jurisdiction of the
applicant” is a subjective standard. ................................24
2. The District’s jurisdiction is that of a
wholesaler. ......................................................................24
3. The District developed multiple water-
saving procedures. ..........................................................25
4. The law recognizes the distinction between
wholesale and retail suppliers for purposes
of conservation, but NWF does not................................29
IV. The District has satisfied all applicable Commission rules
in 30 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 288...................................30
A. NWF did not preserve error regarding Chapter 288
of the Commission’s rules. .......................................................31
B. The record nonetheless demonstrates that the 2012
Water Conservation Plan complies with Chapter
288 of the Commission’s rules. ................................................34
1. The 2012 Water Conservation Plan includes
enforcement provisions...................................................35
2. The 2012 Water Conservation Plan details
the five-year and ten-year targets. ..................................36
V. The substantial rights of NWF have not been prejudiced...................38
CONCLUSION AND PRAYER .............................................................................40
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE.......................................................................41
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ................................................................................42
INDEX OF APPENDICES......................................................................................43
iii
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
Page
Cases
CenterPoint Energy Houston Elec., LLC v. Pub. Util. Comm’n, 212
S.W.3d 389 (Tex. App.—Austin 2006, judgm’t vacated w.r.m.).................30
City of El Paso v. Pub. Util. Comm’n of Tex., 883 S.W.2d 179 (Tex.
1994)....................................................................................................... 11, 14
City of San Antonio v. Tex. Water Comm’n, 407 S.W.2d 752 (Tex.
1966)..............................................................................................................14
Hamamcy v. Texas State Bd. of Med. Examiners, 900 S.W.2d 423
(Tex. App.—Austin 1995, writ denied) ........................................................34
Heritage on San Gabriel Homeowners Ass’n v. Tex. Comm’n on
Envtl. Quality, 393 S.W.3d 417 (Tex. App.—Austin 2012, pet.
denied) ...........................................................................................................14
Lone Star R.V. Sales, Inc. v. Motor Vehicle Bd. of Tex. Dep’t of
Transp., 49 S.W.3d 492 (Tex. App.―Austin 2001, no pet.) ........................39
Montgomery Indep. Sch. Dist. v. Davis, 34 S.W.3d 559 (Tex. 2000) .....................12
Pub. Util. Comm’n v. Gulf States Util. Co., 809 S.W.2d 201 (Tex.
1991)..............................................................................................................30
R.R. Comm’n of Tex. v. Pend Oreille Oil & Gas Co., 817 S.W.2d 36
(Tex. 1991) ....................................................................................................11
R.R. Comm’n of Tex. v. Tex. Citizens for a Safe Future & Clean
Water, 336 S.W.3d 619 (Tex. 2011) ...................................................... 12, 30
R.R. Comm’n of Tex. v. Torch Operating Co., 912 S.W.2d 790 (Tex.
1995)....................................................................................................... 10, 11
Ramirez v. Tex. State Bd. of Med. Exam’rs, 995 S.W.2d 915 (Tex.
App.—Austin 1999, pet. denied) ..................................................................30
State v. Shumake, 199 S.W.3d 279 (Tex. 2006) ......................................................16
Tex. Dep’t of Pub. Safety v. Varme, 262 S.W.3d 34 (Tex. App.—
Houston [1st Dist.], no pet.) ..........................................................................23
iv
Tex. Health Facilities Comm’n v. Charter Medical-Dallas, Inc., 665
S.W.2d 446 (Tex. 1984)............................................................. 11, 13, 24, 39
United Sav. Ass’n of Tex. v. Vandygriff, 594 S.W.2d 163 (Tex. Civ.
App.—Austin 1980, writ ref. n.r.e.)..............................................................39
Statutes
Tex. Gov’t Code § 2001.174............................................................................. 10, 23
Tex. Gov’t Code § 311.011......................................................................................16
Tex. Gov’t Code § 311.021......................................................................................13
Tex. Gov't Code § 2001.171 ......................................................................................1
Tex. Gov't Code § 2001.174(2) .................................................................. 10, 38, 39
Tex. Gov't Code § 2001.174(2)(A)................................................................... 38, 39
Tex. Gov't Code § 2001.174(2)(B) ................................................................... 38, 39
Tex. Gov't Code § 2001.174(2)(C) ................................................................... 38, 39
Tex. Gov't Code § 2001.174(2)(D)................................................................... 38, 39
Tex. Gov't Code § 2001.174(2)(E) ................................................................... 38, 39
Tex. Gov't Code § 2001.174(2)(F).................................................................... 38, 39
Tex. Water Code § 11.022 .........................................................................................5
Tex. Water Code § 11.085 .................................................................. 1, 5, 15, 16, 24
Tex. Water Code § 11.085(l)(2)....................................................................... passim
Tex. Water Code § 11.121 .........................................................................................5
Tex. Water Code § 11.1271 .....................................................................................19
Tex. Water Code § 11.134 .........................................................................................1
Act of May 20, 1989, 71st R.S., ch. 1053, 1989 Tex. Gen. Laws 4269
(1989 Act)............................................................................................. 4, 8, 25
Act of May 24, 1995, 74th R.S., ch. 494, 1995 Tex. Gen. Laws 3233
(1995 Act)............................................................................................. 4, 8, 25
v
Act of April 20, 2001, 77th R.S., ch. 46, 2001 Tex. Gen. Laws 76
(2001 Act)............................................................................................. 4, 8, 25
Act of May 28, 2003, 78th Leg., R.S. ch. 688, § 1, 2003 Tex. Gen.
Laws 2116 .....................................................................................................19
Rules
Tex. R. App. P. 38.1(e) ..............................................................................................2
Tex. R. App. P. 39.1...................................................................................................2
30 Tex. Admin. Code Ch. 288 .............................................................. 31, 32, 33, 34
30 Tex. Admin. Code § 288.2..................................................................................29
30 Tex. Admin. Code § 288.5....................................................... 3, 9, 15, 29, 35, 40
30 Tex. Admin. Code § 288.7..................................................................................31
30 Tex. Admin. Code § 288.30(1) .......................................................................8, 27
30 Tex. Admin. Code § 288.30(10)(B)................................................................8, 27
30 Tex. Admin. Code Ch. 295 .................................................................................31
30 Tex. Admin. Code § 295.9............................................................... 31, 32, 33, 34
30 Tex. Admin. Code § 295.9(2) ...................................................................... 32, 33
30 Tex. Admin. Code Ch. 297 .................................................................................31
30 Tex. Admin. Code § 297.11..................................................................................5
30 Tex. Admin. Code § 297.18..................................................................................5
vi
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
This is an appeal of a district court judgment that reversed, in part, an order
by appellant Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (the “Commission” or
“TCEQ”) granting appellant, the Upper Trinity Regional Water District (the
“District”), a permit for a reservoir and an interbasin transfer of water. After a
contested case hearing, the Commission found that the District satisfied the
requirements of Sections 11.085 and 11.134 of the Texas Water Code and granted
a permit to construct Lake Ralph Hall and transfer water from the Sulphur River
Basin to the Trinity River Basin. Appellee, National Wildlife Federation
(“NWF”), filed a motion for rehearing and then appealed the Commission’s
decision to district court pursuant to Section 2001.171 of the Texas Government
Code. The District Court of Travis County held that the Commission erred in
deciding that the District’s water conservation plan complied with Section
11.085(l)(2) of the Texas Water Code, and reversed and remanded that portion of
the order to the Commission. The District filed this appeal seeking reversal of the
decision of the district court to request that the Court affirm the Commission’s
decision to grant the permit. On April 21, 2015, the Supreme Court of Texas
ordered the case transferred from the Third Court of Appeals to this Court.
1
STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT
The District requests that the Court grant oral argument because this is a
case of first impression. Specifically, this case represents the first time Texas
courts have been asked to review the standard an applicant must meet to receive a
permit for an interbasin transfer of water under Section 11.085(l)(2) of the Texas
Water Code. This Court’s decision will have a significant impact on the future of
water planning in Texas. Oral arguments would significantly aid the Court’s
decisional process. Tex. R. App. P. 38.1(e); 39.1.
2
ISSUES PRESENTED
1. Does substantial evidence support the Commission’s decision that the Upper
Trinity Regional Water District has developed and implemented a water
conservation plan that will result in the highest practicable levels of
conservation and efficiency achievable within the jurisdiction of the
District, as prescribed by Section 11.085(l)(2) of the Texas Water Code?
2. Did NWF fail to preserve its argument that the District did not comply with
Section 288.5 of the Texas Administrative Code?
3. Did NWF fail to demonstrate that its substantial rights have been prejudiced
by the Commission’s order?
3
STATEMENT OF FACTS
The Upper Trinity Regional Water District is a wholesale water provider in
rapidly growing North Texas.1 The Texas Legislature created the District to
provide reliable, treated surface water to the cities and utilities it serves.2 Its
physical jurisdiction includes all of Denton County and portions of Dallas, Collin,
Cooke, Grayson, and Wise counties.3 The District counts approximately 30 cities
and utilities as members and customers.4 They each buy their water from the
District and, in turn, sell it to retail end-users such as homeowners and businesses.5
In the next 50 years, the populations served by the District’s member cities
and customers are expected to skyrocket—more than tripling to 850,000 people.6
The water needs of retail water users will increase by 250 percent during this same
time.7 Conservation efforts alone will not offset this projected increase in
1
12 AR 154 at 13:20-14:4.
2
The District was created by three laws, which are referred to collectively in this brief
as the “District Enabling Act” and attached as Appx. G. Act of May 20, 1989, 71st R.S., ch.
1053, 1989 Tex. Gen. Laws 4269 (1989 Act); Act of May 24, 1995, 74th R.S., ch. 494, 1995
Tex. Gen. Laws 3233 (1995 Act); Act of April 20, 2001, 77th R.S., ch. 46, 2001 Tex. Gen. Laws
76 (2001 Act)
3
12 AR 154 at 10:22-11:2; 154 at 11; 12 AR 155.
4
12 AR 154 at 14:6-8.
5
12 AR 154 at 10; 1989 Act §§ 20, 22.
6
12 AR 154 at 27:3-5.
7
12 AR 154 at 27:3-5; 18 AR 222.
4
demand.8 In fact, without a new reservoir, the District’s existing water supplies
will be inadequate in less than 15 years.9
The District applied for a reservoir and interbasin transfer permit to meet long-
term water demand.
The District filed the application with the Commission to secure a water use
permit for the Lake Ralph Hall reservoir project. The Lake Ralph Hall project will
give the District a long-term, reliable, and low-cost water supply for the projected
population in its service area and will allow it to meet its planning obligations.10
The Texas Water Code11 and Commission rules12 both require the District to first
obtain a water use permit before the District can: (1) build the reservoir to
impound water; and (2) transfer water from the Sulphur River Basin to the Trinity
River Basin for beneficial use. The Commission approved both components of the
application. NWF has appealed only the portion of the Commission’s decision to
authorize the interbasin transfer.
The District is situated within the area defined by the Texas Water
Development Board (“TWDB”) as the Region C Water Planning Area.13 Each of
the 16 regional water planning areas develop water plans specific to their
8
12 AR 154 at 27:7-8.
9
12 AR 154 at 24.
10
12 AR 154 at 28:18-30:4.
11
Tex. Water Code Ann. §§ 11.022, .121, .085.
12
30 Tex. Admin. Code §§ 297.11, .18.
13
18 AR 220.
5
respective regions, and the plans are then combined to create the State Water Plan.
The 2011 Region C Water Plan includes findings and strategies to address the
District’s urgent water supply needs.14 In the Region C Water Plan, the Lake
Ralph Hall project is among the recommended management strategies15 to meet the
District’s projected water supply shortfall.16
Channel erosion has damaged the environment at the site of the proposed
reservoir.
Lake Ralph Hall is a water-management project that not only is consistent
with the Region C Water Plan and the State Water Plan, but it also promises to
create aquatic and terrestrial habitats where they have been annihilated by nearly a
century of channel erosion.17 In the late 1920s, landowners wanted to improve
field drainage in the North Sulphur River watershed.18 To achieve their goal, they
dredged a channel approximately 16 feet wide and 10 feet deep for almost 20
miles.19 The resulting channel was designed to serve as a surrogate for the
naturally formed North Sulphur River.20 As a drainage tool, the channel was very
14
12 AR 154 at 24-25.
15
12 AR 154 at 38:6-13; 18 AR 230.
16
12 AR 154 at 24:23-25:3. The existing contract with Dallas will supply 26,412 acre-
feet of water, which leaves approximately 74,000 acre-feet of shortfall to be met by new water
supplies, including Lake Ralph Hall. Id.
17
17 AR 208 at 20:20-21:5; 18 AR 218 at 40:5-41:18; 19 AR 245-46 (attached as
Appx. A).
18
12 AR 159 at 1-5.
19
12 AR 154 at 36:4-8.
20
12 AR 154 at 36:4-8.
6
effective at carrying away water, but it came with an unfortunate side effect: it
immediately began to erode away the blackland prairie soils.21 Since the 1920s,
nearly 14,000 acre-feet of soil from the man-made channel and watershed have
been washed downstream.22 The erosion created a 40-mile channel that is 60 feet
deep and 300 feet wide,23 and a sterile aquatic environment.24
The Lake Ralph Hall project will have a stabilizing effect on these massive
erosional forces.25 It will help nature restore the environment and natural beauty
taken by earlier channelization and the resulting erosion.26 The project will
provide new habitat and food sources for animals while helping to stop, or
significantly diminish, continued soil erosion.27
District conservation initiatives are limited to those of a wholesale, not retail,
supplier.
The District does not have a direct or contractual relationship with retail
customers—that is, the end-users of water.28 These end-of-the-line retail
customers are the households, businesses, and industrial entities that ultimately
21
12 AR 154 at 36:12-16, 39:13-16.
22
25 AR 382 at 2163:23-2164:2.
23
12 AR 154 at 36:19-23; Appx. A.
24
17 AR 208 at 20:20-21:5.
25
12 AR 154 at 39:18-20.
26
12 AR 154 at 39.
27
12 AR 154 at 39.
28
12 AR 154 at 14.
7
create the demand for water within the District’s service area.29 The Texas
Legislature did not give the District authority to penalize retail water consumers
for their water-consumption practices.30 Nevertheless, the District has leveraged
the limited tools it does have to maximize conservation of every drop of water it
develops for its member cities and customers.31 These efforts include prohibiting
the use of “take-or-pay” contracts,32 structuring contracts around a water year
rather than a calendar year to discourage increased water use during peak times,33
and reusing treated wastewater effluent.34 These and many other water-saving
protocols are explained in detail in the District’s conservation plans.35 Water
conservation plans must be developed and filed with the TCEQ no later than every
five years. 30 Tex. Admin. Code §§ 288.30(1), (10)(B). The District revised its
2009 plan earlier than required, in September 2012.36 Since then, the District has
been executing the plan as prescribed.37
29
24 AR 377 at 1011:15-24.
30
12 AR 154 at 47:22-23-48:1; 12 AR 163 at 10; District Enabling Act, attached as
Appx. G.
31
12 AR 154 at 47:15-48:7.
32
12 AR 154 at 15:22-16:3.
33
12 AR 154 at 16:22-17:2.
34
12 AR 154 at 27:6-7, 43:16-17, 44:17-20, 45:5-8, 50:21-51:13.
35
12 AR 154 at 47:3-9.
36
12 AR 163 at 38.
37
12 AR 162; 23 AR 374 at 47:15-18.
8
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT
NWF challenges the District’s 2012 Water Conservation Plan on the ground
that the District did not satisfy Section 11.085(l)(2) of the Texas Water Code. The
portion of the statute relevant to this appeal reads:
(2) the applicant for the interbasin transfer has prepared a
drought contingency plan and has developed and
implemented a water conservation plan that will result in
the highest practicable levels of water conservation and
efficiency achievable within the jurisdiction of the
applicant.
Tex. Water Code Ann. § 11.085(l)(2) (emphasis added). NWF seeks a one-size-
fits-all litmus test that will fulfill Section 11.085(l)(2).
The District contends that the “highest practicable levels achievable within
the jurisdiction” standard in Section 11.085(l)(2) requires a fact-based, case-by-
case inquiry. The District developed a water conservation plan that included the
water conservation strategies that could reasonably be employed by a wholesale—
not retail—water supplier in North Texas with the District’s unique member and
customer base, and statutory tools. After considering the evidence, the
Commission correctly determined the District met that standard.
NWF also complains that the District’s plan could not have met the “highest
practicable levels achievable within the jurisdiction” standard because it failed to
comply with Title 30, Section 288.5 of the Texas Administrative Code—the
Commission’s standard requirements for all water conservation plans. NWF’s
9
argument fails for two reasons. First, NWF failed to preserve the alleged error
because it did not object to key findings reached and conclusions made by the
Commission in its decision on the application. Second, the record contains
substantial evidence demonstrating that the District’s 2012 Water Conservation
Plan meets Commission requirements by describing its enforcement authority and
explaining the bases for the District’s five-year and ten-year water conservation
goals.
Also, NWF has failed to demonstrate that its substantial rights have been
prejudiced by the Commission’s decision and any of the alleged errors, which is a
prerequisite to reversal by this Court under Section 2001.174(2) of the Texas
Government Code.
The Commission made a reasonable decision to grant the permit, and that
decision is supported by substantial evidence. The Court should affirm the
Commission’s decision and reverse the district court.
ARGUMENT
I. The substantial evidence standard of review governs this appeal.
The Court must review the Commission’s decision under the substantial
evidence rule, which is a limited standard of review that gives significant deference
to the agency in its field of expertise. Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. § 2001.174; R.R.
Comm’n of Tex. v. Torch Operating Co., 912 S.W.2d 790, 792 (Tex. 1995) (citing
10
Tex. Health Facilities Comm’n v. Charter Medical-Dallas, Inc., 665 S.W.2d 446,
452 (Tex. 1984)). This Court is charged with determining the reasonableness of
the agency’s order, not its correctness. City of El Paso v. Pub. Util. Comm’n of
Tex., 883 S.W.2d 179, 185 (Tex. 1994) (citing R.R. Comm’n of Tex. v. Pend
Oreille Oil & Gas Co., 817 S.W.2d 36, 41 (Tex. 1991)). In applying the
substantial evidence rule, the Court may not substitute its judgment for that of the
agency. Torch Operating Co., 912 S.W.2d at 792 (citing Charter Medical, 665
S.W.2d at 452). The Court is prevented from “usurping the agency’s adjudicative
authority even though the court would have struck a different balance.” City of El
Paso, 883 S.W.2d at 185 (citing Pend Oreille Oil & Gas, 817 S.W.2d at 41).
Substantial evidence is more than a mere scintilla but less than a
preponderance. City of El Paso, 883 S.W.2d at 185. Evidence in the record may
actually preponderate against the decision of the agency, but nevertheless amount
to substantial evidence. Id. In a substantial evidence review, the test is “whether
some reasonable basis exists in the record for the action taken by the agency.” Id.
The agency’s findings, inferences, conclusions, and decisions are presumed
to be supported by substantial evidence. Charter Medical, 665 S.W.2d at 453.
The party seeking to set aside the agency’s decision bears the burden of showing
that it was not supported by substantial evidence. Id. It is a question of law
whether the Commission satisfied the substantial evidence test; therefore, the
11
district court decision is not entitled to deference from this Court on this appeal.
Montgomery Indep. Sch. Dist. v. Davis, 34 S.W.3d 559, 562 (Tex. 2000). The
focus on this appeal, as it was with the district court, is on the agency’s decision.
Id.
II. The Commission reasonably interpreted Section 11.085(l)(2) of the
Texas Water Code.
In its appeal to the district court, NWF asserted that the Commission
misinterpreted Section 11.085(l)(2) of the Texas Water Code. The District
disagrees. The statute required the District to show, in relevant part: (1) that it
developed and implemented a water conservation plan and (2) that the plan will
result in the highest practicable levels of water conservation and efficiency
achievable within the District’s jurisdiction. Tex. Water Code Ann. § 11.085(l)(2).
Based on the evidence presented, the Commission reasonably determined that the
District fulfilled each requirement of Section 11.085(l)(2).
A reviewing court must provide deference to an agency’s decision if the
decision is reasonable and consistent with the plain language of the statute. R.R.
Comm’n of Tex. v. Tex. Citizens for a Safe Future & Clean Water, 336 S.W.3d
619, 624 (Tex. 2011) (noting that Texas courts “have long held that an agency’s
interpretation of a statute it is charged with enforcing is entitled to ‘serious
consideration,’ so long as the construction is reasonable and does not conflict with
the statute’s language,” and further noting that Texas courts “have stated this
12
principle in differing ways, but our opinions consistently state that we should grant
an administrative agency’s interpretation of a statute it is charged with enforcing
some deference”). A reviewing court must also presume that the Legislature
intended the statute to be executed; it may not conclude that the statute presented
an impossible hurdle for any permit applicant to clear. Tex. Gov’t Code Ann.
§ 311.021 (West 2013) (requiring that statutes be construed under the presumption
that “a result feasible of execution is intended.”). The Commission interpreted
Section 11.085(l)(2) to require a fact-based, case-by-case determination of whether
the applicant’s water conservation plan met the standard required for an interbasin
transfer. That interpretation is reasonable and consistent with the plain language of
the statute.
III. Substantial evidence supports the Commission’s decision to grant the
permit.
A. A substantial evidence review standard is a high hurdle for NWF
to cross.
The Court must presume that the Commission’s decisions are valid and that
each finding, inference, conclusion, and decision the Commission made is
supported by substantial evidence. See Charter Medical, 665 S.W.2d at 453
(holding that “the findings, inferences, conclusions, and decisions of an
administrative agency are presumed to be supported by substantial evidence, and
the burden is on the contestant to prove otherwise”). Substantial evidence is a high
13
bar for NWF to clear. If the record includes any reasonable basis whatsoever for
the agency’s decision, the Court must affirm the agency’s decision. City of El
Paso, 883 S.W.2d at 185. The Commission granted the permit and issued findings
of fact and conclusions of law, all of which must be presumed valid. Regardless of
this presumption, each of the Commission’s findings of fact are supported by
substantial evidence. NWF cannot prove otherwise, which is its burden in this
appeal.
B. NWF does not overcome its burden of proof.
A party mounting a judicial challenge to an agency decision must prove the
absence of even a minute piece of evidence supporting the issue it challenges; in
other words, it must prove that not even a scintilla of evidence exists to support the
agency. City of El Paso, 883 S.W.2d at 185 (citing City of San Antonio v. Tex.
Water Comm’n, 407 S.W.2d 752, 758 (Tex. 1966)) (recognizing the fundamental
principle that “when . . . an appeal is governed by the substantial evidence rule, the
orders of the [Commission] are presumed to be legal and valid, and the burden is
on the party appealing from the Commission’s order to show that the orders are not
reasonably supported by substantial evidence” (emphasis added)). Because the
review is de novo, NWF maintains that burden of proof in this Court. Heritage on
San Gabriel Homeowners Ass’n v. Tex. Comm’n on Envtl. Quality, 393 S.W.3d
417, 424 (Tex. App.—Austin 2012, pet. denied) (holding that the district court’s
14
judgment regarding substantial evidence “is not entitled to deference on appeal”
and the “focus of the appellate court’s review, as in the district court, is on the
agency’s decision.”).
NWF challenges the Commission’s findings that the District met the
standards under Section 11.085(l)(2) of the Texas Water Code. NWF also argues
that the District did not meet the standards found in Section 288.5 of the Texas
Administrative Code. In its motion for rehearing at the Commission and in its
appeal to the district court, NWF argued that: (1) no adequate conservation plan
exists; (2) the District has chosen the incorrect conservation standards; and (3) the
District is not implementing the plan with appropriate vigor. Contrary to NWF’s
contentions and arguments, substantial evidence in the record supports the
Commission’s finding that the District fulfilled the prerequisites for an interbasin
transfer under Texas Water Code Section 11.085 and Title 30, Texas
Administrative Code Section 288.5.
Substantial evidence does not require that the Commission make its decision
based on a plan desirable to all parties. Here, substantial evidence does exist in the
record to support the Commission’s decision because the District presented
evidence that included detailed water conservation plans,38 new contract
38
12 AR 163.
15
language,39 contracts designed to encourage water conservation,40 implementation
of the 2012 Water Conservation Plan,41 and more.42 In granting the permit, the
Commission considered this probative evidence and assigned weight to it
accordingly. Therefore, NWF fails to meet its burden under a substantial evidence
standard.
C. Substantial evidence exists that the 2012 Water Conservation Plan
will result in the “highest practicable levels” of conservation and
efficiency.
1. The District reasonably relied on various sources of expert
guidance to determine practicability.
The Legislature made a deliberate decision not to define “highest practicable
levels” in statute, or direct the TCEQ to define the term. The Administrative Code
and Section 11.085 of the Water Code do not define “practicable.” Where terms
are not defined, courts must rely on the common usage and the plain meaning of
the words chosen. See Tex. Gov’t Code § 311.011 (providing “words and phrases
shall be read in context and construed according to the rules of grammar and
common usage”); State v. Shumake, 199 S.W.3d 279, 284 (Tex. 2006) (“our
primary objective is to determine the Legislature’s intent which, when possible, we
discern from the plain meaning of the words chosen”). Section 11.085(l)(2) must
39
12 AR 154 at 16:15-21.
40
Id.
41
12 AR 154 at 15:22-16:3.
42
12 AR 154 at 14:11-17:20.
16
be interpreted with reasonableness, just as courts consistently interpret plain-
language statutes with reasonableness.
The plain meaning of the words demonstrate that the Legislature wanted to
create a standard that could be assessed by the Commission according to its own
merits and considering the individual circumstances. The Commission did so in
this case by considering evidence from those who know the most about
conservation, including experts in the water resources industry and water plans
developed by experts. The Commission correctly used a reasonable standard,
making a fact-based inquiry to determine that the District satisfied the applicable
level of conservation.
NWF wants the Court to impose a formulaic definition of “highest
practicable” where even the Legislature refrained from doing so. Tex. Water Code
Ann. § 11.085(l)(2) (West Supp. 2014). Tellingly, NWF has yet to disclose what
formula it believes the Commission should have used in determining compliance
with Section 11.085(l)(2). The District drew upon practical and technical expertise
from sources that included its own customers, board members, the District Board’s
Water Conservation Committee, District staff, engineering consultants, legal
counsel, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agents.43 The result was the
development of a comprehensive water conservation plan that was tailored for the
43
23 AR 374 at 46:13-47:14.
17
District and that took into consideration the District’s unique geography,
circumstances, and position as a wholesale provider.44 At the contested case
hearing, Tom Taylor, professional engineer and executive director of the District,
testified on cross examination that “. . . we think the best experts are the . . .
municipalities and utilities who have to make [conservation] work, and we think
they are very much an expert in regard to these matters.”45 NWF did not rebut Mr.
Taylor’s testimony. The Commission correctly rejected the call by NWF to create
an objective test where one is not created under the law, finding that “highest
practicable” is not a one-size-fits-all standard.
2. The District reasonably relied on Report 362 as an
additional guidance in development of its water
conservation plans.
In following the clear direction from the Texas Legislature to develop and
implement the “highest practicable levels” of conservation within the District’s
jurisdiction, the District reasonably relied on Report 362 in selecting the water
conservation measures that would lead to the highest practicable levels of water
conservation achievable within its jurisdiction.46 Report 362, or the “Water
Conservation Best Management Practices Guide,” is a guide published in 2004 by
44
23 AR 374 at 46:13-47:14.
45
23 AR 374 at 47:5-14.
46
24 AR 377 at 914:12-918:5.
18
the Texas Water Development Board.47 Its publication came the year after the
Legislature instructed TCEQ and TWDB to collaboratively develop target goals
for water conservation in Texas and model programs that “suggest best
management practices for achieving the highest practicable levels of water
conservation and efficiency achievable for each specific type of water supplier.”48
Act of May 28, 2003, 78th Leg., R.S. ch. 688, § 1, 2003 Tex. Gen. Laws 2116
(codified at Tex. Water Code § 11.1271); cf. Tex. Water Code § 11.085(l)(2).
NWF argues that the direction from the Legislature and the subsequent
development of Report 362 are coincidental. On the contrary, the two are closely
related.49
At district court, NWF argued that if the District relied on Report 362, it
must have either used all of it or, if the District did not use a certain element,
explain why the District chose to exclude it.50 A reasonable interpretation of the
statute requires nothing of the sort. Section 11.085(l)(2) does not require that the
District’s 2012 Water Conservation Plan be consistent with Report 362, in whole
or in part. The Legislature left it to the Commission to determine whether each
47
19 AR 260.
48
24 AR 377 at 913:14-25.
49
24 AR 377 at 911:24-914:5;999:13-1000:15, 1002:4-16.
50
CR 66-266 (Plaintiff’s Initial Brief, Oct. 16, 2014) at 17.
19
applicant could meet the standard based on each applicant’s circumstances, and the
District did.
Even if the Court were to determine that Report 362 was not developed in
response to a legislative mandate, the District reasonably relied on the report in
developing its 2012 Water Conservation Plan to satisfy Section 11.085(l)(2).51
NWF has not established that it was unreasonable for the District to rely on the
guidelines found in Report 362 in developing a water conservation plan. The
District’s witness, Mr. Gooch, testified that the District determined that it could
best meet the “highest practicable” standard by embracing the applicable best-
management practices articulated in Report 362.52
3. Other authorities turned to Report 362 for water
conservation standards.
The Region C Regional Water Planning Group (“Region C”) has studied
closely the viability of water conservation plans in the region that includes the
Lake Ralph Hall reservoir project, with the goal of achieving the highest
practicable levels of water conservation and efficiency for water providers within
the region.53 Region C is one of 16 water-planning regions in Texas, and it carries
the distinction of incorporating more municipal water conservation and reuse than
51
24 AR 377 at 907:5-11; 914:12-915:2.
52
18 AR 218 at 82; 24 AR 377 at 914:12-915:1.
53
19 AR 261; 25 AR 380 at 1816:13-1817:5.
20
any other regional water plan in Texas, by far.54 Therefore, it is telling that Region
C also turned to Report 362 in determining appropriate conservation practices,
strategies, and goals for its region.55
The 2011 Region C Water Plan concluded that implementation of the best
management practices in Report 362 “will provide for the highest practicable
levels of water conservation and efficiency.”56 Mr. Gooch explained further that
Region C relied on Report 362 for purposes of understanding the scope of Section
11.085(l)(2):
. . . Region C feels that a water supplier should look at
the best management practices laid out in Report 362,
consider them carefully in light of its particular situation,
and implement those that fit its situation. And if the
supplier does so, they will achieve the highest practicable
levels of water conservation and efficiency achievable.57
The District followed the direction of the Region C Regional Water Planning
Group and looked to Report 362 for guidance in the development of its water
conservation plan.
Report 362 itself emphasizes the critical role that planning groups such as
Region C play in determining best practices in water conservation. The report
54
18 AR 218 at 75:11-16, 76:18-77:15; 18 AR 238. (Tom Gooch testifying that
“Region C has significantly more municipal water conservation and reuse planned than any other
region of the state.”).
55
18 AR 218 at 83.
56
18 AR 218 at 83; 19 AR 261; 25 AR 380 at 1816:13-1817:5.
57
25 AR 380 at 1817:6-16.
21
explains that regional decisions in water conservation are the only effective way to
plan:58
. . . the [Water Conservation Implementation] Task Force
unanimously agreed that the BMP Guide must be in
accordance with the state’s philosophy of region-based
water planning. The Task Force firmly believes that
applying a mandatory set of BMPs throughout Texas
would not be appropriate. One size does not fit all in a
state characterized by wide variations in climate,
geography, municipal demographics, water utility and
service profiles, and agricultural and industrial needs.
State policies adopted to guide the implementation of
water conservation in Texas must acknowledge the
fundamental decision-making primacy and prerogative
of regional planning groups, municipalities, industrial
and agricultural water users, and water providers.59
Report 362 was reasonably relied upon by Region C, and it was reasonable for the
District to rely upon it to help determine the best available methods of water
conservation in the District’s jurisdiction.
4. NWF failed to offer credible evidence discounting the
District’s development of its water conservation plans.
NWF relies exclusively on the testimony of its witness, Chris Brown to
support its position on water conservation. At the time of his testimony, Mr.
Brown was the lead staff member in a California water conservation think tank that
“support[s] and integrat[es] innovative technologies and practices; encourag[es]
effective public policies; advanc[es] research, training, and public education; and
58
25 AR 380 at 1817:6-16.
59
19 AR 260 at 4 (emphasis added); 25 AR 380 at 1819:15-1820:4.
22
build[s] on collaborative approaches and partnerships.”60 Although the think tank
may have valuable ideas for California, Mr. Brown admitted that he has no
experience operating a water utility in California, Texas, or anywhere.61 He holds
no technical licenses of any sort.62 He is not trained as an economist, an attorney,
or an engineer.63 Nothing in the record demonstrates how Mr. Brown’s work is
relevant to water conservation planning for a wholesale treated water supplier in
the North Texas region. He offered no reliable testimony regarding the satisfaction
of Section 11.085(l)(2) as related to the District—the only relevant entity in the
application. The TCEQ was correct in assigning little weight to his opinion
testimony, and NWF cannot use the judicial review procedures to compel
reassignment of the weight. See Tex. Dep’t of Pub. Safety v. Varme, 262 S.W.3d
34, 38 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.], no pet.) (citing Tex. Gov’t Code Ann.
§ 2001.174 (“. . . a court may not substitute its judgment for the judgment of the
state agency on the weight of the evidence on questions committed to agency
discretion . . .”)). Even if Mr. Brown provided testimony that was probative of a
material fact at issue in the contested case, his testimony would not erase the
existence of contrary evidence found throughout the record supporting the
60
22 AR 357.
61
22 AR 358.
62
24 AR 379 at 1492:2-8.
63
24 AR 379 at 1491:18-1492:1.
23
Commission’s decision regarding Section 11.085(l)(2). Charter Medical, 665
S.W.2d at 452 (holding that “the evidence in the record actually may preponderate
against the decision of the agency and nonetheless amount to substantial
evidence”).
D. Substantial evidence in the record demonstrates that the 2012
Water Conservation Plan is the most efficient “achievable within
the jurisdiction” of the District.
1. “Achievable within the jurisdiction of the applicant” is a
subjective standard.
Arguably the most important language of Section 11.085(l)(2) is the
modifying language that requires agency evaluation of water conservation plans
that are “achievable within the jurisdiction of the applicant.” This requires taking
into account the unique circumstances surrounding the application, in contrast to
an objective test that NWF wants created. An applicant satisfies Section 11.085 if
it meets standards that are “achievable within the jurisdiction of the applicant.”
The Commission correctly interpreted Section 11.085(l)(2) as requiring the District
to do what was reasonably possible under the District’s unique circumstances by
analyzing the application under a localized, subjective standard.64
2. The District’s jurisdiction is that of a wholesaler.
The District’s substantive jurisdiction is limited to that of a wholesaler, not a
retailer. Unlike a retailer, the District does not possess regulatory control of the
64
24 AR 377 at 915:18-916:1.
24
end-user of its treated water supplies. This is an important distinction in the
context of determining the level to which a water provider can be expected to
affect water conservation.65 Appropriate conservation efforts for a wholesale
supplier like the District differ from conservation efforts considered appropriate for
a retail supplier like, for example, the City of San Antonio.66 Importantly, NWF
never challenged this point. The Commission correctly analyzed the District’s
efforts according to a wholesaler standard, within the bounds of the District
Enabling Act. This Court should use the same analysis.
3. The District developed multiple water-saving procedures.
The Texas Legislature has not given the District the authority to penalize
water consumers for their water consumption practices.67 As a wholesale water
supplier that deals with its wholesale customers through voluntary, arms-length
contracts, the District is accordingly limited in its legal ability to affect water
consumption behaviors by end-users.68 Working within these statutory limitations,
the District has leveraged the limited conservation tools it does possess with the
goal of maximizing water conservation.69
65
18 AR 218 at 67.
66
11 AR 151 (FOF 325, 326); 18 AR 218 at 67.
67
12 AR 154 at 47:22-23; 12 AR 163 at 10; District Enabling Act, attached as Appx. G.
68
12 AR 154 at 47:15-19.
69
12 AR 154 at 47:15-48:7.
25
For example, the District has deliberately avoided the use of “take-or-pay”
contracts with its members and customers, which have a tendency to discourage
water conservation.70 Take-or-pay contracts require the buyer to pay for certain
amount of water each year, regardless of whether the full amount is actually
needed. By requiring its members and customers to pay only for the volumes of
water they actually use, the District has embedded a water conservation catalyst
into its rate policy.71 In addition, the District has conscientiously employed a
system capacity rate structure that was designed to force each of its members and
customers to make “deliberate, sober-minded” choices on their projected water
needs, discouraging over-subscription and, ultimately, the waste of water.72
Additionally, the District enters into contracts based on a “water year”—i.e.,
June 1 to May 31—rather than a calendar year.73 If a customer exceeds its
contracted water use at any time during the water year, the customer’s water rate is
increased and is applied to the entire water year.74 This method was designed to
promote conservation of water by creating a financial disincentive for wholesale
customers to use more water than their contracts allow during the peak water-use
70
12 AR 154 at 15:22-16:3.
71
12 AR 154 at 15:22-23.
72
12 AR 154 at 16:15-21.
73
12 AR 154 at 16:22-17:2.
74
12 AR 154 at 16:22-17:9.
26
times of the year.75 Additionally, the District invested its efforts and financial
resources into the creation of the Upper Trinity Conservation Trust in 2010.76 The
role of the trust is to support watershed protection initiatives with the goal of
conserving existing water supply through watershed and water quality protection
initiatives.77
Moreover, the District has worked toward maximizing its reuse of treated
wastewater effluent.78 The District’s efforts to reuse this increasingly important
source of water have saved it almost 10,000 acre-feet of water supply each year.79
That volume does not include the amounts of additional water reuse that the
District plans to leverage from the Lake Ralph Hall project.80 The District
anticipates, and the record reflects, that the same water-reuse trend will continue
into the foreseeable future.81
These water-saving protocols, and others, are memorialized in the District’s
water conservation plans.82 A water conservation plan must be developed and filed
with the TCEQ at least every five years. 30 Tex. Admin. Code §§ 288.30(1),
75
12 AR 154 at 17:2-9.
76
12 AR 154 at 17:15-20.
77
12 AR 154 at 17:15-20.
78
12 AR 154 at 27:6-7, 44:17-20, 45:5-8, 50:21-51:13.
79
12 AR 154 at 43:16-17.
80
12 AR 154 at 45:5-8, 51:14-18.
81
12 AR 154 at 44:17-20.
82
12 AR 154 at 47:3-9.
27
(10)(B). The District incorporated revisions to its 2009 Water Conservation Plan
when it adopted its 2012 Water Conservation Plan in September 2012, ahead of
this five-year cycle.83 It is unreasonable for NWF to suggest that the full five-year
plan should have been completed in the short time frame between September 2012
and the contested case hearing in January 2013. Importantly, NWF cannot point
the Court to any law that justifies its criticism. Since the District implemented its
2012 Water Conservation Plan in September 2012, it has been executing the plan
in the orderly way prescribed by the plan, right on time.84
Because of the lack of statutory authority to regulate the behaviors of retail
water consumers through punitive action, the District Board’s Water Conservation
Committee has worked through the years to develop what the District refers to as
“mutually acceptable strategies” to achieve water conservation.85 The District’s
water conservation plans, including its 2009 Water Conservation Plan and its 2012
Water Conservation Plan, have been appropriately structured based on the fact that
its customers and members are the entities that can legally enforce conservation
practices on retail water consumers within the District.86
83
12 AR 163 at 38.
84
12 AR 162; 23 AR 374 at 47:15-18.
85
12 AR 154 at 48:1-3.
86
12 AR 154 at 46:8-14, 48:3-5.
28
4. The law recognizes the distinction between wholesale and
retail suppliers for purposes of conservation, but NWF does
not.
The law recognizes this practical distinction by creating different water
conservation planning standards for wholesale suppliers and retail suppliers.87
E.g., 30 Tex. Admin. Code §§ 288.2, 288.5 (requiring different types of water
conservation plans for different types of water suppliers). NWF conceded this
point at the contested case hearing.88 Yet on appeal, NWF argues as though no
distinction exists. The record demonstrates that wholesale suppliers have
substantially different and fewer tools to impact water conservation than do retail
water suppliers.89
NWF’s own witness was not able to identify a single wholesale water
supplier in the entire state of Texas that could satisfy his and NWF’s interpretation
of Section 11.085(l)(2) of the Texas Water Code.90 The Commission rightfully
understood that Section 11.085(l)(2) was not designed to render the provision
nonfunctional nor impossible to meet. The Commission was right to reject NWF’s
arguments regarding the meaning of Section 11.085(l)(2) in the context of the
application and to assign little weight to Mr. Brown’s opinion testimony.
CenterPoint Energy Houston Elec., LLC v. Pub. Util. Comm’n, 212 S.W.3d 389,
87
18 AR 218 at 67; 22 AR 351 at 4.
88
24 AR 379 at 1486:7-21.
89
12 AR 154 at 9:21-23, 47:15-48:7; 18 AR 218 at 67.
90
24 AR 379 at 1488:16-1490:6.
29
399 (Tex. App.—Austin 2006, judgm’t vacated w.r.m.) (recognizing that a court
affords an agency’s expertise substantial deference in interpreting the facts);
Ramirez v. Tex. State Bd. of Med. Exam’rs, 995 S.W.2d 915, 919 (Tex. App.—
Austin 1999, pet. denied) (citing Pub. Util. Comm’n v. Gulf States Util. Co., 809
S.W.2d 201 (Tex. 1991)) (noting that a court may not substitute its judgment for
that of the agency as to the weight of the evidence).
An agency’s reasonable interpretation of a statute is entitled to “serious
consideration” by a reviewing court. Tex. Citizens for a Safe Future & Clean
Water, 336 S.W.3d at 624. Governmental agencies have a “unique understanding”
of the statutes they administer. Id. at 629. The Commission’s interpretation of
Section 11.085(l)(2) in the context of the application is reasonable, can practically
be implemented, and, unlike the NWF interpretation, does not contradict the
language of the statute. Therefore, this Court should reverse the district court
decision and uphold the Commission’s interpretation.
IV. The District has satisfied all applicable Commission rules in 30 Texas
Administrative Code Chapter 288.
In addition to its complaints regarding Section 11.085(l)(2) of the Texas
Water Code, NWF contends that the Commission should not have approved the
application or issued the permit because the District did not satisfy the
Commission’s water conservation plan rules. NWF’s argument on this point is
flawed for multiple reasons, each of which is discussed below.
30
A. NWF did not preserve error regarding Chapter 288 of the
Commission’s rules.
The Commission has an assortment of rules that govern its consideration and
approval of applications seeking new appropriations of State water, including the
application at issue in this appeal. 30 Tex. Admin. Code Chs. 295, 297. The
Commission also has a mutually exclusive assortment of rules that guide its
approval of water conservation plans. 30 Tex. Admin. Code Ch. 288. Without a
bridge connecting these two discrete regulatory reviews, one does not affect the
other.
The Commission’s rules contain just two bridge points that link the
guidelines for approving water conservation plans to the application requirements
for new appropriations of State water—Section 288.7 and Section 295.9 of the
Commission rules. 30 Tex. Admin. Code §§ 288.7, 295.9. NWF has chosen only
one of these two bridges—Section 295.9 of the Commission rules—as the route for
its complaints about the application’s compliance with Chapter 288.91
Each application for a new water right must include a water conservation
plan that complies with the Commission’s water conservation plan rules—that is,
the applicable regulations found at 30 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 288. In
the initial paragraph of Section 295.9, the Commission requires the following:
91
CR 66-266 (Plaintiff’s Initial Brief, Oct. 16, 2014, at notes 75, 89).
31
An application relating to the appropriation or use of
state water must include water conservation and drought
contingency plans meeting applicable requirements
contained in this section. An application not
accompanied by such plans is not administratively
complete and shall not be considered by the
commission, unless expressly exempted by this section.
30 Tex. Admin. Code §295.9 (emphasis added). Additionally, Commission rules
require that “[a] water conservation plan submitted with an application to
appropriate or to use state water by a wholesale water supplier must be submitted
in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Chapter 288 of [the Commission
rules].” Id. § 295.9(2).
NWF’s reliance in this appeal on Section 295.9 of the Commission’s rules is
flawed, however, because the review required by Section 295.9 applies only to the
District’s water conservation plan that was being implemented at the time the
application was filed in 2003, not the 2012 Water Conservation Plan, as NWF
suggests. In clear terms, Section 295.9 of the Commission’s rules states that the
District’s application could not have been administratively complete if the
application was not accompanied by a water conservation plan that satisfied
Chapter 288 of the Commission’s rules. 30 Tex. Admin. Code § 295.9. In fact,
Section 295.9 prohibits the Commission from considering an application if it was
not accompanied by a compliant water conservation plan before it was
administratively complete. Id.
32
The Commission declared the application to be administratively complete on
August 13, 2004.92 NWF has not, at any time, challenged the validity of the
Commission’s determination that the application was administratively complete,
nor has NWF alleged that the water conservation plan that accompanied the
application in 2003 did not comply with Chapter 288 of the Commission’s rules.93
But the Commission rules are clear on this point: the application could not have
been administratively complete if the water conservation plan that accompanied
the application in 2003 did not meet the requirements of Chapter 288 of the
Commission’s rules. 30 Tex. Admin. Code §§ 295.9, 295.9(2).
In fact, if NWF were to have perfected any error for appeal regarding
compliance with Section 295.9 of the Commission rules—and by NWF’s own
extension, its complaints regarding Chapter 288 compliance94—NWF must have
alleged error regarding: (1) the water conservation plan that accompanied the
application in 2003; (2) the Commission’s determination that the application was
administratively complete in 2004; and (3) the Commission’s grounds for
considering the application. NWF has not alleged any of these errors. NWF has
therefore waived any complaint regarding the application’s compliance with
92
12 AR 168.
93
See 11 AR 151 at Finding of Fact No. 51, and Conclusion of Law No. 4 (recognizing
that the application was administratively complete); cf. 11 AR 148 (NWF Motion for Rehearing
raising no challenge to the validity of the Commission’s declaration that the application was
administratively complete).
94
CR 66-266 (Plaintiff’s Initial Brief, Oct. 16, 2014, at notes 75, 89).
33
Chapter 288 of the Commission rules by virtue of Section 295.9 of the rules.
Hamamcy v. Texas State Bd. of Med. Examiners, 900 S.W.2d 423, 425 (Tex.
App.—Austin 1995, writ denied) (holding that the failure of a party to properly
identify an issue in a motion for rehearing deprives the trial court of jurisdiction
over an appeal involving the issue).
Once the application was administratively complete, the Section 295.9
bridge between water conservation plan requirements and water right application
requirements was crossed. Section 295.9 of the Commission rules no longer
governed the Commission’s consideration of any District water conservation plan
that was submitted during the application process after that time. 30 Tex. Admin.
Code § 295.9. NWF’s complaints regarding compliance with Chapter 288 of the
Commission’s rules should be denied on this ground alone.
B. The record nonetheless demonstrates that the 2012 Water
Conservation Plan complies with Chapter 288 of the
Commission’s rules.
Even if NWF had preserved the error it alleges on this point, its argument is
nevertheless flawed because the 2012 Water Conservation Plan does satisfy the
Commission’s rules regarding water conservation plans. NWF argued on appeal to
the district court that TCEQ should not have approved the application because the
2012 Water Conservation Plan did not include: (1) “the means for implementation
and enforcement required by TCEQ’s rules” or (2) “the required basis for the
34
development of its five-year and ten-year targets for water savings in accordance
with TCEQ’s rules.”95 Substantively, NWF is wrong on both counts.
1. The 2012 Water Conservation Plan includes enforcement
provisions.
The evidence demonstrates that the District’s 2012 Water Conservation Plan
complied with Section 288.5. In the 2012 Water Conservation Plan, the District
explains that as a wholesale supplier it has no direct relationship with retail water
consumers.96 In the same document, the District explains that the Texas
Legislature has given it no ordinance powers or other legal ability to penalize retail
water consumers relating to their use of water.97 The District further explains in
the document that because enforcement authority over retail water consumption
has been delegated to the local water utilities that make up its membership and
customer base, the 2012 Water Conservation Plan is designed to leverage their
enforcement capabilities.98
The District’s primary relationship with its members and customers is by
contract.99 The 2012 Water Conservation Plan contains revised contract language
that is inserted into all new contracts with the District and revisions to existing
95
CR 66-266 (Plaintiff’s Initial Brief, Oct. 16, 2014) at 25-30.
96
18 AR 239 at 6.
97
18 AR 239 at 6.
98
18 AR 239 at 9.
99
12 AR 163:10-11.
35
contracts,100 and it explains that the District’s new and existing wholesale water
supply contracts provide the District with a reasonable means of enforcing the
plan.101
The record contains substantial evidence that the District has appropriately
described all components of enforceability in the 2012 Water Conservation Plan.
2. The 2012 Water Conservation Plan details the five-year and
ten-year targets.
The 2012 Water Conservation Plan provides a lengthy discussion of the
basis for its conservation approach and the underlying premise for each of the
strategies and goals in the plan.102 Specifically, the District explains the bases of
its per capita water use goals—referenced as the 5-Year GPCD (gallons per capita
per day) Goal and the 10-Year GPCD Goal—in Section 3.103 The document
explains that the District’s service area is in a state of transition from largely rural
land use to predominantly urban land use.104 It further explains that the transition
brings with it a traditional increase in per capita water use.105 Coupled with a rapid
population increase among its members and customers, the per capita use can be a
100
18 AR 239 at 9.
101
18 AR 239 at 9.
102
See generally 18 AR 239.
103
12 AR 163 at 10-11.
104
18 AR 239 at 6.
105
18 AR 239 at 6.
36
difficult measure to identify.106 The 2012 Water Conservation Plan clearly
explains these components of its bases.
The 2012 Water Conservation Plan also describes the limited tools available
to the District in affecting individual daily water consumption.107 The document
explains that the District currently does, and will continue to, keep unaccounted-for
water losses in its distribution system below five percent, maintain a universal
metering program among all of its customers, regularly calibrate the measuring
devices, maintain its system-wide leak detection and repair program, leverage
wastewater reuse, maintain its enhanced public awareness campaign for water
conservation, encourage the embrace of water-conserving landscaping, enhance
public awareness of the benefits of watershed protection, and use other tools as
available.108
Notably, many customers of the District rely on additional sources of water,
for example, privately owned groundwater wells.109 These sources fall outside of
the District’s legal jurisdiction, and the uses of that water is beyond the District’s
water conservation plan influences. Nevertheless, the District’s conservation effort
focuses on the total usage from all sources, not just the amount of water being
106
18 AR 239 at 6.
107
18 AR 239 at 6-7.
108
18 AR 239 at 6-7.
109
12 AR 154 at 46:22-47:2.
37
purchased from the District.110 District customers used an average of 184 gallons
per person per day, from all sources, between 2005 and 2011.111 The District
explains in the 2012 Water Conservation Plan that it established its five-year goal
of 175 gallons of total water use per person each day, and its ten-year goal of 170
gallons of total water use per person each day, based on consideration of the
factors it can control, as well as those it cannot.112 The record contains substantial
evidence that the District explained the bases of its five-year and ten-year water
conservation targets in the 2012 Water Conservation Plan.
V. The substantial rights of NWF have not been prejudiced.
The substantial evidence standard of review set out in Section 2001.174(2)
of the Texas Government Code contains a two-part requirement, which NWF was
required to satisfy to receive the relief it sought at the district court. First, NWF
was required to prove that the TCEQ’s administrative findings, inferences,
conclusions, or decisions in approving the application or issuing the Lake Ralph
Hall permit violated any certain criteria listed in Section 2001.174(2)(A)-(F).
Second, it must have demonstrated that any such conduct or omission actually
prejudiced NWF’s substantial rights. That is, NWF must have shown how a
particular right it possessed was harmed by the agency’s decision. Tex. Gov’t
110
12 AR 163 at § 3.
111
12 AR 154 at 46:17-19.
112
18 AR 239 at 6-7.
38
Code § 2001.174(2); Charter Medical, 665 S.W.2d at 452 (a reviewing court may
reverse because of the lack of substantial evidence only if such absence has
prejudiced the substantial rights of the litigant); United Sav. Ass’n of Tex. v.
Vandygriff, 594 S.W.2d 163, 171-72 (Tex. Civ. App.—Austin 1980, writ ref. n.r.e.)
(finding statutory language similar to Section 2001.174 (2), Gov’t Code, to create a
condition precedent to relief in an appeal of an administrative decision, and finding
that, in order to complain of an agency decision, the complaining party “must show
some right that is subjected to harm because of the agency’s action”); Lone Star
R.V. Sales, Inc. v. Motor Vehicle Bd. of Tex. Dep’t of Transp., 49 S.W.3d 492, 500
(Tex. App.―Austin 2001, no pet.) (noting that “[e]ven if we were to find,
however, that the Board engaged in an unlawful procedure, the task at hand is to
determine whether [the complaining party’s] substantial rights were prejudiced by
the Board’s consideration of the exceptions.”). Stated differently, even if NWF
were able to show that the Commission failed to satisfy each element of Section
2001.174(2)(A)-(F) of the Texas Government Code in its decision on the Lake
Ralph Hall permit, the Court cannot disturb the agency’s action in this case unless
NWF demonstrates that the agency’s alleged failures prejudiced at least one of
NWF’s substantial rights. Charter Medical, 665 S.W.2d at 452; Vandygriff, 594
S.W.2d at 171-72; Lone Star R.V. Sales, 49 S.W.3d at 500. The record is devoid of
any evidence demonstrating that NWF has any substantial rights that were
39
prejudiced by the Commission’s decision on the application, and none were
earnestly described in the district court proceeding. Accordingly, the trial court’s
judgment should be reversed on this ground alone. Id.
CONCLUSION AND PRAYER
NWF bears the burden of proof on this de novo review of the trial court’s
judgment. NWF must prove that not even a scintilla of evidence in the record
supports the Commission’s decision on the portion of the application requesting an
interbasin transfer of State water. The burden is high, and NWF cannot meet it.
The District relied on a wide variety of sources, including its board members,
water experts, District staff, customers, and engineering consultants, to develop a
water conservation plan that met the “highest practicable levels achievable within
the jurisdiction” standard required under Section 11.085(l)(2) of the Water Code.
The Commission has a unique understanding of the subject matter at issue in this
appeal. Through the lens of that unique understanding, the Commission granted
the permit using the authority provided to it by the Legislature. NWF failed to
preserve error to make its argument that the District did not comply with Section
288.5 of Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, and it failed to demonstrate that its
substantial rights have been prejudiced by any alleged error. The District
respectfully prays that this Court reverse the judgment of the trial court and affirm
the Commission’s decision to grant the permit for the Lake Ralph Hall project.
40
Respectfully submitted,
LLOYD GOSSELINK
ROCHELLE & TOWNSEND, P.C.
816 Congress Avenue, Suite 1900
Austin, Texas 78701
Telephone: (512) 322-5800
Facsimile: (512) 472-0532
/s/ Lambeth Townsend
LAMBETH TOWNSEND
State Bar No. 20167500
ltownsend@lglawfirm.com
JASON T. HILL
State Bar No. 24046075
jhill@lglawfirm.com
ELIZABETH P. HERNANDEZ
State Bar No. 24080942
ehernandez@lglawfirm.com
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANT
THE UPPER TRINITY REGIONAL
WATER DISTRICT
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
I certify that this Brief of Appellant, Upper Trinity Regional Water District,
not counting the portions properly excepted as shown in Texas Rule of Appellate
Procedure 9.4(i)(1), contains 8,344 words according to the word count of the
computer program used to prepare the document. It therefore complies with the
word limit found in Tex. R. App. P. 9.4(i)(2)(B).
/s/ Lambeth Townsend
LAMBETH TOWNSEND
41
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on this, the 26th day of June, 2015, a true and correct copy of
the foregoing submission has been served on the persons listed below by electronic
transmission.
Myron J. Hess
hess@nwf.org
Annie E. Kellough
kellough@nwf.org
National Wildlife Federation
44 East Avenue, Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78701
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE
NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION
Cynthia Woelk
cynthia.woelk@texasattorneygeneral.gov
Assistant Attorney General
Environmental. Protection Division
Office of Texas Attorney General
P. O. Box 12548-MC015
Austin, Texas 787l11-2548
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANT
TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
/s/ Lambeth Townsend
LAMBETH TOWNSEND
42
INDEX OF APPENDICES
Appx. A UTRWD Exh. 24 (Photographs of North Sulphur River) [19 AR 246]
Appx. B UTRWD Exh. 11U (2012 Water Conservation Plan) [18 AR 239]
Appx. C UTRWD Exh. 38 (24-page excerpt of Report 362) [19 AR 260]
Appx. D Texas Water Code
Section 11.022
Section 11.085
Section 11.121
Section 11.1271
Section 11.134
Appx. E Texas Government Code
Section 311.011
Section 311.021
Section 2001.171
Section 2001.174
Appx. F Title 30 Texas Administrative Code
Section 288.2
Section 288.5
Section 288.6
Section 288.30(1)
Section 288.30(10)(B)
Section 295.9
Section 297.11
Section 297.18
Appx. G District Enabling Act
Act of May 20, 1989, 71st R.S., ch. 1053, 1989 Tex. Gen. Laws
4269 (1989 Act)
Act of May 24, 1995, 74th R.S., ch. 494, 1995 Tex. Gen. Laws
3233 (1995 Act)
Act of April 20, 2001, 77th R.S., ch. 46, 2001 Tex. Gen. Laws
76 (2001 Act)
Appx. H Act of May 28, 2003, 78th Leg., R.S. ch. 688, § 1, 2003 Tex. Gen.
Laws 2116
43
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
Upper Trinity Regional Water District
WATER CONSERVATION PLAN
Updated
REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT
September 2012
Prepared By:
Upper Trinity Regional Water District
PO Drawer 305
Lewisville, TX 75067
972-219-1228
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1. Introduction and Objectives ...................................................................... 1
1.1 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Rules ............................................... 2
Section 2. Water Utility Profile .................................................................................... 4
Section 3. Water Conservation Planning Goals ......................................................... 6
Section 4. Basic Water Conservation Strategies ....................................................... 7
4.1 Accurate Supply Source Metering ............................................................................ 7
4.2 Monitoring and Record Management of Water Deliveries, Sales & Losses ............. 7
4.3 Program for Leak Detection & Repair, and Water Loss Accounting ........................ 8
4.4 Requirement for Water Conservation Plans by Wholesale Customers .................... 9
4.5 Reservoir System Operation Plan ............................................................................ 9
4.6 Coordination with Regional Water Planning Groups ................................................ 10
Section 5. Enhanced Water Conservation Strategies ............................................... 10
5.1 Reuse and Recycling of Reclaimed Water ............................................................... 10
5.2 Public Education ...................................................................................................... 10
5.3 Water Conserving Landscaping ............................................................................... 11
5.4 Landscape Water Management Measures .............................................................. 12
5.5 Pressure Control ...................................................................................................... 12
5.6 Watershed Protection ............................................................................................... 12
5.7 Enhanced Contract Provisions ................................................................................. 13
5.8 Irrigation System Evaluations / Technical Assistance .............................................. 13
5.9 Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) Audits ................................................ 13
5.10 Annual Reports ........................................................................................................ 13
5.11 Means for Measuring Success ................................................................................. 13
5.12 Water Rate Surcharge ............................................................................................. 13
5.13 Recycle Water from Water Treatment Plants ........................................................... 14
5.14 In-House Water Conservation Efforts ...................................................................... 14
5.15 Model Water Conservation Plans for Upper Trinity Customers ................................ 14
5.16 Conservation Support for Customers ....................................................................... 16
Section 6. Implementation and Enforcement of the Plan ......................................... 16
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan -i -
APPENDICES
Appendix A Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Minimum Requirements for
a Water Conservation Plan
Appendix B Upper Trinity Regional Water District’s Water Utility Profile
Appendix C Letter to Chairman of Region C Water Planning Group
Appendix D Ordinance or Resolution from Governing Body Adopting the Water
Conservation Plan
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1 Per Capita Water Use Goals
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2.1 Map of Upper Trinity’s Planning and Service Area
Figure 2.2 Upper Trinity Wholesale Water Customers
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan - ii -
UPPER TRINITY REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT
Water Conservation Plan
Updated September 2012
SECTION 1
Introduction
Water supply has always been a key issue in the growth and development of communities in
Texas. In recent years, the growing population and economic development of North Central
Texas has led to increasing demands for water. Additional supplies to meet these demands will
be both expensive and difficult to develop. Therefore, it is important that we make the most
efficient use of existing supplies - - to minimize the need for new resources.
Effective water conservation can postpone or reduce the need for development of new water
supplies, minimize the associated environmental impacts, and reduce the high cost of water
supply development. Even with robust conservation measures, new sources of water will be
needed; conservation alone is not enough. Therefore, to respond to the growing population of
this region, the planning for new water resources must continue. Upper Trinity Regional Water
District ("Upper Trinity") considers water conservation (including reuse of reclaimed
wastewater) an integral part of this planning and water supply development process.
Upper Trinity was created in 1989 by the Texas Legislature to provide treated water service on
a wholesale basis to towns, cities, and other water utility providers. Currently, Upper Trinity
provides wholesale treated water service to twenty members and customers (serving more than
twenty-five communities) in Denton and Collin Counties (herein "Customers").
Recognizing the need for efficient use of existing water supplies, the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality ("TCEQ") has promulgated guidelines and requirements governing the
development of water conservation plans for Wholesale Public Water Suppliers. Upper Trinity
developed its original plans for Water Conservation and for Drought Contingency in May 1993,
later amended in March 2005 and April 2009. This update of the Water Conservation Plan (the
"Plan") has been coordinated with the suggested model water conservation plan prepared by
Upper Trinity for Customers offering retail service; and, is consistent with the latest TCEQ
requirements outlined below. This Plan also incorporates water conservation practices and
strategies recommended by the Water Conservation and Implementation Task Force ("Task
Force") and the Water Conservation Advisory Council ("Advisory Council"). Both the Task Force
and the Advisory Council were created by the Texas Legislature to foster basic and enhanced
water conservation measures and practices for Wholesale Public Water Suppliers like Upper
Trinity.
Objectives
Water is a basic tenant in all aspects of sustainability. Water conservation is one critical
element of a utility’s effort to meet future water supply needs, in an economical manner and
without sacrificing quality of life standards, The following are the central objectives of this Plan:
Provide support and incentives to communities to maintain and continue sound
conservation practices;
¯ Reduce water consumption from levels that would otherwise prevail without
conservation efforts;
Reduce the loss and waste of water, as evidenced by per capita water use;
¯ Continue to improve efficiency in the use of water;
¯ Achieve greater reuse of reclaimed wastewater in helping to sustain an adequate supply;
and
¯ Extend the adequacy of current water supplies by reducing the pace of growth in the
demand for water.
In an effort to meet each of the above central objectives, Upper Trinity will provide leadership
and technical assistance to its Customers in order to maximize water savings and water
efficiency within its service area. Upper Trinity has dedicated staff to lead its regional water
conservation program and to assist its Customers with implementation of their respective
conservation strategies. Similarly, to coordinate and communicate consistent conservation
strategies, Upper Trinity is creating a work group within the Customer Advisory Council for the
Regional Treated Water System to focus on water conservation matters and will encourage
each Customer to designate a staff member with responsibility for implementing and reporting
on its water conservation program.
1.1 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Rules
TCEQ rules governing the development of water conservation plans for Wholesale Public Water
Suppliers are contained in Title 30, Part 1, Chapter 288, Subchapter A, and Rule 288.5 of the
Texas Administrative Code. Copies of these rules are included in Appendix A. The rules define
a water conservation plan as:
"A strategy or combination of strategies for reducing the volume of water withdrawn
from a water supply source, for reducing the loss or waste of water, for maintaining or
improving the efficiency in the use of water, for increasing the recycling and reuse of
water, and for preventing the pollution of water."
A. Basic Water Conservation Plan Requirements
TCEQ requires that water conservation plans for Wholesale Public Water Suppliers, like Upper
Trinity, include the following components:
Utility Profile: Information regarding population and customer data, water use data,
water supply system data, and wastewater system data. (Section 2)
Goals: Specific quantified five-year and ten-year targets for water savings to include
goals for water loss programs, in gallons per capita per day (GPCD). (Section 3)
¯ Accurate Metering Devices: TCEQ requires that metering devices have an accuracy of
plus or minus five percent (5%) for measuring water diverted from the supply source.
(Section 4.1)
Record Management System: A system to record water delivered, water sold, and
water lost. (Section 4.2)
Program for Leak Detection & Repair, and Water Loss Accounting: A program to detect
and repair leaks, and water loss accounting for the water storage, delivery, and
distribution system. (Section 4.3)
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 2
Wholesale Customer Requirements: A requirement that every water supply contract
entered into or renewed after official adoption of the water conservation plan, including
any contract extension, include a provision that each successive wholesale customer
develop and implement a water conservation plan with similar water conservation
strategies to this Plan, including applicable elements of Title 30 TAC Chapter 288.
(Section 4.4)
Reservoir Systems Operational Plan: A requirement to provide a coordinated
operational structure for operation of reservoirs owned by the water supply entity within
a common watershed or river basin in order to optimize available water supplies.
(Section 4.5)
Coordination with Regional Water Planning Group: Document that the Plan has been
coordinated with the Regional Water Planning Group to insure consistency with the
appropriate approved regional water plan. (Section 4.6)
Means of Implementation and Enforcement: A strategy for implementing and enforcing
the provisions of this Plan, as evidenced by an ordinance, resolution, or tariff, and a
description of the authority by which the Plan is enforced. (Section 6)
B. Enhanced Water Conservation Strateqies
Upper Trinity will also incorporate the following additional conservation strategies, as needed, to
achieve the conservation goals stated in this Plan:
¯ Program for Reuse and/or Recycling: Upper Trinity has implemented a program of
reclaiming and recycling treated wastewater effluent in order to further the efficient use
of water. (Section 5.1)
Public Education Program: Upper Trinity has implemented public education and
outreach programs that include an informative school program, a literature program,
special events and promotions program, a website dedicated to water conservation, a
public awareness program, and it provides speakers to various groups on conservation
while coordinating with other North Texas water suppliers and Customers to promote
water conservation. (Section 5.2)
Water Conserving Landscaping: As part of its public education activities, Upper Trinity
has implemented and fostered programs to support the conservative use of water in
landscape by its Customers and their retail customers. (Section 5.3)
Landscape Water Management: A strategy for implementing and achieving the efficient
use and stewardship of water in landscape irrigation, including watering a maximum of
two times per week and time-of-day watering provisions. (Section 5.4)
Enhanced Contract Language: Upper Trinity will implement additional language in future
contracts to continue to improve conservation and the efficient use of water. (Section
5.7)
Irrigation System Evaluations / Technical Assistance: A program to provide technical
assistance and training to Customers and their retail customers (residential, industrial,
commercial, and institutional), if requested, regarding efficient and effective landscape
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 3
watering practices. (Section 5.8)
ICI Program: A facilities and processes audit program that will assist Customers and
their retail industrial, commercial, and institutional ("ICI") customers with audits of their
facilities to explore the development of economical and practical water efficiency
measures that will contribute to increased water conservation in their processes.
(Section 5.9)
Other Strategies: Upper Trinity has developed model water conservation and drought
contingency plans for use by its Customers (Section 5.15). In addition, Upper Trinity has a
dedicated staff to lead its regional water conservation program and to assist Customers with
implementation of their respective conservation strategies; and, has created a work group within
Upper Trinity’s Customer Advisory Council to focus on water conservation matters in order to
better coordinate and communicate consistent conservation strategies (Section 5.16). Other
strategies also include pressure controls to maintain System integrity to avoid the loss of water
(Section 5.5), watershed protection measures (Section 5.6), and establishing a means for
measuring success in water conservation (Section 5.11).
Upper Trinity will continue to evaluate and implement water conservation strategies and
practices that will further the conservation of its water supplies. This Plan sets forth a program of
long-term strategies under which Upper Trinity can maintain and continue existing conservation
results, plus improve the overall efficiency of water use and conserve its water resources.
Shorter-term strategies that address specific water management conditions (i.e., periods of
drought, unusually high water demands, unforeseen equipment or system failure, or
contamination of water supply sources) are provided in Upper Trinity’s Drought Contingency
Plan.
SECTION 2
Water Utility Profile
Upper Trinity’s Regional Treated Water System ("System") provides services to its wholesale
Customers through two water treatment plants (Thomas
E. Taylor Water Treatment Plant and the Tom Harpool
Water Treatment Plant), and a system of pipelines and
pump stations that deliver water to each Customer at
specified points of delivery. The System does not include
facilities "downstream" of such points of delivery (i.e.,
internal, retail distribution system). Upper Trinity currently
obtains its raw water from Lewisville Lake, Ray Roberts
Lake, Jim Chapman Lake and from the reuse of water
imported from Jim Chapman Lake. A dependable supply
of water from these sources is confirmed and enabled by
various contractual agreements between Upper Trinity
and the respective water rights holders.
Upper Trinity’s planning area, as established by the
Region C Water Planning Group, includes all communities
currently served plus additional portions of Denton,
Grayson, Wise and Cooke counties. See Figure 2.1 for a Figure 2.1
map of Upper Trinity’s planning (service) area. Map of Planning & Service Area
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 4
Participants Indirect Customer Part~:iaants Indirect Custorf~r
[___-%~2-%.___]
I’ Bartonvdle WSC 1.__
Town of Hickory Creek
C,’~y of Lake [}alias
City Of Shady Shores
Denton Co FWSD No 8A ]
~ntonCo FWSDNo 10 I
Den{onCo FWSDNo I’;A I
Figure 2.2
Upper Trinity Wholesale Water Customers
Using surface water supplies, Upper Trinity currently provides treated water service to twenty
Customers serving more than twenty-five communities in Denton and Collin Counties. Figure
2.2 lists both direct Customers of Upper Trinity and the other communities served indirectly.
Projections of water needs are based on dry-year demands anticipated by Customers, and
reviewed and considered by Upper Trinity. Actual water usage will vary from year to year
depending on climatic conditions, and on growth and development within the service area and
on various factors affecting retail customers within a Customer’s residential, commercial,
industrial and institutional customer categories. Upper Trinity’s population projections and raw
water demand projections for its planning area are included in the 2011 Region C Water Plan,
and the 2012 State Water Plan.
Some Upper Trinity Customers also use groundwater for a portion of their water supply. In
Denton County, groundwater resources are very limited; the County has been included in a
"Priority Groundwater Management Area" by the TCEQ, and a groundwater conservation district
has been created to manage and conserve groundwater resources within the County. One of
the key purposes of Upper Trinity’s regional water program is to avoid further draw-down of
these limited ground water resources, and to make surface water available as a more reliable
and sustainable source for further growth in Upper Trinity’s service area. To this end,
conservation, reuse, and the development of additional water supply resources that will allow for
additional reuse supplies, will contribute greatly to the conservation program’s success.
Appendix B of this Plan includes an updated water utility profile for Upper Trinity, based on the
format recommended by TCEQ. The water utility profile includes additional information
regarding population and Customer data, water use data, water supply system data, and
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 5
wastewater system data.
SECTION 3
Water Conservation Planning Goals
As a wholesale water supplier, Upper Trinity does not have a direct relationship with retail
customers who are the ultimate consumers of the treated water it provides to its Customers.
Further, Upper Trinity doesn’t have ordinance or policy power over such retail customers or their
use of treated water supplied in wholesale transactions with Customers. As a result, and as
noted in Section 4.4 below and Section 5.7, Upper Trinity has limited control or influence over
the use of water being purchased by its Customers. Some Upper Trinity Customers are
projected to require increased supplies for their future growth and development, which may
result in increases to historical municipal per capita use, during and following periods of
population growth. Reasons for such potential increases include:
¯ Upper Trinity’s service area continues to transform from a historically rural to a primarily
urban land use, causing some communities to experience an increase in per capita
water use.
Some Upper Trinity Customers will experience substantial population growth in future
years, generating changes in commercial and economic activity. With a growing
infrastructure of retail industrial, commercial, and institutional customers using water
supplied by Upper Trinity to its wholesale Customers, increases in municipal per capita
water use can be expected for these communities.
The municipal per capita use for Upper Trinity’s System can be affected by changes in
per capita use for its Customers. It can also be affected by how much water Upper
Trinity is asked to supply to different communities with widely varying growth factors
and water usage characteristics. Nonetheless, Upper Trinity’s water conservation
efforts are expected to significantly influence per capita water use that could otherwise
result from continued growth in its service area. Upper Trinity will make every effort to
measure and quantify savings achieved through the programs it implements, and will
encourage its Customers to measure savings from the programs they implement, as
well.
Upper Trinity does, however, control the operation of its own water treatment and transmission
system and it can take direct action to maximize the water use efficiency of System operation.
Upper Trinity adopts the following water conservation and efficiency goals within the System:
¯ Maintain the level of unaccounted-for water in the System below five percent (5%)
annually;
¯ Maintain a program of universal metering of Customers and regular meter calibration;
and, meter replacement and repair;
¯ Maintain a program of leak detection and repair;
¯ Continue to utilize wastewater reuse as a major source of future water supply, to the
maximum extent feasible;
¯ Continue to recycle wash-water from Upper Trinity water treatment plants, to the
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 6
maximum extent feasible;
¯ Continue to implement other in-house water conservation efforts;
¯ Continue to raise public awareness of water conservation and encourage responsible
public behavior through a coordinated public education program;
¯ Encourage landscape water management strategies on a routine basis to help instill
good habits and responsible stewardship for water conservation;
¯ Maintain and promote a first-class demonstration program for water-smart practices in
landscape and gardening;
¯ Expand public education about the need to protect water quality through a continuing
program for watershed protection.
Upper Trinity has developed 5-year and 10-year water conservation goals as part of the Plan.
Table 3.1 below shows the projected municipal per capita water use for Upper Trinity, as
recommended by Region C Water Planning Group and approved by the Texas Water
Development Board ("TWDB"). This table also shows Upper Trinity’s goals for municipal per
capita water use with a reduction for results in implementing this Plan; and, as supported by
plans to be implemented by Upper Trinity Customers.
Table 3.1
Per Capita Water Use Goals
5-Year GPCD 10-Year GPCD
Goal (Gallons) Goal (Gallons)
Average Per Capita Use Per Day 204 208
Less Projected Reduction Due to Strategies of this Plan 29 38
Water Conservation Goal 175 170
SECTION 4
Basic Water Conservation Strategies
This section outlines Upper Trinity’s basic water conservation program strategies that will be
implemented to achieve and exceed the stated water conservation goals above.
4.1 Accurate Supply Source Metering
Upper Trinity measures all raw water diversions using meters with an accuracy of plus or minus
two percent (2%) in accordance with AWWA standards. Said meters are calibrated annually in
accordance AWWA standards. When necessary, Upper Trinity will repair or replace meters not
conforming to an accuracy of plus or minus two percent (2%).
4.2 Monitoring and Record Management of Water Deliveries, Sales and Losses
Upper Trinity regularly monitors all water deliveries and sales to all Customers. All critical data,
such as raw water conveyance to water treatment plants or to Customers, treated water
pumped, and unaccounted-for water, are available on a regular basis as needed. All water
sources and water delivered to Customers is metered and recorded, as follows:
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 7
Water delivered to all Customers is measured by individual meters with an accuracy of
plus or minus two percent (2%) in accordance with AWWA standards, and in most cases
with rate-of-flow controllers. Said meters are read monthly by Upper Trinity personnel,
with the meter readings being used to invoice Customers. Meters are calibrated and
tested annually, and as needed, in accordance with AWWA standards. Customers may
witness the calibrations of these meters.
¯ Treated drinking water leaving the District’s water treatment plants and pumping facilities
is also measured by meters with a minimum accuracy of plus or minus two percent (2%).
Upper Trinity monitors unaccounted-for water in its treatment and transmission
system to its Customers. (For Upper Trinity, unaccounted-for water is defined as the
amount of raw water diverted to or received at the treatment plants, less metered
sales to Customers, less water used during the treatment process, and water used for
line flushing and construction purposes.)
A goal of Upper Trinity’s water conservation program is to maintain unaccounted water below
five percent (5%).
4.3 Program for Leak Detection & Repair, and Water Loss Accounting
Upper Trinity’s metering program for raw and treated water is described in Sections 4.1 and 4.2
above. As evidenced by a historically low level of unaccounted-for water, Upper Trinity has an
effective program to control, detect and repair leaks:
In most projects, Upper Trinity’s water pipelines consist of ductile iron pipe, reinforced
concrete cylinder pipe, or steel cylinder pipe with an internal protective liner and an
external protective coating and/or polywrap. Because of the multi layers of material,
these pipelines have very long service lives and are not subject to excessive leaks.
Most joints in Upper Trinity pipelines are designed with bell and spigot joint
construction, including a rubber gasket. Some joints are welded. For larger lines other
than ductile iron, each joint is also coated with grout for corrosion protection.
All Upper Trinity pipelines are constructed in legally defined and identified rights-of-way,
properly registered with authorities in each county. Most are in exclusive rights of way
on private property, protecting the pipelines from possible damage by a third party.
Upper Trinity routinely inspects its facilities and pipelines for leaks or mechanical
problems. Repairs are undertaken as soon as practicable in order to minimize waste.
Upper Trinity operates a program for identification of construction projects adjacent to
Upper Trinity facilities and pipelines in order to minimize leaks caused by pipeline
damage during construction.
Upper Trinity’s metering program allows comparison of metered flows in the System
with metered deliveries to Customers, which can be used to identify leaks.
Upper Trinity’s regular monitoring of unaccounted-for water provides a further check for
problems in the transmission system.
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 8
4.4 Requirement for Water Conservation Plans by Wholesale Customers
Contracts for the wholesale purchase of water by Upper Trinity Customers provide that the
wholesale Customer will develop water conservation and an emergency water demand
management plan appropriate and adequate for local conditions and circumstances. These
plans are subject to review and approval by Upper Trinity. Any new contract for wholesale water
service entered and any renewed or extended contract with a Customer after the adoption of
this Plan will require the Customer to adopt similar water conservation strategies as outlined in
this Plan, and providing enforcement thereof. In addition, each Customer has agreed to
coordinate with Upper Trinity the implementation of any action to limit or curtail water supplies to
minimize adverse impact on Upper Trinity’s water system operations, and on adequacy of
service, and to promote public understanding of the need for and terms of such limitation or
curtailment.
Current wholesale contracts utilized by Upper Trinity include some version of the following
provisions:
It is the policy of the District to prepare, adopt, and maintain a regional water
conservation plan which incorporates loss reduction measures and demand
management practices which insure that the available supply of the System is used in an
economically efficient and environmentally sensitive manner. Similarly, it is the policy of
the District to prepare, adopt and maintain a drought and emergency conditions plan for
water supply to Customers. Each Customer agrees to cooperate in the implementation
of both plans and to adopt and enforce such or similar plans for use within its respective
jurisdiction. Customer may be required by State or Federal agencies to implement a
water conservation plan; also, the District reserves the right to require Customer to
implement a water conservation plan. The Customer’s water conservation plan is
subject to approval by District.
Towns and cities have ordinance powers and greater capability to manage and enforce their
own water conservation programs, as compared to a wholesale water supplier. Thus, in order to
encourage local initiative and to respond to the diversity of powers, needs, and circumstances,
Upper Trinity allows each Customer to develop its own conservation program, but Upper
Trinity’s contracts allow for its approval of such programs. To assist its Customers, Upper Trinity
provides a model water conservation plan for all wholesale customers for use in developing their
own water conservation plans.
4.5 Reservoir System Operation Plan
Upper Trinity currently purchases raw water from the City of Dallas and City of Denton out of
Lewisville Lake and Ray Roberts Lake. In addition, Upper Trinity has a contract for up to 14.4
million gallons of raw water per day from Jim Chapman Lake in the Sulphur River Basin.
Further, Upper Trinity has received a permit from TCEQ for the reuse of raw water being
imported to the Trinity River Basin, treated to potable water standards, utilized by its Customers,
returned to state streams via effluent discharges, and then diverted by Upper Trinity for a
second treatment, delivery, and use by its Customers.
Water from Jim Chapman Lake is pumped by pipeline to Lewisville Lake. Treated wastewater
effluent from Upper Trinity’s three (3) water reclamation facilities and from treatment plants
operated by certain Customers is returned to the Lewisville Lake watershed. Upper Trinity relies
on the Cities of Dallas and Denton (and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers) for the operation of
Lewisville Lake and Ray Roberts Lake. In addition, the water rights holders of Jim Chapman
Lake have developed a water supply operating plan which allows for overdrafting of the
reservoir when it is relatively full and also protects the firm annual yield of the reservoir should
the drought of record occur. Upper Trinity manages its use of water from these four sources
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 9
(Lewisville Lake, Ray Roberts Lake, Jim Chapman Lake and from Reuse) on a system-wide
basis to make maximum use of the most efficient or most available source.
4.6 Coordination with Regional Water Planning Groups
Appendix C includes a copy of a letter sent to the Chair of Region C Water Planning group to
coordinate Upper Trinity’s Plan with Region C. In addition, copies of the adopted Plan have
been provided to the Executive Director of TCEQ and the Executive Administrator of the TWDB.
SECTION 5
Enhanced Water Conservation Strategies
This section outlines enhanced water conservation strategies that Upper Trinity will include as
part of its water conservation program.
5.1 Reuse and Recycling of Reclaimed Wastewater
Upper Trinity has completed construction of three (3) regional water reclamation facilities with a
total treatment capacity of approximately eight (8) million gallons per day. These regional
facilities provide wastewater treatment services to twelve (12) municipalities, six (6) special
districts and one (1) utility. Reuse is practiced on the plant site for service water and irrigation of
landscape.
Upper Trinity has constructed facilities and sells treated wastewater effluent to one of its
Customers for golf course irrigation. Upper Trinity continues to promote additional opportunities
to expand recycle and reuse markets.
Upper Trinity reuses up to 60% of the water it diverts from Jim Chapman Lake pursuant to a
TCEQ reuse permit. The reuse permit is for a single reuse and pass-through cycle of the water
imported from Jim Chapman Lake in the Sulphur River Basin. An extensive daily accounting
system provides for management of this reuse project.
5.2 Public Education Program
As a regional wholesale water supplier, Upper Trinity does not interact directly with retail water
customers at whom typical water conservation public education efforts are aimed. However,
Upper Trinity’s public education program is intended to assist and supplement the public
education efforts of its Customers.
The ultimate success of any water conservation program is dependent on an informed public.
The individual retail customers must have an awareness of the benefits and needs for water
conservation. They must also have knowledge of how to contribute to the success of the Plan.
Upper Trinity’s public education and information program, including dedicated staff for this
program, is designed in cooperation with Customers to provide information to as many of the
Customers’ retail customers as possible. The elements of Upper Trinity’s education program are
described below.
Informative School Program. This program currently provides area schools with
textbook covers containing water conservation messages. Upper Trinity is working with
local school districts to integrate the Waters to the Sea: Trinity River into middle school
science classrooms. This engaging, multimedia interactive program connects the
students to environmental history, hydrology, ecology and water quality and
conservation. Also, water conservation is demonstrated to students using a watershed
model. The EnviroScape model provides hands-on interaction to show at least twenty
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 10
different ways of protecting and conserving water. Educational tours of Upper Trinity’s
water treatment plants and demonstration garden are also available, promoting water
conservation and water quality protection. Educational opportunities include poster
contests, classroom presentations, curriculum aids and materials, and teacher
workshops.
Literature Program. As part of its water conservation literature program, brochures are
designed to educate the public on various water conservation methods. Upper Trinity
will make available water conservation brochures covering the following topics:
o Saving water outdoors,
o Saving water indoors,
o Use of native plants and wildflowers in low water-use landscaping,
Retrofitting existing structures with high efficiency showerheads and high
efficiency toilets.
Special Events and Promotions. For special events sponsored by Customers, Upper
Trinity makes available water conservation promotional items such as Texas
Smartscape CD’s, toilet-leak test kits, Upper Trinity water bottles, water conservation
booklets, etc. Upper Trinity also hosts special events focused on conserving water in
the landscape and on protecting water quality.
¯ Website. Upper Trinity has included a section on its website dedicated to water
conservation. Conservation publications are also available online.
¯ Speaking Engagements. Speakers and presentations are available from Upper Trinity,
which promote water conservation ideas to environmental groups, garden clubs, senior
citizen centers, youth groups, civic groups, and other citizen and professional groups.
Public Awareness Campaign. Upper Trinity will promote the importance of
conservation by placing public service announcements on radio or television or by
promoting newspaper articles in newspapers with general circulation in the service area.
In accomplishing this strategy, Upper Trinity will partner with other entities to promote a
regional conservation message on radio, television and other media.
¯ Regional Cooperation. Upper Trinity will coordinate with other North Texas water
suppliers and Customers to benefit all entities in promoting water conservation.
5.3 Water Conserving Landscaping
As part of its public education program, Upper Trinity has a Water Wise Demonstration Garden
employing Texas SmartScape® principles. Texas Smartscape was developed in cooperation
with cities, utilities and other agencies, including Upper Trinity, to educate citizens on the
ecological, economic and aesthetic benefit of using landscape plants, shrubs, grasses and trees
that are native or adapted to the regional climate and local conditions.
The goal of the Water Wise Garden is to demonstrate that outdoor landscapes can be both
practical and beautiful, using earth-friendly techniques that conserve water resources and
protect water quality. Upper Trinity encourages each Customer to use the Water Wise Garden
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 11
to demonstrate how to conserve water in landscape practice. Further, the Water Wise Garden is
available to garden clubs, developers, and customers throughout the North Texas region to
advance public knowledge of water conservation in home and business landscapes. Throughout
the year, the Water Wise Garden is used to help train Master Gardeners in Denton County, and
as the venue for various public education programs - - all promoting water conservation.
5.4 Landscape Water Management
To promote the efficient use and stewardship of water and to provide a consistent message
throughout Upper Trinity’s service area, Upper Trinity urges each Customer to include the
following landscape water management strategy into their respective water conservation plans:
Watering Maximum of Two Times per Week. Limit outdoor watering (automatic systems
or hose-end sprinklers) to no more than two (2) times per week. Watering with hand-
held hoses, soaker hoses or drip irrigation is allowed any time.
Time of Day Watering. No outdoor watering with automatic irrigation systems or hose-
end sprinklers from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm each day beginning June 1 and ending
September 30 of each year. Watering with hand-held hoses, soaker hoses, or drip
irrigation systems is allowed anytime.
Each Customer will be responsible for implementing, communicating and enforcing these
landscape water management strategies within its respective jurisdictions
Recognizing that the goal of these strategies is to help instill good habits for conservation of
water - - not to be punitive - - each Customer shall have maximum flexibility in administering
same. Unless a drought contingency stage is in effect, Customers will be encouraged to allow
each retail customer to select the two most convenient days of each week for outdoor watering.
These strategies are intended to be actively promoted by the Customers through public
information programs for voluntary or mandatory compliance by their respective retail
customers. Upper Trinity will include these strategies as part of its regional public information
program and within its model water conservation plan for use by Customers.
During any period that a drought contingency stage is in effect, these strategies would become
mandatory and are required to be enforced by all Customers.
5.5 Pressure Control to Maintain System Integrity
Upper Trinity installs all necessary pressure control stations to deliver water into each
Customer’s storage tank. Whenever feasible, Upper Trinity conserves energy by minimizing
surplus pressure (head) available at the delivery point to the Customer. Upper Trinity
encourages each Customer to determine a reasonable system pressure for each pressure zone
in its retail distribution system, install internal pressure control stations where necessary, or
install customer service pressure regulators where needed.
5.6 Watershed Protection
Protecting our watershed is a priority need for every citizen and every community. As a double
benefit, strategies that promote water conservation also tend to protect the quality of water
resources. Using earth-friendly techniques, such as native and adaptive plant materials and
organic techniques for landscaped areas, requires less water and less use of fertilizers,
pesticides and other chemicals. Overuse or improper use of fertilizer, pesticides and other
chemicals from landscape activities is also a major source of pollutants that find their way into
water resources. Upper Trinity has developed a coordinated program for watershed protection
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 12
aimed at educating the public about protecting local watersheds and water quality. To help
communicate the important role that watersheds have in the water supply for this region, Upper
Trinity has created a watershed logo and sign. These signs are being placed along roadways in
Upper Trinity’s service area as a constant reminder that we need to keep the watersheds clean.
5.7 Enhanced Contract Provisions
All basic contract provisions identified in Section 4.4 will be incorporated into future wholesale
water supply contracts. Amendments to wholesale water supply contracts entered into after the
adoption of this Plan, including any contract extension or renewal, will require Customers to
include strategies included within this Plan into their own water conservation plans. These
provisions, coupled with Upper Trinity’s prohibition on the subsequent resale of water on a
wholesale basis without prior written approval of Upper Trinity, will enable Upper Trinity to
achieve the objectives of this Plan.
5.8 Irrigation System Evaluations/Technical Assistance
To improve water conservation and efficiency in landscape watering practices, Upper Trinity will, if
requested, provide technical assistance and training to Customers and their retail customers
(residential, industrial, commercial and institutional). The assistance provided to the Customers
could include actual evaluation of the retail customers irrigation system; or, as an alternative,
Upper Trinity could offer a training program to its Customers to enable them to perform said
irrigation system evaluations. A typical evaluation would include identification of potential system
leaks, diagnosis of equipment malfunctions, and recommendations for equipment upgrades to
enhance water efficiency. During the evaluation, education about good landscape watering
practices and the use of earth-friendly materials could be shared with the retail customer.
5.9 Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) Audits
Upper Trinity, in coordination with its Customers, will offer an outreach program to assist large
water users in finding ways to operate more efficiently, save water and energy, and lower their
costs. Water savings are realized as the ICI customers implement audit recommendations. In
addition to these audits, Upper Trinity would publicly recognize those ICI customers who have
implemented said recommendations and have taken proactive steps in using water more wisely
and efficiently.
5.10 Annual Reports
An important element of Upper Trinity’s model water conservation plan is for Customers to
provide a copy of its annual conservation report to Upper Trinity at the same time it submits the
report to TCEQ. Upper Trinity will compile these reports and use the information to help
generate its own annual water conservation report. Upper Trinity’s report will be used to review
the effectiveness of its water conservation program and will be shared with Upper Trinity’s
Board and the Water Conservation Committee.
5.11 Means for Measuring Success
Upper Trinity will make every effort to measure and quantify water savings achieved through its
programs and will encourage Customers to measure and quantify savings from their respective
programs. The water saving results from Upper Trinity and its Customers will be regularly
reported to the Region C Water Planning Group to incorporate in the State Water Plan.
5.12 Water Rate Surcharge
Upper Trinity has a conservation-oriented water rate surcharge as part of its rate structure for
Customers. The rate structure for wholesale treated water service is two-part, based on
demand and volume. The conservation-oriented surcharge takes effect when the actual volume
of water sold during the months of June through September exceed the volume of water
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 13
budgeted for the same time period by more than 5%. The surcharge rate is established
annually by Upper Trinity’s Board of Directors.
5.13 Recycle Water from Water Treatment Plants
The wash water from filter washing and sludge from Upper Trinity’s water treatment process are
pumped into lagoons for recycling. After settling of solids, suitable water is decanted from the
lagoons and recycled to the head of the water treatment plant for treatment. This saves water
and contributes to Upper Tdnity’s control of unaccounted water in treatment and transmission.
5.14 In-House Water Conservation Efforts
Upper Trinity has implemented an in-house water conservation program, including the following
elements:
¯ Upper Trinity uses native or adapted drought tolerant plants, trees, and shrubs in the
majority of its landscapes;
¯ Irrigation at Upper Trinity facilities occurs during off-peak times at night and early
morning to avoid evaporation losses;
¯ Irrigation will be limited to the amount needed to promote survival and health of plants
and lawns, including limitation on frequency and time-of-day watering (see Section 5.4);
¯ Irrigation will be avoided on Saturday and Sunday if possible, since these are periods of
high water use by the public;
¯ Irrigation will be accomplished with treated wastewater effluent wherever feasible and
practicable.
5.15 Model Water Conservation Plan for Upper Trinity Customers
Upper Trinity has developed two key documents as part of its water conservation strategies: (1)
a Model Water Conservation Plan; and, (2) a Model Drought Contingency Plan. These model
plans are valuable aids to Customers in developing their own water conservation and drought
contingency plans, providing for consistency and clarity throughout Upper Trinity’s service area.
A. The Model Water Conservation Plan addresses TCEQ Ch. 288 requirements for water
conservation for municipal use by Public Water Suppliers. Upper Trinity will work with its
Customers in developing or updating their individual water conservation plans using the
following requirements:
Utility Profile: Information regarding population and customer data, water use data,
water supply system data, and wastewater system data.
Goals: Specific quantified five-year and ten-year targets for water savings to include
goals for water loss programs and goals for municipal use, in gallons per capita per day
(GPCD). The goals established by a Public Water Supplier are not enforceable under
this subparagraph.
Accurate Metering Devices: TCEQ requires that metering devices have an accuracy of
plus or minus five percent (5%) for measuring water diverted from the source of supply.
Universal Metering, Testing, Repair and Replacement: A program for universal metering
of both customer and public uses of water, for meter testing and repair, and for periodic
meter replacement.
Determination and Control of Unaccounted-for Water: Specific measures to determine
and control unaccounted-for water. The measures may include periodic visual
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 14
inspections along distribution pipelines, periodic audits of the water system for illegal
connections or abandoned services.
Public Education Program: A public education and information program regarding water
conservation is required as part of the water conservation plan.
Non-Promotional Water Rate Structure: Chapter 288 requires a water rate structure that
is not "promotional"; that is, rates that discourage waste and excessive use of water,
such as increasing block rate instead of volume discounts.
Landscape Water Management Strategy: A strategy for implementing and enforcing
the efficient use and stewardship of water in landscape irrigation, including watering a
maximum of two times per week; and, including a time-of-day watering provision.
Reservoir Systems Operational Plan: If applicable, this requirement is to provide a
coordinated operational structure for operation of reservoirs owned by the water supply
entity within a common watershed or river basin in order to optimize available water
supplies.
Coordination with Regional Water Planning Group: To document that the water
conservation plan has been coordinated with the Regional Water Planning Group to
insure consistency with the appropriate approved regional water plan.
Means of Implementation and Enforcement: A strategy for implementing and enforcing
the provisions of a water conservation plan, as evidenced by an ordinance, resolution,
or tariff, and a description of the authority by which the plan is enforced.
B. The Model Water Conservation Plan covering municipal uses by Public Water Suppliers
that: (1) currently serve a population of 5,000 or more; or (2) a projected population of 5,000 or
more within ten (10) years from the effective date of the plan; or (3) provide potable water
service to 3,300 or more connections, are required to include the following additional strategies.
Program for Leak Detection & Repair, and Water Loss Accounting: A program of leak
detection and repair, and water loss accounting for the water transmission, delivery, and
distribution system.
Record Management System: A system to record water pumped, water deliveries,
water sales and water losses which allows for the desegregation of water sales and
uses into user classes (residential, commercial, public and institutional, and industrial).
Wholesale Customer Requirements: If applicable, include a requirement in every water
supply contract entered into or renewed after official adoption of the water conservation
plan, and including any contract extension, that each successive wholesale customer
develop and implement water conservation strategies similar to this Plan, including
applicable elements of Title 30 TAC Chapter 288.
C. Upper Trinity will work with each Customer to evaluate and incorporate, as appropriate,
enhanced conservation strategies identified throughout Section 5 herein to achieve Upper
Trinity’s conservation goals.
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 15
5.16 Conservation Support for Customers
Upper Trinity has an appointed staff conservation coordinator to lead its regional water
conservation program and to assist Customers with implementation of their respective
conservation plans and strategies. Upper Trinity will create a work group within the Customer
Advisory Council for the Regional Treated Water System to coordinate and communicate
consistent conservation strategies to Customers, to better focus on water conservation matters
and to encourage Customers to designate staff with responsibility for implementing and
reporting on their water conservation programs.
SECTION 6
Implementation and Enforcement of the Plan
Appendix D contains a copy of the resolution of Upper Trinity’s Board of Directors adopting this
updated Plan (and Upper Trinity’s drought contingency plan). The Executive Director of Upper
Trinity is authorized to implement and enforce the Plan and the drought contingency plan. Upper
Trinity will prepare a water conservation report every year, incorporating the reports required
from Customers as appropriate. This report will be used to review the effectiveness of Upper
Trinity’s water conservation program, and results will be reported to the Water Conservation
Committee and to the Board of Directors.
The Plan is also referenced in Upper Trinity’s wholesale water supply contracts, as noted in
Sections 4.4 and 5.7 herein, and there is a prohibition on the resale of water on a wholesale
basis without prior written approval by Upper Trinity. As such, Upper Trinity’s contractual
relationships with its Customers provide for a reasonable means for enforcing the Plan.
Upper Trinity Regional Water District Water Conservation Plan 16
APPENDIX A
TCEQ Minimum Requirements for a Water Conservation Plan
(Title 30, Part 1, Chapter 288, Subchapter A, and Rule 228.5 of TAC)
Upper Trinity Regional Water District’s Water Conservation Plan
<>
Texas Administrative Code
TITLE 30 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
PART 1 TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
CHAPTER 288 WATER CONSERVATION PLANS, DROUGHT
CONTINGENCY PLANS, GUIDELINES AND
REQUIREMENTS
SUBCHAPTER A WATER CONSERVATION PLANS
RULE §288.5 Water Conservation Plans for Wholesale Water Suppliers
A water conservation plan for a wholesale water supplier must provide information in response to each
of the following paragraphs. If the plan does not provide information for each requirement, the
wholesale water supplier shall include in the plan an explanation of why the requirement is not
applicable.
(1) Minimum requirements. All water conservation plans for wholesale water suppliers must include
the following elements:
(A) a description of the wholesaler’s service area, including population and customer data, water use
data, water supply system data, and wastewater data;
(B) until May 1, 2005, specification of conservation goals including, where appropriate, target per
capita water use goals for the wholesaler’s service area, maximum acceptable unaccounted-for water,
the basis for the development of these goals, and a time frame for achieving these goals;
(C) beginning May 1, 2005, specific, quantified five-year and ten-year targets for water savings
including, where appropriate, target goals for municipal use in gallons per capita per day for the
wholesaler’s service area, maximum acceptable unaccounted-for water, and the basis for the
development of these goals. The goals established by wholesale water suppliers under this
subparagraph are not enforceable;
(D) a description as to which practice(s) and/or device(s) will be utilized to measure and account for
the amount of water diverted from the source(s) of supply;
(E) a monitoring and record management program for determining water deliveries, sales, and losses;
(F) a program of metering and leak detection and repair for the wholesaler’s water storage, delivery,
and distribution system;
(G) a requirement in every water supply contract entered into or renewed after official adoption of
the water conservation plan, and including any contract extension, that each successive wholesale
customer develop and implement a water conservation plan or water conservation measures using the
applicable elements of this chapter. If the customer intends to resell the water, then the contract
between the initial supplier and customer must provide that the contract for the resale of the water must
have water conservation requirements so that each successive customer in the resale of the water will
be required to implement water conservation measures in accordance with applicable provisions of this
chapter;
18
(H) a reservoir systems operations plan, if applicable, providing for the coordinated operation of
reservoirs owned by the applicant within a common watershed or river basin. The reservoir systems
operations plans shall include optimization of water supplies as one of the significant goals of the plan;
(I) a means for implementation and enforcement, which shall be evidenced by a copy of the
ordinance, rule, resolution, or tariff, indicating official adoption of the water conservation plan by the
water supplier; and a description of the authority by which the water supplier will implement and
enforce the conservation plan; and
(J) documentation of coordination with the regional water planning groups for the service area of the
wholesale water supplier in order to ensure consistency with the appropriate approved regional water
plans.
(2) Additional conservation strategies. Any combination of the following strategies shall be selected
by the water wholesaler, in addition to the minimum requirements of paragraph (1) of this section, if
they are necessary in order to achieve the stated water conservation goals of the plan. The commission
may require by commission order that any of the following strategies be implemented by the water
supplier if the commission determines that the strategies are necessary in order for the conservation
plan to be achieved:
(A) conservation-oriented water rates and water rate structures such as uniform or increasing block
rate schedules, and/or seasonal rates, but not flat rate or decreasing block rates;
(B) a program to assist agricultural customers in the development of conservation pollution
prevention and abatement plans;
(C) a program for reuse and!or recycling of wastewater and/or graywater; and
(D) any other water conservation practice, method, or technique which the wholesaler shows to be
appropriate for achieving the stated goal or goals of the water conservation plan.
(3) Review and update requirements. Beginning May 1, 2005, the wholesale water supplier shall
review and update its water conservation plan, as appropriate, based on an assessment of previous five-
year and ten-year targets and any other new or updated information. A wholesale water supplier shall
review and update the next revision of its water conservation plan not later than May 1, 2009, and every
five years after that date to coincide with the regional water planning group.
Source Note: The provisions of this §288.5 adopted to be effective May 3, 1993, 18 TexReg 2558;
amended to be effective February 21, 1999, 24 TexReg 949; amended to be effective April 27, 2000, 25
TexReg 3544; amended to be effective October 7, 2004, 29 TexReg 9384
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19
APPENDIX B
Upper Trinity Regional Water District’s Water Utility Profile
Upper Trinity Regional Water District’s Water Conservation Plan
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
PROFILE & WATER CONSERVATION PLAN
REQUIREMENTS FOR WHOLESALE PUBLIC
WATER SUPPLIERS
This form is provided to assist wholesale public water suppliers in water conservation plan development. Information
from this form should be included within a wholesale public water supplier water conservation plan. if you need
assistance in completing this form or in developing your plan, please contact the conservation staffofthe Resource
Protection Team in the Water Supply Division at (512) 239-4691.
Name of Entity: Upper Trinity Regional Water District
Address & Zip: PO Box 305 Lewisville, TX 75067
Telephone Number: (972) 219-1228 Fax: (972) 219-7521
Form Completed by: Larry. N. Patterson, P.E.
Title: Director of Operations & Water Resources
- Date:
Signature:
~~g, ~. ~,~,~,,. I
Name and Phone Number of Person(3~partment responsible for implementing a
water conservation program: Jason Pierce 972-219-1228
PROFILE
WHOLESALE SERVICE AREA POPULATION AND CUSTOMER DATA
A. Population and Service Area Data
1. Ser~ tce area size in square miles: (attach a copy of service-area map)
Upper Trinity Regional Water District ("Upper Trinity") is a wholesale water utility created
by the Legislature of the State of Texas. Upper Trinity’s service area (see Figure I below) is
defined in its enabling legislation as the service area of its retail customers:
’" The boundaries o.f Upper Trinity are coterminous with the boundaries ofthe county
(Denton) plus the entire area in the boundaries qf any contract member or
participating member, a portion of whose incorporated limits is partially in the
boundaries qf the county (Denton) as those boundaries existed on the effective date
oftheAct. " (H.B. 3112, 1989)
In addition, there is no limitation on other customers being service by Upper Trinity outside
such boundaries; for example, a portion of Wise County and Cooke County are shown in the
TCEQ-20162 (I 1-5-04) Page ! o! 10
21
Region C Plan to be served by Upper Trinity.
Figure 1. Service and Planning Area Map
Grayson
Current population of service are a (2012): 244,613 (excludes cities of Lewisville, Denton and Irving)
Current population served for (2012):
a. water 195,319
b. wastewater 74,301
TCEQ-20162 (I I-5-04)
Page 2 of 10
o Population (water) served for previous five years:
Year Population
2007 165,739
2008 172,726
2009 179,483
2010 186,891
2011 191,126
So Projected population for service area in following decades:
Year Population
2020 337,283
2030 450,401
2040 576,490
2050 702,370
2060 793,974
o List source(s) or method(s) for the calculation of current and projected population:
a. Texas Water Development Board - - 2011 Region C Water Plan
b. North Central Texas Council of Governments
c. Texas State Data Center
d. United States Census Bureau - 2010 Census
eo Information from existing Upper Trinity Customers, including CCN service area
limits
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TCEQ-20162 (11-5-04) Page 3 of 10
23
B. Customers Data
List (or attach) the names of all wholesale customers, amount of annual contract, and amount of the
annual use for each for the previous year:
Wholesale Customer Contracted Amount Previous Year Amount
(acre-feet) of Water Delivered
(acre-feet)
Argyle Water Supply Corp. 2,240 728
Bartonville Water Supply Corp. 2,800 749
City of Celina 2,800 953
City of Corinth 8,401 3,694
Denton County FWSD No. 1A 3,360 1,850
Denton County FWSD No. 7 3,360 1,749
Denton County FWSD No. 8A 2,431 402
Denton County FWSD No. 10 2,688 756
Denton County FWSD No. llA 3,360 489
Town of Flower Mound 33,604 9,198
City of Highland Village 3,360 2,607
City of Justin 840 370
City of Krum 448 110
Lake Cities MUA 4,256 1,841
Town of Lincoln Park 112 43
Mustang SUD 3,136 1,096
Town of Northlake 560 0
Providence Village WCID 2,688 706
City of Sanger 560 241
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TCEQ-20162 (I I-5-04) Page 4 of 10
24
II. WATER USE DATA FOR SERVICE AREA
A. Water Delivery
Indicate if the water provided under wholesale contracts is treated or raw water and the annual amount for
each for previous year:
Total amount sold for previous year (acre-feet) (2011)
Treated: 27,583
Raw: 0
B. Water Accounting Data
Total amount of water diverted at point of diversion(s) for previous five years (in acre-feet) for all
water uses:
Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
January 1,046 1,263 1,302 1,209 1,210
February 965 1,241 1,217 991 1,203
March 1,402 1,196 1,441 1,171 1,744
April 1,390 1,401 1 626 1,585 1,951
May 1,358 1,887 1,534 2,213 1,880
June 1,352 2,905 2,608 3,228 3,356
July 1,766 3,818 3,389 2,687 4,457
August 2,765 3,097 3,265 3,979 4,637
September 2,222 2,360 2,097 2,190 3,589
October 1,978 1,980 1,405 2,199 2,386
November 1,641 1,596 1,452 1,557 1,698
December 1,146 1,331 1,369 1,445 1,158
TOTAL 19,033 24,076 22,705 24,453 29,270
Wholesale population served and total amount of water diverted for municipal use for
previous five years:
Year Total Population Served Total AnnualWater Diverted forMunicipal Use
(acre~et)
2007 165,739 19 033
2008 172~726 24,076
2009 179,483 22~705
2010 186,891 24 453
2011 191,126 29,270
TCEQ-20162 (11-5-04) Page 5 of 10
25
C. Projected Water Demands
If applicable, project and attach water supply demands for the next ten years using information
such as population trends, historical water use, and economic growth in the service area over the
next ten years and any additional water supply requirement from such growth.
Water Demand - Area Served
120
l1 Existing and Contracted Supplies I
Projected Water Demand
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Year
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TCEQ-20162 (11-5-04) Page 6 of I0
26
III. WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM DATA
A. Water Supply Sources
List all current water supply sources and the amounts authorized (acre-feet) with each:
Source Amount Available
Surface Water Jim Chapman Lake1 16,1062
Contract City of Dallas3 31,121
Contract City of Denton4 7,400
Reuse Jim Chapman Lake5 9,664
1
Certificate of Adjudication No. 03-4797 and a contract with the City of Commerce allows the District to divert water from Jim
Chapman Lake.
2
Amount shown is the maximum diversion amount.
3
A contract with the City of Dallas allows the District to divert water from Lewisville Lake and Ray Roberts Lake. The
amount of supply will increase over time as population of certain "named" cities increases.
4
A contract with the City of Denton allows the District to divert water from Lewisville Lake and Ray Roberts Lake on an
interim basis. The amount of supply available is determined annually by Denton and will decline over time as Denton’s own
needs increase.
5
TCEQ Water Use Permit No. 5778, and supporting contracts with the cities of Dallas and Denton, allows the District to reuse
an amount equal to 60% of the water it imports from Jim Chapman Lake.
Treatment and Distribution System (if provide treated water)
Design daily capacity of system: 90.0 MGD
2. Storage Capacity: Elevated 0.5 MGD
Ground 18.0 MGD
Please describe the water system. Include the number of treatment plants, wells,
and storage tanks. If possible, attach a sketch of the system layout.
See Attachment 1.
IV. WASTEWATER SYSTEM DATA
Wastewater System Data (if applicable)
1. Design capacity of wastewater treatment plant(s):
Permitted Capacity
Lakeview Regional Water Reclamation System 7.5 MGD
Riverbend Water Reclamation Plant 5.7 MGD
Peninsula Water Reclamation Plant 2.0 MGD
Doe Branch Water Reclamation Plant 5.225 MGD
TCEQ-20162 (11-5-04) Page 7 of 10
27
o Briefly describe the wastewater system(s) of the area serviced by the wholesale
public water supplier. Describe how treated wastewater is disposed of. Where
applicable, identify treatment plant(s) with the TCEQ name and number, the
operator, owner, and, if wastewater is discharged, the receiving stream. If
possible, attach a sketch or map which locates the plant(s) and discharge points or
disposal sites.
a. Lakeview Regional Water Reclamation System
Irrigation On-site Yes
Irrigation Off-site
Chlorination / dechlorination N/A
Approximate usage per month 0.010 MGD
TCEQ number TX0020354, TPDES 10698-001
Operator / Owner Upper Trinity
Disposal Type Activated Sludge
Discharge 4.12 MGD (avg. daily flow)
Discharge receiving stream Lewisville Lake Segment #0.0823
Trinity River Basin
See Attachment 1 for location of Lakeview Water Reclamation Plant.
b. Riverbend Water Reclamation Plant
Irrigation On-site No
Irrigation Off-site No
Chlorination / dechlorination N/A
Approximate usage per month 0 MGD
TCEQ number TX0123781, TPDES 10698-002
Operator / Owner Upper Trinity
Disposal Type Sequential / Batch Reactor
Discharge 0.965 MGD (avg. daily flow)
Discharge receiving stream Lewisville Lake Segment #0.0823
Little Elm Creek, Trinity River
Basin
See Attachment I for location of Riverbend Water Reclamation Plant.
Peninsula Water Reclamation Plant
Irrigation On-site No
Irrigation Off-site
Chlorination / dechlorination N/A
Approximate usage per month 0 MGD
TCEQ number TX0124745, TPDES 14323-001
Operator / Owner Upper Trinity
TCEQ-20162 (1 !-5-04) Page 8 of 10
28
Disposal Type Activated Sludge Extended Aeration
Discharge 0.196 MGD (avg. daily flow)
Discharge receiving stream Lewisville Lake Segment #0.0823
Cantrell Slough, Trinity River Basin
See Attachment 1 for location of Peninsula Water Reclamation Plant.
d. Doe Branch Water Reclamation Plant
Irrigation On-site No
Irrigation Off-site No
Chlorination / dechlorination N/A
Approximate usage per month 0 MGD
TCEQ number TX0125172, TPDES 10698-003
Operator / Owner Upper Trinity
Disposal Type Activated Sludge Extended Aeration
Plant permitted, but not constructed
Discharge receiving stream Lewisville Lake Segment #0.0823
Unnamed Tributary, Trinity River Basin
See Attachment 1 for the location of proposed Doe Branch Water
Reclamation Plant.
B. Wastewater Data for Service Area (if applicable)
1. Percent of water service area served by wastewater system: 30%
2. Monthly volume treated for previous three years (in 1,000 gallons):
Year 2009 2010 2011
January 137,043 168,503 150,887
February 118,498 176,007 136,867
March 136,811 190,364 139,967
April 136,501 167,289 138,047
May 164,081 162,744 160,803
June 139,766 144,809 143,076
July 136~578 158,038 139 762
August 139,781 145,125 139,872
September 147,687 155,131 131,864
October 194,628 155,131 131,864
November 160,473 142,549 145,353
December 162,595 145,656 158,514
TOTAL 1,774,442 1,902,931 1,729,623
TC EQ-20162 ( I 1-5-04) Page 9 of 10
29
Attachment 1
Upper Trinity Regional Water
[--] Service Area
I
I
I|
!I
I
I COOK.~
GRA YSON
Tom Harpool
Regional Water
Treatment Plant
Peninsula Water
Reclamation Plant Riverbend Water
Reclamation Plant
DENTON
Lakeview Water Proposed Doe Branch
Reclamation Plant Water Reclamation Plant
COLLIN
Thomas E. Taylor
Regional Water
Treatment Plant
~:r ....................................... ......~--~---~--" ..................
EGIONAL WATER OISTRICT
APPENDIX C
Letter to Chairman of Region C Water Planning Group
Upper Trinity Regional Water District’s Water Conservation Plan
P.O. Drawer 305, Lewisville, TX 75067
REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT (972) 219-1228 * Fax (972) 221-9896
September 17, 2012
Mr. Jim Parks, Chairman
Region C Water Planning Group
c/o North Texas Municipal Water District
Po O. Box 2408
Wylie, TX 75098
RE: Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans
Dear Mr. Parks:
Water conservation is an important strategy in making sure this region has sufficient water to meet
the growing demand. Recognizing the importance of this strategy, Upper Tdnity Regional Water
Distdct recently updated its Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans to include new
conservation strategies. In coordination with other utilities and cities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area,
we have included a new strategy to limit outdoor landscape watering to no more than two times per
week.
In addition, we wanted to update the Plans after the great drought of 2011. Accordingly, other
strategies were added to enhance the Water Conservation Plan, following the recommendations of
the Water Conservation Advisory Council and the Water Conservation and Implementation Task
Force. Enclosed are copies of Upper Trinity’s updated plans.
We are submitting copies of the plans to you, to Texas Water Development Board and to the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in accordance with state requirements. Upper
Trinity’s Board of Directors approved the amended plans at its September 6 Board Meeting.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Should you have any questions or need further
information, please feel free to contact me or Larry N. Patterson, Director of Operations and Water
Resources, at 972-219-1228.
y,
: Taylo~
Executive Dir~-’tor
TETIJP/nka
Encl: Updated Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans
C: Jody Puckett, Director of Dallas Water Utilities
Larry N. Patterson, Director of Operations and Water Resources, UTRWD
Jason Pierce, Manager of Watershed and Contract Services
A conservation and reclamation district of the State of Texas.
32
With vision and courage, we plan ..... With cooperation and commitment, we serve.
APPENDIX D
Resolution from Upper Trinity Regional Water District’s Board of Directors
Adopting the Water Conservation Plan
Upper Trinity Regional Water District’s Water Conservation Plan
33
RESOLUTION ..
REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT
RESOLUTION # 2012- o 7
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE UPPER
TRINITY REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT ("DISTRICT") ADOPTING
UPDATED WATER CONSERVATION AND DROUGHT CONTINGENCY
PLANS FOR THE DISTRICT.
WHEREAS, the District’s Board of Directors adopted Water Conservation and Drought Contingency
Plans in May 1993, later amended in Mamh 2005 and in April 2009; and,
WHEREAS, the Texas Administrative Code Title 30, Part 12, Chapter 288, Subchapter A, Rule
288.5 and Subchapter B, Rule 288.22 governs the development of water conservation and drought
contingency plans for wholesale water suppliers and requires wholesale public water suppliers, like
the District, to include certain basic provisions in said plans; and,
WHEREAS, .the Board of Directors recently expressed its support for a regional initiative that is
intended to achieve uniform application of a new water conservation strategy limiting outdoor
landscape irrigation to no more than two times per week; and,
WHEREAS, the Board directed staff to work with the Water Conservation Committee and the
Customer Advisory Council to develop a flexible approach for implementing the twice weekly
strategy for District Customers; and,
WHEREAS, Texas endured a record-breaking drought just last year, generating new experiences in
water management and further evidence of the need for water conservation - - providing a sense of
urgency to review and update the District’s Water Conservation Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the District desires to update the 2009 Water Conservation Plan and Drought
.Contingency Plan based on current knowledge and practices, to add the new twice weekly strategy
for outdoor landscape irrigation, as well as to enhance the District’s Plan by incorporating
recommendations from the Texas Water Conservation Advisory Council and the Texas Water
................... Conservation Implementation Task Force; and, .............................................................................................................................
WHEREAS, the updated Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan shall hereinafter
be referred to as the =2012 Plans’; and,
WHEREAS, the 2012 Plans must be approved by the governing body prior to submission to the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (’TCEQ’); and,
UPPER TRINITY REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO. 2012-.0_7
Adopting Updated Water Consenration and
Drought Contingency Plans for the ~
Page 2
WHEREAS, the Water Conservation Committee of the District has reviewed and hereby
recommends the 2012 Plans, which plans include the new and updated conservation strategies;
and,
WHEREAS, the Customer Advisory Council for the Water System has provided input on said
strategies.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE UPPER
TRINITY REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT:
SECTION 1. That the 2012 Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan as
recommended by the Water Conservation Committee and reviewed by the Customer Advisory
Council are hereby adopted.
SECTION 2. That the Executive Director is hereby directed to administer and enforce the 2012
Plans as adopted.
SECTION 3. That the Executive Director is hereby directed to include provisions in any new
contract for wholesale water services and any renewed or extended contract with a Customer after
the adoption hereof requiring said Customer to adopt similar water conservation and drought
contingency strategies as outlined in the 2012 Plans and providing for enforcement thereof.
SECTION 4. That the Executive Director is authorized to submit the 2012 Plans to TCEQ for review
and approval and to make reasonable changes thereto if requested by TCEQ.
SECTION 5. That this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage.
DULY PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 6th DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2012.
Recommended:
Th~r~ !~ E. Taylor, Executive Direct’~
Executed:
~’ ~adis0n, Vice President
Attest:
Chris boy~, Seg(~ar~
35
APPENDIX C
Texas'Water l)evelopment Board
Report 362
\Mater Conservation Implementation
Task Force
'Water Conservation
Best Management Practices Guide
November 2004
This page intenlionally blank.
Texas \ilater I)evelopment Board
E. G. Rod Pittman, Chairman, Lufkin Thomas Weir Labatt, ilI, Member, San Antonio
Jack Hunt, Vice Chairman, Houston James E. Herring, Member, Amarillo
Dario Vidal Guena, Jr., Member, Edinburg William W. Meadows, Member, Fort Worth
J. Kevin Ward, Executive Administrator
Authorizationþr use or reproduction of any original material contained in this publication, i.e.,
not obtained from other sources, is freely granted. The use of brand names in thís publication
does not indicate an endorsement by the Texas Water Development Board or the State of Texas.
Views expressed in thís report are of the authors and do not necessaríly reflect the views of the
Texas Water Development Board,
Published and distributed
by the
Texas Water Development Board
P.O. Box 13231, Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 7 87 II-323 I
This document was developed by GDS Associates, Inc., Chris Brown Consulting, Axiom-Blait
Engineering, Inc. and Tony Gregg, P.E. throughfundíngfrom the Texas Water Development
Board
November 2004
Report 362
(Printed on recycled paper)
ll
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lll
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction .l
1.1 Background 2
r.2 Best Management Practices (BMPs) J
1.3 Development and Purpose of Best Management Practices Guide ............,4
1.4 Cost-Effectiveness Considerations 7
1.5 Getting the Most Out of the Guide 8
2,0 BMPs for Municipal Water Users... 11
2.r System Water Audit and Water Loss................ 13
2.2 Water Conservation Pricing.... ......... 19
2.3 Prohibition on Wasting Vy'ater 25
2,4 Showerhead, Aerator, and Toilet Flapper Retroflrt 28
2.5 Residential Toilet Replacement Programs 34
2.6 Residential Clothes Washer Incentive Program 39
2.7 School Education.. 43
2.8 Water S urvey for S ingle-Family and Multi-Family Customers,.............. 48
2.9 Landscape Irrigation Conservation and Incentives 54
2.t0 Water Wise Landscape Design and Conversion Programs 6l
2.tr Athletic Field Conservation....... 66
2.12 Golf Course Conservation 7I
2.t3 Metering of All New Connections and Retrofit of Existing Connections.... 75
2.14 Wholesale Agency Assistance Programs 78
2.t5 Conservation Coordinator........... 82
2.16 Water Reuse........ 85
2.17 Public Information 90
2.t8 Rainwater Harvesting and Condensate Reuse ......... 96
2.t9 New Construction Graywater ....... r02
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November 2004 BMP GUIDE
2.20 Park Conservation....... 106
2.2I Conservation Programs for Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Accounts.. ....1I2
222 Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for Municipal Water Users......... 118
3.0 BMPs for Industrial Water Users .................... 13 I
3.1 IndustrialWaterAudit......... 133
3.2 Industrial ÏVater Waste Reduction.. 138
3.3 IndustrialSubmetering................ r42
3.4 Cooling Towers 145
3.5 Cooling Systems (other than Cooling Towers) ..................... 150
3.6 Industrial Alternative Sources and Reuse of Process Water .................. 154
3.7 Rinsing/Cleaning......... 158
3.8 Water Treatment. 162
3.9 Boiler and Steam Systems 167
3. I 0 Refrigeration (including Chilled Water)............. 172
3.11 Once-ThroughCooling 175
3.I2 Management and Employee Programs t79
3.13 IndustrialLandscape. 184
3.14 Industrial Site Specific Conservation............. 190
3.15 Cost Effectiveness for Industrial Water Users 195
4.0 BMPs for Agricultural V/ater Users r99
4.1 Agricultural Irrigation Water Use Management..............' 201
4.1.1 Irrigation Scheduling........ 20r
4.1.2 Volumetric Measurement of Inigation Water Use 204
4.1.3 Crop Residue Management and Conservation Tillage.. 208
4.1.4 On-Farm Irrigation Audit 210
4.2 Land Management Systems
4.2.1 FurrowDikes........... ...2r4
4.2.2 Land Leveling 216
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November 2004 BMP GUIDE
4.2.3 Contour Farming ...218
4.2.4 conversion of supplemental Irrigated Farmland to Dry-Land Farmland .............220
4.2.5 Brush ControlAvlanagement .... 222
4.3 On-Farm Water Delivery Systems 226
4.3.r Lining of On-Farm Irrigation Ditches...... 226
4.3.2 Replacement of On-Farm Inigation Ditches with Pipelines......'.......................'..229
4.3.3 Low Pressure Center Pivot Sprinkler Inigation Systems 231
4.3.4 Drip/lvlicro-Irigation System ........ 234
4.3.s Gated and Flexible Pipe for Field Water Distribution Systems .....'...237
4.3.6 Surge Flow Inigation for Field Water Distribution Systems..... ....,...239
4.3.7 Linear Move Sprinkler Irrigation Systems..... 241
4.4 Water District Delivery SYstems 244
4.4,1 Lining of District Irrigation Canals....... 244
4,4.2 Replacement of Irrigation District Canals and Lateral Canals with Pipelines...,..247
4.5 Miscellaneous Systems 250
4.5.r Tailwater Recovery and Reuse System......... 250
4.5.2 Nursery Production Systems ...... 252
4.6 Cost Effectiveness for Agricultural Water Users 255
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November 2004 BMP GUIDE
1.0 In ction
This document is the result ofthe work of the Texas Water Conservation Implementation Task
Force, a volunteer group of Texas citizens with experience in and commitment to using Texas
water more efficiently. The Task Force was created by the 78'Texas Legislature under Senate
Bill 1094. The Legislature directed the Texas Water Development Board ("TWDB") to select
members of the Water Conservation Implementation Task Force from applicants representing the
following entities and interest groups:
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Department of Agriculture
Parks and Wildlife Department
State Soil and Water Conservation Board
Texas Water Development Board
Regional Water Planning GrouPs
Federal Agencies
Municipalities
Groundwater Conservation Districts
River Authorities
Environmental Groups
Irrigation Districts
Industries
Institutional Water Users
Professional Or ganizations Focused on Water Conservation
Higher Education
The legislature charged the Task Force with reviewing, evaluating, and recommending optimum
levels óf water use efficiency and conservation for the state. These Best Management Practices
were prepared in partial fulfillment of this charge. This document was developed by GDS
Associatês, Inc., Chris Brown Consulting, Axiom-Blair Engineering, Inc. and Tony Gregg, P.E.
through funding from the Texas Water Development Board's Research and Planning Fund.
1
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
1.1 Background
Municipal water conservation efforts in Texas have been motivated by diverse goals such as
preventing land subsidence, addressing short-term or long-term water shortages, providing
environmental protection, and avoiding or postponing the high costs of new water system
improvements. Through implementation of water conservation programs across the state,
experience has been gained in the effective delivery of programs and lessons learned in
approaches which are not as effective.
Industrial water users have also made advances in water use efficiency over the past several
decades. Inspired by increasing costs ofresources, such as the water itself, energy needed to
pump, treat, and heat water in industrial processes, and the challenges of drought, many Texas
businesses have developed or adopted techniques to lower water use. One indication of the
success of industrial efforts is actual water use recorded for the manufacturing sector in the year
2000. Actual use was 70 percent of water demand projections developed in the late 1990s.
Agricultural growers using groundwater from the Ogallala Aquifer have pioneered water
efficiency in agricultural irrigation in the Texas panhandle region. As early as the 1970s, low-
pressure center pivot irrigation systems were reducing water use by 30 percent to 50 percent
from existing inigation methods at the time. Since then, inigation efficiency has increased both
in the sophistication of low pressure inigation methods as well as increased efficiency in other
irrigation and water management methods in agricultural production.
While there are a number of successful conservation efforts in Texas, there is an opportunity for
a more comprehensive effort by all sectors of the State. The legislation that created the Water
Conservation Task Force was passed in order to further conservation efforts in the State. One of
the objectives of the Task Force was to gather information about the elements of successful
conservation programs, good cost estimates and reliable water savings estimates for use in water
resource planning. In this guide, the Task Force uses the following working definition of
conservation: Those practices, techniques, programs, and technologies that will protect water
resources, reduce the consumption of water, reduce the loss or waste of water, improve the
efficiency in the use of water, or increase the recycling and reuse of water so that a water supply
is made available for future or alternative uses. As part of its work, the Task Force hopes to
move the process of water conservation planning a significant step forward in Texas by the
publication of Best Management Practice Guidelines based upon this cunent analysis.
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November 2004 BMP GUIDE
1.2 Best Manasement Practices (BMPs)
Experience in water conservation program implementation over the decades has resulted in a
body of knowledge in Texas, across the United States and around the world. Practitioners have
shared these experiences and adopted the approach of the BMP. A BMP is structured for
delivering a conservation measure or series of measures that is useful, proven, cost-effective, and
generally accepted among conservation experts.
In Texas, conservation BMPs are designed to fit into the State's water resource planning process
as one alternative to meet future water needs. As a result, each BMP should be clearly defined in
its schedule of implementation, expected water savings, and costs of implementation (based on
Exhibit B Guidelines for Regional Water Plan Development). Each BMP structure has several
elements that describe the efficiency measures, implementation techniques, schedule of
implementation, scope, water savings estimating procedures, cost effectiveness considerations,
and references to assist end-users in implementation.
3
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
1.3 Develonment and Purnose o f Best Manasement Practices Guide
The BMPs and the cost effectiveness tools in this Guide are offered to the state's regional water
planning groups, water providers, and water users as a tool for planning and designing effective
conservation programs. The Guide is organized into three sections, for municipal, industrial and
agricultural water user groups ("'WUG') with a total of fifty-five BMPs. At the end of each
section is a chapter giving guidance on cost effectiveness evaluation for the specific BMPs in the
section. Each BMP is organized to be of assistance in conservation planning, program
development, implementation, and evaluation.
The BMPs can be evaluated for potential water savings and the cost effectiveness for
consideration in the regional water planning process. Within each planning region, sufficient
variation exists at the local water user level that more specific analysis should be done by a
prospective end-user prior to adopting the BMP. Best-management practices contained in the
BMP Guide are voluntary efficiency measures that save a quantifiable amount of water, either
directly or indirectly, and can be implemented within a specified timeframe. The BMPs are not
exclusive of other meaningful conservation techniques that an entity might use in formulating a
state-required water conservation plan. At the discretion of each user, BMPs may be
implemented individually, in whole or in part, or be combined with other BMPs or other water
conservation techniques to form a comprehensive water conservation program. The adoption of
any BMP is entirely voluntary, although it is recognizedthat once adopted, certain BMPs may
have some regulatory aspects to them (e.g. implementation of a local city ordinance).
The Task Force unanimously agreed that the BMP Guide must be in accordance with the state's
philosophy of region-based water planning. The Task Force firmly believes that applying a
mandatory set of BMPs throughout Texas would pjbe appropriate. One size does not fit all in
a state characterized by wide variations in climate, geography, municipal demographics, water
utility and service profiles, and agricultural and industrial needs. State policies adopted to guide
the implementation of water conservation in Texas must acknowledge the fundamental
decision-making primacy and prerogative of regional planning groups, municipalities, industrial
and agricultural water users, and water providers. Each BMP is organized into nine
standardized sections (A-I), which are described in general terms below.
A. Applícøbílíry
The specific type of water user group that could potentially benefit from the BMP is described,
as are the general goals for water efficiency that the BMP addresses.
B. Description
This section provides an explanation of the specifics of the conservation measure(s) included in
the BMP. The best available technology that is proven and cost effective is recommended. Often
a best available technology may not yet be cost effective to be implemented by all water users.
Highly efficient water conservation measures that will produce cost-effective results are
mentioned.
4
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
Example: The current standard for water efficient toilets is 1.6 gallon per flush ("gpf') models.
Lower flush volume toilets exist such as dual flush toilets which flush 1.6 gpf for solid waste and
0.8 gpf for liquid waste, but their availability is not yet widespread in the United States. Since
this technology is new and few models are available, costs are currently high but are expected to
fall as additional models become available. As prices fall, this technology will become more
cost effective.
C, Implementation
The basic steps to accomplish the BMP are described. If the description section includes more
than one measure to complete the BMP, the implementation section will suggest necessary steps
for achieving the water savings.
D. Schedule
In BMPs which have multiple implementation steps, a recommended schedule for
implementation is included. In general, planning, data gathering and evaluation steps should be
accomplished within 12 months of adoption of a specific BMP.
E, Scope
For simpler BMPs, the scope is complete when the steps described in the implementation section
have been achieved. For more complicated BMPs, the scope indicates the level of
rWhere different levels of
implementation necessary to consider the BMP complete.
implementation or constraints are present, these are described.
F, Documentatíon
To track the progress of a BMP, the water user should collect certain data to document progress
implementing the BMP and evaluating actual water savings. This section identifies the
recommended data.
G. Determínatìon of lltøter Søvíngs
This section specifies information necessary to calculate water savings from implementation of
the BMP and may include statistical or mathematical formulas when appropriate.
H. Cost-Effectíveness Consíderølìons
Basic costs of implementing the specific BMP are explained. Due to the wide variefy in actual
costs based upon size ofprogram and location, ranges ofcosts are given where appropriate. In
many cases, costs and expenses can be reduced or spread out when multiple BMPs are
implemented by an entity. This section primarily serves to remind the users of costs to consider
when performing a cost effectiveness analysis.
5
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
L ReferencesforAdditíonøllnformation
The BMP concludes with a listing of resources that can assist a water user in implementing the
BMP.
6
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
1,4 Cost-Effectiveness Considerations
Each of the three sections of the BMP Guide, Municipal, Industrial, and Agricultural, has a
dedicated chapter on cost-effectiveness analyses. Methods for determining the relationship
between the value of water saved and the cost of BMP implementation are described and
explained through examples. Users of the guide are encouraged to read and utilize any of the
analytical tools found in these sections, if they find them to be appropriate.
7
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
1.5 Gettine the Most Out of the Guide
The BMP Guide is designed for several uses and for a diverse audience of water resource
planners and managers throughout the state. It has sufficient detail to be useful in the state water
planning process, which is implemented at the regional level. The Regional Water Planning
Groups are encouraged to review the BMPs and to consult with WUGs in their region that have
an identified future need for water to determine which BMPs are appropriate and which BMPs
the WUGs intend to utilize or are already using for conservation program planning and
implementation. For planning purposes water conservation best management practices are not
limited to those listed in this guide.
The Task Force acknowledges that the efficient use of water as a natural resource is an important
planning objective and an economical means of operation and recommends that water user
groups of all types evaluate the BMPs for use in their area. The fìrst step for a municipal,
agricultural or industrial water user is to review the Applicability section in a BMP to determine
if the BMP is appropriate for their use. For those water users with stakeholders, a stakeholder
involvement process is a valuable means of getting feedback on priority BMPs and on specific
elements within a BMP which have broad support.In municipalities, stakeholders include
customers and representative interest groups which have shown an interest in water issues in the
community. Such groups may include representatives from neighborhood and business
associations, technical groups, academics, environmentalists, and city departments. A number of
the municipal BMPs recommend developing such stakeholder groups as a part of implementing
the specific BMP. The Task Force also recognizes that stakeholder groups can be helpful in the
initial selection of best management practices to be included in a Conservation Plan.
Industrial WUGs should consider employees from all affected departments, customers, suppliers,
and regulators and impacted water users, including agricultural or municipal interests, as
potential stakeholders. Depending upon the size of the business and the proposed BMPs, the
process can be either formal or informal. The industrial WUG can also use the guidance included
in the Employee Programs BMP as part of the process of selecting the appropriate BMPs. For
those industrial WUGs that are already implementing an Environmental Management System the
stakeholder process may be defined and can be used to help pick the appropriate BMPs. In the
industrial setting, executive management support is essential for success and should be sought
early in the planning process.
Agricultural WUGs at the farm level may include employees, suppliers and regulators among
potential stakeholders. A valid input process may be an informal survey of individuals to solicit
input for choosing the best BMPs, For political subdivisions of the State of Texas that deliver
irrigation water to agricultural users, the stakeholder group may include representatives from
agricultural and water conservation organizations, municipal, and rural water supply entities, and
local, state, or federal governmental agencies.
In writing a Conservation Plan it is important for the WUG to follow state, local and, in some
cases, federal guidelines which may include requirements for certain plan elements such as a
utility profile and seasonal demand. Such requirements are often specific to the WUG, the type
I
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
of water demand, and the political boundaries in which a WUG operates. Texas has numerous
groundwater districts, river authorities, and irrigation districts all of which have specific
authority and the potential for unique requirements within their area or operation. The BMPs are
designed to be used as a resource in developing that part of a water conservation plan where
specific measures, the schedule and scope of implementation, and the anticipated savings and
costs are addressed.
Each BMP was prepared through research of literature and with the insight and experience of
Task Force members, Board staft and technical consultants to provide information based upon
real world results of conservation program implementation. Because of the information
accumulated in the development of the Guide, each BMP can serve as a program guide as well as
a planning tool. Conservation program managers wishing to use the BMPs in program delivery
should pay close attention to the Implementation, Schedule, Scope, and Documentation sections.
Each of these sections contains information which can assist existing conservation programs as
well as new conservation efforts to increase their effectiveness. Each BMP also includes a
reference section with additional resources to assist conservation practitioners in delivering high
quality programs with real water savings.
The BMP also has information that can assist managers, auditors and policy makers in evaluating
the impact of conservation programs. The Documentation, Determination of Water Savings, and
Cost Effectiveness Considerations sections are provided to assist in program evaluation. Each
section of BMPs, municipal, industrial and agricultural, has a Cost-Effectiveness Chapter, which
provides tools for doing cost-benefit analysis by each of the major types of WUGs.
The Task Force presents this Guide as a tool for advancing the practice and effectiveness of
water conservation in Texas. The insights distilled in the enclosed BMPs come from years of
oonservation practice by the Task Force members. That same experience leads the Task Force to
view this as a living document, with the recognition that further implementation of conservation
practices will bring new insight, more study will provide new information, and new technology
will improve savings. The Task Force members encourage conservation managers, planners,
practitioners and policy makers to give feedback to the Texas Water Development Board about
the BMP Guide in the hopes that it will be updated regularly over the years ahead.
9
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
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10
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
2.0 BMPs for Municipal Water Users
Vy'ater consumption by water utilities serving municipal water customers is driven by a wide
variety of domestic, commercial, industrial and institutional needs. BMPs have been developed
for utilities to both improve water use efficiency of their own operations and for programs to
improve the efficiency of their customers.
It is important that water utilities focus on the efficiency of their supply operations while
promoting water efficiency to their customers. A utility can reduce water loss through careful
and regular monitoring of its water delivery systems through the System Water Audit and Water
Loss BMP. In addition, the Water Conservation Pricing BMP can provide an effective method of
encouraging water efficiency by the customer through feedback from the cost of the water to the
user. The Prohibition on Water Wasting BMP can help send a message to users about the value
of water as well as educate the general populace about simple steps to save water.
Despite the variety of water uses and numbers of water users, many patterns of water use,
especially in domestic water use are common. As a result a numbêr of conservation measures
have been developed in municipal settings over the past several decades to reduce the total
gallons consumed for daily activities without reducing the benefit of the water used. The
Showerheads, Faucet Aerators and Toilet Flapper Retrofit BMP and the Residential Toilet
Replacement Programs BMP focus on indoor water use. The Residential Clothes Washer
Incentive Program BMP encourages the installation of water efficient clothes washers.
The School Education BMP affects water consumption through changes in behavior as students
learn about water resources and the wise use of water. The V/ater Survey for Single-Family and
Multi-Family Customers BMP educates customers about specific water saving opportunities as
well as water wasting practices which may be present in their home or business.
Outdoor water uses driven by climatic differences, and water needs of different plants, and used
for diverse purposes result in BMPs which are focused on good landscape management
principles. The Landscape Inigation Conservation and Incentives BMP focuses on water
savings that can be obtained through effrcient operation of automatic inigation systems, while
the Water Wise Landscape Design and Conversion Programs BMP focuses on landscape
materials.
A utility can reduce water loss through careful and regular metering of water delivered to billed
as well as unbilled water uses and through proper maintenance of meters as through the Metering
of All New Connections and Retrofit of Existing Connections BMP. For agencies or utilities
rWholesale Agency
offering water to wholesale customers who in turn serve retail customers, the
Assistance Programs BMP offers methods for promoting water conservation among the retail
water utilities. In addition, the Conservation Coordinator BMP can provide an effective method
of ensuring that the utility's conservation programs are well administered and effective. The
Reuse BMP outlines how utilities can make more efficient reuse of their existing supplies.
11
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
The Public Information BMP can affect water consumption through changes in behavior as
customers learn about water resources, the wise use of water and the utilþ's conservation
program. The Rainwater Harvesting/Condensate Reuse BMP focuses on water savings that can
be obtained through capturing rainwater or the condensate from large cooling systems while the
New Construction Graywater BMP focuses on reuse of water which has been used in washing
clothes.
Commercial water uses also have a variety of practices and equipment that can benefit from
effrciency measures. The Municipal BMPs also include those focused on good water use
practices for Park Conservation and for Conservation Programs for Industrial, Commercial, and
Institutional Accounts.
Best-management practices contained in the BMP Guide are voluntary efficiency measures that
save a quantifiable amount of water, either directly or indirectly, and can be implemented within
a specified timeframe. The BMPs are not exclusive of other meaningful conservation techniques
that an entity might use in formulating a state-required water conservation plan. At the
discretion of each user, BMPs may be implemented individually, in whole or in part, or be
combined with other BMPs or other water conservation techniques to form a comprehensive
water conservation program. The adoption of any BMP is entirely voluntary, although it is
recognized that once adopted, certain BMPs may have some regulatory aspects to them (e.g.
implementation of a local city ordinance).
t2
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
2.14 Wholesale Asencv ssistance Prosrams
A. Applícabílity
This BMP is intended for Wholesale Municipal Water User Groups ("agency") supplying
potable water. The specific measures listed as part of this BMP can be implemented individually
or as a group. Upon review, an agency may frnd that it is already implementing one or more of
these elements and may want to adopt additional elements outlined below.
Once an agency decides to adopt this BMP, the agency should follow the BMP closely in order
to achieve the maximum benefit from this BMP.
B. Descriptíon
Wholesale agency assistance program measures are designed to deliver assistance to its
wholesale utility customers who purchase water and provide retail water service to customers.
Under this BMP, the wholesale agency will provide financial and/or technical support to
wholesale purchasers to advance water conservation efforts both for the wholesale customer and
its retail water customers. Financial support should consist of incentives or equivalent resources
as appropriate and beneficial. All BMP programs that target retail water customers should be
supported when they can be shown to be cost-effective in terms of avoided cost of water from
the wholesaler' s perspective.
Financing for water conservation programs can be built into the rate structure as a dedicated fund
available to wholesale customers who are retail purveyors. The wholesale agency can offer its
BMP programs either to the wholesale customer or directly to its retail customers and should
provide technical assistance to implement them. When mutually agreeable and beneficial, the
wholesale agency may operate all or any part of the conservation-related activities for one or
more of its retail customers.
Wholesale agencies should work in cooperation with their wholesale customers to identiff and
remove potential disincentives to conservation that are created by water management policies
including, to the extent possible, when considering the nature of wholesale water service, its
water rate structure. Wholesale rate structures should be designed upon the basic principal of
increased cost for increased usage. Incentives to conserve can be built into the base
ratelvolumetric rate ratio with greater emphasis on volumetric rates or with a seasonal increment.
C. Implementation
Agencies are encouraged to consider stakeholder group information meetings, especially for
those affected by this BMP. Working with stakeholder groups will be important to achieving
"buy in" from the stakeholders. Implementation of this BMP will exceed the requirements of
$TAC 288.5, Water Conservation Plans for Wholesale Water Suppliers. To implement this
BMP, the following elements and strategies should be included:
78
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
1) Wholesale agency baseline profile: A description of the wholesaler's service
area, including population and customer data, water use data, water supply system
data, and wastewater data;
2) Wholesale agency goals: Specification of quantified frve- and ten-year targets for
water savings including, where appropriate, target goals for municipal use in
gallons per capita per day (Total "GPCD") for the wholesaler's service area,
maximum acceptable water loss and the basis for the development of these goals;
3) tWholesale water system accounting and measurement:
a. A description as to which practice(s) and/or device(s) will be utilized to
measure and account for the amount of water diverted from the source(s)
of supply;
b. A monitoring and record management program for determining water
deliveries, sales, and losses;
c. A program of metering and leak detection and repair for the wholesaler's
water storage, delivery, and distribution system;
4) A requirement in every wholesale water supply contract that each successive
wholesale customer develops and implements a water conservation plan that
meets TAC 288 rule requirements for public water suppliers. Because no state
mechanisms are in place to enforce implementation of these plans, the wholesale
agency should consider developing and adopting penalties for non-complianoe of
this requirement.
5) Conservation-oriented water rates. During the process of contracting for water
service, either new or renewed, the wholesale agency should implement wholesale
water rate structures that provide inoentives to conserve.
6) Wholesale customer assistance. A program to assist customers, which could
include, but not be limited to, the following:
a. Technical assistance with the development of plans and program
implementation;
b. Development of consistent methodologies for accounting and tracking
water loss and gallons per capita per day;
c. Development of procedures for calculating program savings, costs and
benefits;
d. Coordination of conservation incentive activities. Examples of pooling
funds and providing grants; offering bulk purchase of equipment such as
ULF toilets;
e. Implementation of wholesale service area-wide education and outreach
programs, such as school education programs, public information
programs, etc. (See BMP for school education and public information);
f. Cost-sharing, including joint management of retrofit and education
programs and partial funding of rebates for specific conservation
measures.
7) A program for reuse and/or recycling of wastewater andlor gray water and
8) Any other water conservation practice, method, or technique which the wholesaler
shows to be appropriate for achieving the stated goal or goals ofthe water
conservation plan.
79
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
e) A means for implementing this BMP, which will be evidenced by offrcial
adoption of the wholesale agency's BMP initiatives by the wholesale customers.
D, Schedule
Program participants should begin implementing this BMP within twelve (12) months of official
adoption.
E. Scope
To accomplish this BMP, the agency should adopt wholesale agency assistance policies,
programs or rates consistent with the provisions for this BMP as specified in Section C.
F, Documentation
To track the progress ofthis BMP, the agency should gather the following documentation:
1) Copy of wholesale agency assistance BMP enacted in the service area;
2) Copy of Conservation Plan pursuant to $TAC 288,5;
3) Annual report of measures accomplished; and
4) Copies of progress reports of BMPs implemented by wholesale customers that are
done in conjunction with the wholesaler or which are cost-shared through this
BMP.
G. Determìnatíon of ÍYater Savings
Using historical records as appropriate, calculate water savings due to implemented BMPs, such
as water loss programs or programs delivered to retail customers. Calculated savings should be
based upon equipment changes, quantified effrciency measures, or alternative water sources as
appropriate.
H. Cost-effectíveness Consideralìons
The labor costs for technical services to retail customers are dependent upon the type of
conservation BMPs which the wholesale agency decides to implement. Wholesale providers
should evaluate each of the BMPs to determine the appropriate costs associated with technical
assistance. Cost-share costs also depend upon the cost of the BMP and the percentage of BMP
implementation the wholesaler determines is appropriate. It is recommended that the wholesaler
determine the NPV of avoided costs for new supply projects to determine the appropriate level of
financial support to offer retailers for cost-share programs.
I ReferencesforAddítionallnformation
1) A Water Conservatíon Guide for Public Utilíties, New Mexico Office of the State
Engineer, March 200I.
80
November 2004 BMP GUIDE
2) Pulling Utílíties Together: Water-Energt Partnerships, Home Energy Magazine
Online July/August 1993. http://hem.dis.anl. gov/eehem/93/93 0709.html
3) Memorandum of Understanding, California Urban Water Conservation Council,
1999,
81
APPENDIX D
y 11.022.
§ ïïòðîîò Acquisition
ß½¯«·-·¬·±² of
±º η¹¸¬
Right ¬± Ë-» ͬ¿¬»
to Use State É¿¬»®ô
Water, ÌÈ
TX ÉßÌÛÎ
WATER y
§ ïïòðîî
11.022
Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated
Water Code (Refs & Annos)
Title 2. Water Administration (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle B. Water Rights
Chapter it. Water Rights (Refs & Annos)
Subchapter B. Rights in State Water (Refs & Annos)
V.T.C.A., Water Code § 11.022
§ 11.022. Acquisition of Right to Use State Water
Currentness
̸»
The ®·¹¸¬
right ±
to ¬¸»
the «-»
use ±º
of -¬¿¬»
state ©¿¬»®
water ³¿§
may ¾»
be ¿½¯«·®»¼
acquired ¾§
by ¿°°®±°®·¿¬·±²
appropriation ·²
in ¬¸»
the ³¿²²»®
manner ¿²¼
and º±®
for ¬¸»
the °«®°±-»-
purposes °®±ª·¼»¼
provided ·²
in ¬¸·-
this ½¸¿°¬»®ò
chapter.
ɸ»² the
When ¬¸» right
®·¹¸¬ to
± use
«-» state
-¬¿¬» water
©¿¬»® is
·- lawfully
´¿©º«´´§ acquired,
¿½¯«·®»¼ô ·¬ ³¿§ be
it may ¾» ¬¿µ»² ±® ¼·ª»®¬»¼
taken or diverted º®±³
from ·¬-
its ²¿¬«®¿´
natural ½¸¿²²»´ò
channel.
Ý®»¼·¬-
Credits
ß³»²¼»¼ by
Amended ¾§ Acts
᫪- 1977,
ïçééô 65th
ê문 Leg.,
Ô»¹òô p.
°ò 2207,
îîðéô ch.
½¸ò 870,
èéðô §y 1,
ïô eff.
»ººò Sept.
Í»°¬ò ïô ïçééò
1, 1977.
Ò±¬»- of
Notes ±º Decisions
Ü»½·-·±²- øç÷
(9)
Êò T.
V. Ìò C.
Ýò A.,
ßòô Water
É¿¬»® Code
ݱ¼» §y 11.022,
ïïòðîîô TX
ÌÈ WATER
ÉßÌÛÎ §y 11.022
ïïòðîî
Ý«®®»²¬ through
Current ¬¸®±«¹¸ Chapters
ݸ¿°¬»®- effective
»ºº»½¬·ª» immediately
·³³»¼·¿¬»´§ through
¬¸®±«¹¸ ݸ¿°¬»® ìê ±º
Chapter 46 ¬¸» îðïë
of the λ¹«´¿® Í»--·±²
2015 Regular ±º ¬¸»
Session of è쬸 Ô»¹·-´¿¬«®»
the 84th Legislature
Û²¼ of
End ±º Document
ܱ½«³»²¬ w îðïë Thomson
© 2015 ̸±³-±² Reuters.
뫬»®-ò No
Ò± claim
½´¿·³ to
± original
±®·¹·²¿´ U.S.
ËòÍò Government
Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Works.
ɱ®µ-ò
w 2015
WestlawNecr © îðïë Thomson
̸±³-±² Reuters.
뫬»®-ò No
Ò± claim
½´¿·³ to
± original
±®·¹·²¿´ ËòÍò Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Works.
U.S. Government ɱ®µ-ò ï
1
§ 11.085. Interbasin Transfers, TX WATER § 11.085
Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated
Water Code (Refs & Annos)
Title 2. Water Administration (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle B. Water Rights
Chapter 11. Water Rights (Refs & Annos)
Subchapter C. Unlawful Use, Diversion, Waste, Etc.
V.T.C.A., Water Code § 11.085
§ 11.085. Interbasin Transfers
Effective: September 1, 2013
Currentness
(a) No person may take or divert any state water from a river basin in this state and transfer such water to any other river basin
without first applying for and receiving a water right or an amendment to a permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication
from the commission authorizing the transfer.
(b) The application must include:
(1) the contract price of the water to be transferred;
(2) a statement of each general category of proposed use of the water to be transferred and a detailed description of the
proposed uses and users under each category; and
(3) the cost of diverting, conveying, distributing, and supplying the water to, and treating the water for, the proposed users.
(c) The applicant shall provide the information described by Subsection (b) of this section to any person on request and without
cost.
(d) Prior to taking action on an application for an interbasin transfer, the commission shall conduct at least one public meeting to
receive comments in both the basin of origin of the water proposed for transfer and the basin receiving water from the proposed
transfer. Notice shall be provided pursuant to Subsection (g) of this section. Any person may present relevant information and
data at the meeting on the criteria which the commission is to consider related to the interbasin transfer.
(e) In addition to the public meetings required by Subsection (d), if the application is contested in a manner requiring an
evidentiary hearing under the rules of the commission, the commission shall give notice and hold an evidentiary hearing, in
accordance with commission rules and applicable state law. An evidentiary hearing on an application to transfer water authorized
under an existing water right is limited to considering issues related to the requirements of this section.
(f) Notice of an application for an interbasin transfer shall be mailed to the following:
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
§ 11.085. Interbasin Transfers, TX WATER § 11.085
(1) all holders of permits, certified filings, or certificates of adjudication located in whole or in part in the basin of origin;
(2) each county judge of a county located in whole or in part in the basin of origin;
(3) each mayor of a city with a population of 1,000 or more located in whole or in part in the basin of origin; and
(4) all groundwater conservation districts located in whole or in part in the basin of origin; and
(5) each state legislator in both basins.
(g) The applicant shall cause the notice of application for an interbasin transfer to be published in two different weeks within a
30-day period in one or more newspapers having general circulation in each county located in whole or in part in the basin of
origin or the receiving basin. The published notice may not be smaller than 96.8 square centimeters or 15 square inches with
the shortest dimension at least 7.6 centimeters or three inches. The notice of application and public meetings shall be combined
in the mailed and published notices.
(h) The notice of application must state how a person may obtain the information described by Subsection (b) of this section.
(i) The applicant shall pay the cost of notice required to be provided under this section. The commission by rule may establish
procedures for payment of those costs.
(j) In addition to other requirements of this code relating to the review of and action on an application for a new water right or
amended permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication, the commission shall:
(1) request review and comment on an application for an interbasin transfer from each county judge of a county located in
whole or in part in the basin of origin. A county judge should make comment only after seeking advice from the county
commissioners court; and
(2) give consideration to the comments of each county judge of a county located in whole or in part in the basin of origin
prior to taking action on an application for an interbasin transfer.
(k) In addition to other requirements of this code relating to the review of and action on an application for a new water right or
amended permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication, the commission shall weigh the effects of the proposed transfer
by considering:
(1) the need for the water in the basin of origin and in the proposed receiving basin based on the period for which the water
supply is requested, but not to exceed 50 years;
(2) factors identified in the applicable approved regional water plans which address the following:
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 2
§ 11.085. Interbasin Transfers, TX WATER § 11.085
(A) the availability of feasible and practicable alternative supplies in the receiving basin to the water proposed for transfer;
(B) the amount and purposes of use in the receiving basin for which water is needed;
(C) proposed methods and efforts by the receiving basin to avoid waste and implement water conservation and drought
contingency measures;
(D) proposed methods and efforts by the receiving basin to put the water proposed for transfer to beneficial use;
(E) the projected economic impact that is reasonably expected to occur in each basin as a result of the transfer; and
(F) the projected impacts of the proposed transfer that are reasonably expected to occur on existing water rights, instream
uses, water quality, aquatic and riparian habitat, and bays and estuaries that must be assessed under Sections 11.147,
11.150, and 11.152 of this code in each basin. If the water sought to be transferred is currently authorized to be used under
an existing permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication, such impacts shall only be considered in relation to that
portion of the permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication proposed for transfer and shall be based on historical
uses of the permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication for which amendment is sought;
(3) proposed mitigation or compensation, if any, to the basin of origin by the applicant;
(4) the continued need to use the water for the purposes authorized under the existing permit, certified filing, or certificate
of adjudication, if an amendment to an existing water right is sought; and
(5) the information required to be submitted by the applicant.
(l) The commission may grant, in whole or in part, an application for an interbasin transfer only to the extent that:
(1) the detriments to the basin of origin during the proposed transfer period are less than the benefits to the receiving basin
during the proposed transfer period, as determined by the commission based on consideration of the factors described by
Subsection (k); and
(2) the applicant for the interbasin transfer has prepared a drought contingency plan and has developed and implemented
a water conservation plan that will result in the highest practicable levels of water conservation and efficiency achievable
within the jurisdiction of the applicant.
(m) The commission may grant new or amended water rights under this section with or without specific terms or periods of use
and with specific conditions under which a transfer of water may occur.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 3
§ 11.085. Interbasin Transfers, TX WATER § 11.085
(n) If the transfer of water is based on a contractual sale of water, the new water right or amended permit, certified filing, or
certificate of adjudication authorizing the transfer shall contain a condition for a term or period not greater than the term of the
contract, including any extension or renewal of the contract.
(o) The parties to a contract for an interbasin transfer may include provisions for compensation and mitigation. If the party from
the basin of origin is a government entity, each county judge of a county located in whole or in part in the basin of origin may
provide input on the appropriate compensation and mitigation for the interbasin transfer.
(p) A river basin may not be redesignated in order to allow a transfer or diversion of water otherwise in violation of this section.
(q) A person who takes or diverts water in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction is punishable
by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by confinement in the county jail for not more than six months.
(r) A person commits a separate offense each day he continues to take or divert water in violation of this section.
(s) Any proposed transfer of all or a portion of a water right under this section is junior in priority to water rights granted before
the time application for transfer is accepted for filing.
(t) Any proposed transfer of all or a portion of a water right under this section from a river basin in which two or more river
authorities or water districts created under Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, have written agreements or permits
that provide for the coordinated operation of their respective reservoirs to maximize the amount of water for beneficial use
within their respective water services areas shall be junior in priority to water rights granted before the time application for
transfer is accepted for filing.
(u) An appropriator of water for municipal purposes in the basin of origin may, at the appropriator's option, be a party in any
hearings under this section.
(v) The provisions of this section, except Subsection (a), do not apply to:
(1) a proposed transfer which in combination with any existing transfers totals less than 3,000 acre-feet of water per annum
from the same permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication;
(2) a request for an emergency transfer of water;
(3) a proposed transfer from a basin to its adjoining coastal basin;
(4) a proposed transfer from the part of the geographic area of a county or municipality, or the part of the retail service area of
a retail public utility as defined by Section 13.002, that is within the basin of origin for use in that part of the geographic area
of the county or municipality, or that contiguous part of the retail service area of the utility, not within the basin of origin; or
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 4
§ 11.085. Interbasin Transfers, TX WATER § 11.085
(5) a proposed transfer of water that is:
(A) imported from a source located wholly outside the boundaries of this state, except water that is imported from a source
located in the United Mexican States;
(B) for use in this state; and
(C) transported by using the bed and banks of any flowing natural stream located in this state.
Credits
Added by Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 2207, ch. 870, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1010, § 2.08,
eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 966, § 2.05, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1234, § 12, eff. Sept. 1,
2001; Acts 2009, 81st Leg., ch. 1016, § 3, eff. June 19, 2009; Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., ch. 1065 (H.B. 3233), § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2013.
Notes of Decisions (56)
V. T. C. A., Water Code § 11.085, TX WATER § 11.085
Current through Chapters effective immediately through Chapter 46 of the 2015 Regular Session of the 84th Legislature
End of Document © 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 5
y 11.121.
§ ïïòïîïò Permit
л®³·¬ λ¯«·®»¼ô
Required, ÌÈ
TX ÉßÌÛÎ
WATER y
§ ïïòïîï
11.121
Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated
Water Code (Refs & Annos)
Title 2. Water Administration (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle B. Water Rights
Chapter it. Water Rights (Refs & Annos)
Subchapter D. Permits to Use State Water (Refs & Annos)
V.T.C.A., Water Code § 11.121
§ 11.121. Permit Required
Currentness
Û¨½»°¬ as
Except ¿- provided
°®±ª·¼»¼ in
·² Sections
Í»½¬·±²- 11.142,
ïïòïìîô ïïòïìîïô ¿²¼ ïïòïìîî
11.1421, and ±º ¬¸·-
11.1422 of this ½±¼»ô
code, ²±
no °»®-±²
person ³¿§
may ¿°°®±°®·¿¬»
appropriate ¿²§
any -¬¿¬»
state ©¿¬»®
water ±®
or ¾»¹·²
begin
½±²-¬®«½¬·±² ±º
construction of ¿²§
any ©±®µ
work ¼»-·¹²»¼
designed º±®
for ¬¸» -¬±®¿¹»ô ¬¿µ·²¹ô
the storage, taking, ±® ¼·ª»®-·±² ±º
or diversion ©¿¬»® without
of water ©·¬¸±«¬ º·®-¬ ±¾¬¿·²·²¹ ¿a permit
first obtaining °»®³·¬ from
º®±³ the
¬¸»
½±³³·--·±² to
commission ¬± ³¿µ» ¬¸» ¿°°®±°®·¿¬·±²ò
make the appropriation.
Ý®»¼·¬-
Credits
ß¼¼»¼ by
Added ¾§ Acts
᫪- 1977,
ïçééô 65th
ê문 Ô»¹òô
Leg., °ò îîðéô ½¸ò
p. 2207, ch. èéðô
870, y§ 1,
ïô eff.
»ººò Sept.
Í»°¬ò 1,
ïô 1977.
ïçééò Amended
ß³»²¼»¼ ¾§
by ᫪-
Acts ïçèéô
1987, éð¬¸
70th Ô»¹òô
Leg., ½¸ò
ch. ëììô
544, y§ ïô
1, »ººò
eff.
ß«¹ò 31,
Aug. íïô 1987;
ïçèéå Acts
᫪- 1995,
ïççëô 74th
é쬸 Leg.,
Ô»¹òô ch.
½¸ò 183,
ïèíô §y ïô »ººò May
1, eff. Ó¿§ 23,
îíô 1995.
ïççëò
Ò±¬»- of
Notes ±º Decisions
Ü»½·-·±²- øîð÷
(20)
Êò T.
V. Ìò C.
Ýò A.,
ßòô Water
É¿¬»® Code
ݱ¼» §y 11.121,
ïïòïîïô TX
ÌÈ WATER
ÉßÌÛÎ §y 11.121
ïïòïîï
Ý«®®»²¬ through
Current ¬¸®±«¹¸ Chapters
ݸ¿°¬»®- effective
»ºº»½¬·ª» immediately
·³³»¼·¿¬»´§ through
¬¸®±«¹¸ ݸ¿°¬»® ìê ±º
Chapter 46 ¬¸» îðïë
of the λ¹«´¿® Í»--·±²
2015 Regular ±º ¬¸»
Session of è쬸 Ô»¹·-´¿¬«®»
the 84th Legislature
Û²¼ of
End ±º Document
ܱ½«³»²¬ w îðïë Thomson
© 2015 ̸±³-±² Reuters.
뫬»®-ò No
Ò± claim
½´¿·³ to
± original
±®·¹·²¿´ U.S.
ËòÍò Government
Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Works.
ɱ®µ-ò
w 2015
WestlawNecr © îðïë Thomson
̸±³-±² Reuters.
뫬»®-ò No
Ò± claim
½´¿·³ to
± original
±®·¹·²¿´ ËòÍò Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Works.
U.S. Government ɱ®µ-ò ï
1
§ 11.1271. Additional Requirements: Water Conservation Plans, TX WATER § 11.1271
Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated
Water Code (Refs & Annos)
Title 2. Water Administration (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle B. Water Rights
Chapter 11. Water Rights (Refs & Annos)
Subchapter D. Permits to Use State Water (Refs & Annos)
V.T.C.A., Water Code § 11.1271
§ 11.1271. Additional Requirements: Water Conservation Plans
Effective: September 1, 2011
Currentness
(a) The commission shall require from an applicant for a new or amended water right the formulation and submission of a
water conservation plan and the adoption of reasonable water conservation measures, as defined by Subdivision (8)(B), Section
11.002, of this code.
(b) The commission shall require the holder of an existing permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication for the
appropriation of surface water in the amount of 1,000 acre-feet a year or more for municipal, industrial, and other uses, and
10,000 acre-feet a year or more for irrigation uses, to develop, submit, and implement a water conservation plan, consistent with
the appropriate approved regional water plan, that adopts reasonable water conservation measures as defined by Subdivision
(8)(B), Section 11.002, of this code. The requirement for a water conservation plan under this section shall not result in the
need for an amendment to an existing permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication.
(c) Beginning May 1, 2005, all water conservation plans required under this section must include specific, quantified 5-year
and 10-year targets for water savings. The entity preparing the plan shall establish the targets. Targets must include goals for
water loss programs and goals for municipal use in gallons per capita per day.
(d) The commission and the board jointly shall identify quantified target goals for water conservation that water suppliers and
other entities may use as guidelines in preparing water conservation plans. Goals established under this subsection are not
enforceable requirements.
(e) The commission and board jointly shall develop model water conservation programs for different types of water suppliers that
suggest best management practices for achieving the highest practicable levels of water conservation and efficiency achievable
for each specific type of water supplier.
(f) The commission shall adopt rules:
(1) establishing criteria and deadlines for submission of water conservation plans, including any required amendments, and
for submission of implementation reports; and
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
§ 11.1271. Additional Requirements: Water Conservation Plans, TX WATER § 11.1271
(2) requiring the methodology and guidance for calculating water use and conservation developed under Section 16.403 to
be used in the water conservation plans required by this section.
(g) At a minimum, rules adopted under Subsection (f)(2) must require an entity to report the most detailed level of municipal
water use data currently available to the entity. The commission may not adopt a rule that requires an entity to report municipal
water use data that is more detailed than the entity's billing system is capable of producing.
Credits
Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 133, § 1.08. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1010, § 1.03, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts
2003, 78th Leg., ch. 688, § 1, eff. June 20, 2003; Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., ch. 1233 (S.B. 660), § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2011.
V. T. C. A., Water Code § 11.1271, TX WATER § 11.1271
Current through Chapters effective immediately through Chapter 46 of the 2015 Regular Session of the 84th Legislature
End of Document © 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 2
§ 11.134. Action on Application, TX WATER § 11.134
Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated
Water Code (Refs & Annos)
Title 2. Water Administration (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle B. Water Rights
Chapter 11. Water Rights (Refs & Annos)
Subchapter D. Permits to Use State Water (Refs & Annos)
V.T.C.A., Water Code § 11.134
§ 11.134. Action on Application
Effective: September 1, 2007
Currentness
(a) After the hearing, the commission shall make a written decision granting or denying the application. The application may
be granted or denied in whole or in part.
(b) The commission shall grant the application only if:
(1) the application conforms to the requirements prescribed by this chapter and is accompanied by the prescribed fee;
(2) unappropriated water is available in the source of supply;
(3) the proposed appropriation:
(A) is intended for a beneficial use;
(B) does not impair existing water rights or vested riparian rights;
(C) is not detrimental to the public welfare;
(D) considers any applicable environmental flow standards established under Section 11.1471 and, if applicable, the
assessments performed under Sections 11.147(d) and (e) and Sections 11.150, 11.151, and 11.152; and
(E) addresses a water supply need in a manner that is consistent with the state water plan and the relevant approved regional
water plan for any area in which the proposed appropriation is located, unless the commission determines that conditions
warrant waiver of this requirement; and
(4) the applicant has provided evidence that reasonable diligence will be used to avoid waste and achieve water conservation
as defined by Section 11.002(8)(B).
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
§ 11.134. Action on Application, TX WATER § 11.134
(c) Beginning January 5, 2002, the commission may not issue a water right for municipal purposes in a region that does not
have an approved regional water plan in accordance with Section 16.053(i) unless the commission determines that conditions
warrant waiver of this requirement.
Credits
Added by Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 2207, ch. 870, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977. Amended by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 133, § 1.09;
Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1010, § 4.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1223, § 1, eff. June 18, 1999; Acts 2001,
77th Leg., ch. 966, § 2.08, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2007, 80th Leg., ch. 1351, § 1.12, eff. Sept. 1, 2007; Acts 2007, 80th Leg.,
ch. 1430, § 1.12, eff. Sept. 1, 2007.
Notes of Decisions (26)
V. T. C. A., Water Code § 11.134, TX WATER § 11.134
Current through Chapters effective immediately through Chapter 46 of the 2015 Regular Session of the 84th Legislature
End of Document © 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 2
APPENDIX E
y 311.011.
§ íïïòðïïò ݱ³³±²
Common ¿²¼
and Ì»½¸²·½¿´
Technical Ë-¿¹»
Usage ±º
of ɱ®¼-ô
Words, ÌÈ
TX ÙÑÊÌ
GOVT y
§ íïïòðïï
311.011
Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated
Government Code (Refs & Annos)
Title 3. Legislative Branch (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle B. Legislation
Chapter 311. Code Construction Act (Refs & Annos)
Subchapter B. Construction of Words and Phrases (Refs & Annos)
V.T.C.A., Government Code § 311.011
§ 311.011. Common and Technical Usage of Words
Currentness
ø¿÷ Words
(a) ɱ®¼- and
¿²¼ phrases
°¸®¿-»- shall
-¸¿´´ be
¾» read
®»¿¼ in
·² context
½±²¬»¨¬ and
¿²¼ construed
½±²-¬®«»¼ according
¿½½±®¼·²¹ to
± the
¬¸» rules
®«´»- of
±º grammar
¹®¿³³¿® and
¿²¼ common
½±³³±² usage.
«-¿¹»ò
ø¾÷ Words
(b) ɱ®¼- and
¿²¼ °¸®¿-»- ¬¸¿¬ ¸¿ª»
phrases that have ¿½¯«·®»¼
acquired ¿a ¬»½¸²·½¿´
technical ±®
or °¿®¬·½«´¿®
particular ³»¿²·²¹ô
meaning, ©¸»¬¸»®
whether ¾§
by ´»¹·-´¿¬·ª»
legislative ¼»º·²·¬·±²
definition ±®
or ±¬¸»®©·-»ô
otherwise, -¸¿´´
shall
¾» construed
be ½±²-¬®«»¼ accordingly.
¿½½±®¼·²¹´§ò
Ý®»¼·¬-
Credits
᫪- 1985,
Acts ïçèëô 69th
ê笸 Leg.,
Ô»¹òô ch.
½¸ò 479,
ìéçô §y ïô »ººò Sept.
1, eff. Í»°¬ò ïô
1, ïçèëò
1985.
Ò±¬»- of
Notes ±º Decisions
Ü»½·-·±²- øìç÷
(49)
Êò T.
V. Ìò C.
Ýò A.,
ßòô Government
Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Code
ݱ¼» §y 311.011,
íïïòðïïô TX
ÌÈ GOVT
ÙÑÊÌ §y 311.011
íïïòðïï
Ý«®®»²¬ through
Current ¬¸®±«¹¸ Chapters
ݸ¿°¬»®- effective
»ºº»½¬·ª» immediately
·³³»¼·¿¬»´§ through
¬¸®±«¹¸ ݸ¿°¬»® ìê ±º
Chapter 46 ¬¸» îðïë
of the λ¹«´¿® Í»--·±²
2015 Regular ±º ¬¸»
Session of è쬸 Ô»¹·-´¿¬«®»
the 84th Legislature
Û²¼ of
End ±º ܱ½«³»²¬
Document w îðïë Thomson
© 2015 ̸±³-±² Reuters.
뫬»®-ò No
Ò± claim
½´¿·³ to
± original
±®·¹·²¿´ U.S.
ËòÍò Government
Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Works.
ɱ®µ-ò
w 2015
WestlawNecr © îðïë Thomson
̸±³-±² Reuters.
뫬»®-ò No
Ò± claim
½´¿·³ to
± original
±®·¹·²¿´ ËòÍò Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Works.
U.S. Government ɱ®µ-ò ï
1
y 311.021.
§ íïïòðîïò ײ¬»²¬·±² ·² Û²¿½¬³»²¬
Intention in Enactment ±º
of ͬ¿¬«¬»-ô
Statutes, ÌÈ
TX ÙÑÊÌ
GOVT y
§ íïïòðîï
311.021
Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated
Government Code (Refs & Annos)
Title 3. Legislative Branch (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle B. Legislation
Chapter 311. Code Construction Act (Refs & Annos)
Subchapter C. Construction of Statutes (Refs & Annos)
V.T.C.A., Government Code § 311.021
§ 311.021. Intention in Enactment of Statutes
Currentness
ײ
In »²¿½¬·²¹
enacting ¿a -¬¿¬«¬»ô
statute, ·¬
it ·-
is °®»-«³»¼
presumed ¬¸¿¬æ
that:
øï÷ compliance
(1) ½±³°´·¿²½» with
©·¬¸ the
¬¸» constitutions
½±²-¬·¬«¬·±²- ±º ¬¸·- state
of this -¬¿¬» and
¿²¼ the
¬¸» ˲·¬»¼
United ͬ¿¬»-
States ·-
is ·²¬»²¼»¼å
intended;
øî÷ the
(2) ¬¸» entire
»²¬·®» statute
-¬¿¬«¬» is
·- intended
·²¬»²¼»¼ ¬±
to ¾»
be »ºº»½¬·ª»å
effective;
øí÷ a¿ just
(3) ¶«-¬ and
¿²¼ reasonable
®»¿-±²¿¾´» ®»-«´¬
result ·-
is ·²¬»²¼»¼å
intended;
øì÷ a¿ result
(4) ®»-«´¬ feasible
º»¿-·¾´» of
±º execution
»¨»½«¬·±² is
·- ·²¬»²¼»¼å
intended; ¿²¼
and
øë÷ public
(5) °«¾´·½ interest
·²¬»®»-¬ is
·- favored
º¿ª±®»¼ over
±ª»® any
¿²§ private
°®·ª¿¬» ·²¬»®»-¬ò
interest.
Ý®»¼·¬-
Credits
᫪- 1985,
Acts ïçèëô 69th
ê笸 Leg.,
Ô»¹òô ch.
½¸ò ìéçô
479, §y ïô »ººò Í»°¬ò
1, eff. Sept. ïô
1, ïçèëò
1985.
Ò±¬»- of
Notes ±º Decisions
Ü»½·-·±²- øìí÷
(43)
Êò T.
V. Ìò C.
Ýò A.,
ßòô Government
Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Code
ݱ¼» §y 311.021,
íïïòðîïô TX
ÌÈ GOVT
ÙÑÊÌ §y 311.021
íïïòðîï
Ý«®®»²¬ through
Current ¬¸®±«¹¸ ݸ¿°¬»®- »ºº»½¬·ª» immediately
Chapters effective ·³³»¼·¿¬»´§ ¬¸®±«¹¸
through ݸ¿°¬»®
Chapter ìê
46 ±º ¬¸» îðïë
of the 2015 λ¹«´¿®
Regular Í»--·±²
Session ±º
of ¬¸»
the è쬸
84th Ô»¹·-´¿¬«®»
Legislature
Û²¼ of
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Document w îðïë Thomson
© 2015 ̸±³-±² Reuters.
뫬»®-ò No
Ò± claim
½´¿·³ to
± original
±®·¹·²¿´ U.S.
ËòÍò Government
Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Works.
ɱ®µ-ò
w 2015
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̸±³-±² Reuters.
뫬»®-ò No
Ò± claim
½´¿·³ to
± original
±®·¹·²¿´ ËòÍò Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Works.
U.S. Government ɱ®µ-ò ï
1
y 2001.171.
§ îððïòïéïò Ö«¼·½·¿´
Judicial λª·»©ô
Review, ÌÈ
TX ÙÑÊÌ
GOVT y§ îððïòïéï
2001.171
Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated
Government Code (Refs & Annos)
Title to. General Government (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle A. Administrative Procedure and Practice
Chapter 2001. Administrative Procedure (Refs & Annos)
Subchapter G. Contested Cases: Judicial Review
V.T.C.A., Government Code § 2001.171
§ 2001.171. Judicial Review
Currentness
ß °»®-±²
A person ©¸±
who ¸¿-
has »¨¸¿«-¬»¼
exhausted ¿´´
all ¿¼³·²·-¬®¿¬·ª» ®»³»¼·»- available
administrative remedies ¿ª¿·´¿¾´» within
©·¬¸·² a¿ state
-¬¿¬» agency
¿¹»²½§ and
¿²¼ who
©¸± is
·- ¿¹¹®·»ª»¼ ¾§ ¿a º·²¿´
aggrieved by fmal ¼»½·-·±²
decision
·² a¿ ½±²¬»-¬»¼
in contested ½¿-»
case ·- »²¬·¬´»¼ to
is entitled ¬± ¶«¼·½·¿´
judicial ®»ª·»©
review «²¼»®
under ¬¸·-
this ½¸¿°¬»®ò
chapter.
Ý®»¼·¬-
Credits
ß¼¼»¼ by
Added ¾§ Acts
᫪- 1993,
ïççíô 73rd
éí®¼ Ô»¹òô ½¸ò 268,
Leg., ch. îêèô §y ïô
1, »ººò
eff. Í»°¬ò
Sept. ïô
1, ïççíò
1993.
Ò±¬»- of
Notes ±º Decisions
Ü»½·-·±²- øíëê÷
(356)
Êò T.
V. Ìò C.
Ýò A.,
ßòô Government
Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Code
ݱ¼» §y 2001.171,
îððïòïéïô TX
ÌÈ GOVT
ÙÑÊÌ § y 2001.171
îððïòïéï
Ý«®®»²¬ through
Current ¬¸®±«¹¸ Chapters
ݸ¿°¬»®- effective
»ºº»½¬·ª» immediately
·³³»¼·¿¬»´§ through
¬¸®±«¹¸ ݸ¿°¬»® ìê ±º
Chapter 46 ¬¸» îðïë
of the λ¹«´¿® Í»--·±²
2015 Regular ±º ¬¸»
Session of è쬸 Ô»¹·-´¿¬«®»
the 84th Legislature
Û²¼ of
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ܱ½«³»²¬ w îðïë Thomson
© 2015 ̸±³-±² Reuters.
뫬»®-ò No
Ò± claim
½´¿·³ to
± original
±®·¹·²¿´ U.S.
ËòÍò Government
Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Works.
ɱ®µ-ò
w 2015
WestlawNecr © îðïë Thomson
̸±³-±² Reuters.
뫬»®-ò No
Ò± claim
½´¿·³ to
± original
±®·¹·²¿´ ËòÍò Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Works.
U.S. Government ɱ®µ-ò ï
1
y 2001.174.
§ îððïòïéìò λª·»©
Review ˲¼»®
Under Í«¾-¬¿²¬·¿´
Substantial Ûª·¼»²½»
Evidence Ϋ´»
Rule ±®òòòô
or..., ÌÈ
TX ÙÑÊÌ
GOVT y§ îððïòïéì
2001.174
Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated
Government Code (Refs & Annos)
Title to. General Government (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle A. Administrative Procedure and Practice
Chapter 2001. Administrative Procedure (Refs & Annos)
Subchapter G. Contested Cases: Judicial Review
V.T.C.A., Government Code § 2001.174
§ 2001.174. Review Under Substantial Evidence Rule or Undefined Scope of Review
Currentness
׺ ¬¸» law
If the ´¿© authorizes
¿«¬¸±®·¦»- ®»ª·»©
review ±º
of ¿a decision
¼»½·-·±² ·²
in a¿ contested
½±²¬»-¬»¼ case
½¿-» under
«²¼»® the
¬¸» substantial
-«¾-¬¿²¬·¿´ »ª·¼»²½»
evidence ®«´»
rule ±®
or ·º
if ¬¸»
the ´¿© ¼±»- ²±¬
law does ¼»º·²»
not define
¬¸» scope
the -½±°» of
±º judicial
¶«¼·½·¿´ review,
®»ª·»©ô ¿a court
½±«®¬ may
³¿§ not
²±¬ substitute
-«¾-¬·¬«¬» ·¬-
its ¶«¼¹³»²¬
judgment º±®
for ¬¸»
the ¶«¼¹³»²¬
judgment ±º
of ¬¸»
the -¬¿¬»
state ¿¹»²½§
agency ±² on ¬¸»
the ©»·¹¸¬
weight ±º
of ¬¸»
the
»ª·¼»²½»
evidence ±²
on ¯«»-¬·±²-
questions ½±³³·¬¬»¼
committed ¬± to ¿¹»²½§
agency ¼·-½®»¬·±²
discretion ¾«¬æ
but:
øï÷ may
(1) ³¿§ affirm
¿ºº·®³ the
¬¸» agency
¿¹»²½§ decision
¼»½·-·±² ·²
in ©¸±´»
whole ±®
or ·²
in °¿®¬å
part; ¿²¼
and
øî÷ shall
(2) -¸¿´´ reverse
®»ª»®-» or
±® ®»³¿²¼
remand ¬¸»
the ½¿-»
case º±®
for º«®¬¸»®
further °®±½»»¼·²¹-
proceedings ·º
if -«¾-¬¿²¬·¿´
substantial ®·¹¸¬-
rights ±º
of ¬¸»
the ¿°°»´´¿²¬
appellant ¸¿ª»
have ¾»»²
been °®»¶«¼·½»¼
prejudiced ¾»½¿«-»
because
¬¸» administrative
the ¿¼³·²·-¬®¿¬·ª» findings,
º·²¼·²¹-ô inferences,
·²º»®»²½»-ô conclusions,
½±²½´«-·±²-ô ±® ¼»½·-·±²- ¿®»æ
or decisions are:
øß÷ in
(A) ·² violation
ª·±´¿¬·±² of
±º a¿ ½±²-¬·¬«¬·±²¿´
constitutional ±®
or -¬¿¬«¬±®§
statutory °®±ª·-·±²å
provision;
øÞ÷ in
(B) ·² excess
»¨½»-- of
±º ¬¸» ¿¹»²½§ù- -¬¿¬«¬±®§
the agency's statutory ¿«¬¸±®·¬§å
authority;
øÝ÷ made
(C) ³¿¼» through
¬¸®±«¹¸ «²´¿©º«´
unlawful °®±½»¼«®»å
procedure;
øÜ÷ affected
(D) ¿ºº»½¬»¼ by
¾§ other
±¬¸»® error
»®®±® of
±º ´¿©å
law;
øÛ÷ not
(E) ²±¬ reasonably
®»¿-±²¿¾´§ supported
-«°°±®¬»¼ ¾§ -«¾-¬¿²¬·¿´ »ª·¼»²½»
by substantial evidence ½±²-·¼»®·²¹
considering ¬¸»
the ®»´·¿¾´»
reliable ¿²¼
and °®±¾¿¬·ª»
probative »ª·¼»²½»
evidence ·²
in ¬¸»
the ®»½±®¼
record ¿-
as ¿a
©¸±´»å ±®
whole; or
øÚ÷ arbitrary
(F) ¿®¾·¬®¿®§ or
±® capricious
½¿°®·½·±«- or
±® characterized
½¸¿®¿½¬»®·¦»¼ ¾§
by ¿¾«-»
abuse ±º
of ¼·-½®»¬·±²
discretion ±®
or ½´»¿®´§
clearly «²©¿®®¿²¬»¼
unwarranted »¨»®½·-»
exercise ±º
of ¼·-½®»¬·±²ò
discretion.
Ý®»¼·¬-
Credits
ß¼¼»¼ by
Added ¾§ Acts
᫪- 1993,
ïççíô 73rd
éí®¼ Ô»¹òô ½¸ò îêèô
Leg., ch. 268, §y ïô
1, »ººò
eff. Í»°¬ò
Sept. ïô
1, ïççíò
1993.
Ò±¬»- of
Notes ±º Decisions
Ü»½·-·±²- øìîð÷
(420)
w 2015
WestlawNecr © îðïë Thomson
̸±³-±² Reuters.
뫬»®-ò No
Ò± claim
½´¿·³ to
± original
±®·¹·²¿´ ËòÍò Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Works.
U.S. Government ɱ®µ-ò ï
1
y 2001.174.
§ îððïòïéìò λª·»©
Review ˲¼»®
Under Í«¾-¬¿²¬·¿´
Substantial Ûª·¼»²½»
Evidence Ϋ´»
Rule ±®òòòô
or..., ÌÈ
TX ÙÑÊÌ
GOVT y
§ îððïòïéì
2001.174
Êò T.
V. Ìò C.
Ýò A.,
ßòô Government
Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Code
ݱ¼» y§ îððïòïéìô
2001.174, ÌÈ
TX ÙÑÊÌ
GOVT y§ îððïòïéì
2001.174
Ý«®®»²¬ through
Current ¬¸®±«¹¸ ݸ¿°¬»®- »ºº»½¬·ª» immediately
Chapters effective ·³³»¼·¿¬»´§ ¬¸®±«¹¸
through ݸ¿°¬»®
Chapter ìê
46 ±º ¬¸» îðïë
of the 2015 λ¹«´¿®
Regular Í»--·±²
Session ±º
of ¬¸»
the è쬸
84th Ô»¹·-´¿¬«®»
Legislature
Û²¼ of
End ±º ܱ½«³»²¬
Document w îðïë Thomson
© 2015 ̸±³-±² Reuters.
뫬»®-ò No
Ò± claim
½´¿·³ to
± original
±®·¹·²¿´ U.S.
ËòÍò Government
Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Works.
ɱ®µ-ò
w 2015
WestlawNecr © îðïë Thomson
̸±³-±² Reuters.
뫬»®-ò No
Ò± ½´¿·³ ¬± original
claim to ±®·¹·²¿´ ËòÍò Ù±ª»®²³»²¬ Works.
U.S. Government ɱ®µ-ò î
2
APPENDIX F
§ 288.2. Water Conservation Plans for Municipal Uses by..., 30 TX ADC § 288.2
Texas Administrative Code
Title 30. Environmental Quality
Part 1. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Chapter 288. Water Conservation Plans, Drought Contingency Plans, Guidelines and Requirements
Subchapter A. Water Conservation Plans
30 TAC § 288.2
Tex. Admin. Code tit. 30, § 288.2
§ 288.2. Water Conservation Plans for Municipal Uses by Public Water Suppliers
Currentness
(a) A water conservation plan for municipal water use by public water suppliers must provide information in response to the
following. If the plan does not provide information for each requirement, the public water supplier shall include in the plan an
explanation of why the requirement is not applicable.
(1) Minimum requirements. All water conservation plans for municipal uses by public water suppliers must include the
following elements:
(A) a utility profile in accordance with the Texas Water Use Methodology, including, but not limited to, information
regarding population and customer data, water use data (including total gallons per capita per day (GPCD) and
residential GPCD), water supply system data, and wastewater system data;
(B) a record management system which allows for the classification of water sales and uses into the most detailed
level of water use data currently available to it, including, if possible, the sectors listed in clauses (i)-(vi) of this
subparagraph. Any new billing system purchased by a public water supplier must be capable of reporting detailed
water use data as described in clauses (i)-(vi) of this subparagraph:
(i) residential;
(I) single family;
(II) multi-family;
(ii) commercial;
(iii) institutional;
(iv) industrial;
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
§ 288.2. Water Conservation Plans for Municipal Uses by..., 30 TX ADC § 288.2
(v) agricultural; and,
(vi) wholesale.
(C) specific, quantified five-year and ten-year targets for water savings to include goals for water loss programs and
goals for municipal use in total GPCD and residential GPCD. The goals established by a public water supplier under
this subparagraph are not enforceable;
(D) metering device(s), within an accuracy of plus or minus 5.0% in order to measure and account for the amount
of water diverted from the source of supply;
(E) a program for universal metering of both customer and public uses of water, for meter testing and repair, and
for periodic meter replacement;
(F) measures to determine and control water loss (for example, periodic visual inspections along distribution lines;
annual or monthly audit of the water system to determine illegal connections; abandoned services; etc.);
(G) a program of continuing public education and information regarding water conservation;
(H) a water rate structure which is not “promotional,” i.e., a rate structure which is cost-based and which does not
encourage the excessive use of water;
(I) a reservoir systems operations plan, if applicable, providing for the coordinated operation of reservoirs owned by
the applicant within a common watershed or river basin in order to optimize available water supplies; and
(J) a means of implementation and enforcement which shall be evidenced by:
(i) a copy of the ordinance, resolution, or tariff indicating official adoption of the water conservation plan by
the water supplier; and
(ii) a description of the authority by which the water supplier will implement and enforce the conservation plan;
and
(K) documentation of coordination with the regional water planning groups for the service area of the public water
supplier in order to ensure consistency with the appropriate approved regional water plans.
(2) Additional content requirements. Water conservation plans for municipal uses by public drinking water suppliers
serving a current population of 5,000 or more and/or a projected population of 5,000 or more within the next ten years
subsequent to the effective date of the plan must include the following elements:
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 2
§ 288.2. Water Conservation Plans for Municipal Uses by..., 30 TX ADC § 288.2
(A) a program of leak detection, repair, and water loss accounting for the water transmission, delivery, and distribution
system;
(B) a requirement in every wholesale water supply contract entered into or renewed after official adoption of the
plan (by either ordinance, resolution, or tariff), and including any contract extension, that each successive wholesale
customer develop and implement a water conservation plan or water conservation measures using the applicable
elements in this chapter. If the customer intends to resell the water, the contract between the initial supplier and
customer must provide that the contract for the resale of the water must have water conservation requirements so that
each successive customer in the resale of the water will be required to implement water conservation measures in
accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(3) Additional conservation strategies. Any combination of the following strategies shall be selected by the water supplier,
in addition to the minimum requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, if they are necessary to achieve
the stated water conservation goals of the plan. The commission may require that any of the following strategies be
implemented by the water supplier if the commission determines that the strategy is necessary to achieve the goals of the
water conservation plan:
(A) conservation-oriented water rates and water rate structures such as uniform or increasing block rate schedules,
and/or seasonal rates, but not flat rate or decreasing block rates;
(B) adoption of ordinances, plumbing codes, and/or rules requiring water-conserving plumbing fixtures to be installed
in new structures and existing structures undergoing substantial modification or addition;
(C) a program for the replacement or retrofit of water-conserving plumbing fixtures in existing structures;
(D) reuse and/or recycling of wastewater and/or graywater;
(E) a program for pressure control and/or reduction in the distribution system and/or for customer connections;
(F) a program and/or ordinance(s) for landscape water management;
(G) a method for monitoring the effectiveness and efficiency of the water conservation plan; and
(H) any other water conservation practice, method, or technique which the water supplier shows to be appropriate for
achieving the stated goal or goals of the water conservation plan.
(b) A water conservation plan prepared in accordance with 31 TAC § 363.15 (relating to Required Water Conservation Plan) of
the Texas Water Development Board and substantially meeting the requirements of this section and other applicable commission
rules may be submitted to meet application requirements in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between the
commission and the Texas Water Development Board.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 3
§ 288.2. Water Conservation Plans for Municipal Uses by..., 30 TX ADC § 288.2
(c) A public water supplier for municipal use shall review and update its water conservation plan, as appropriate, based on an
assessment of previous five-year and ten-year targets and any other new or updated information. The public water supplier for
municipal use shall review and update the next revision of its water conservation plan every five years to coincide with the
regional water planning group.
Credits
Source: The provisions of this §288.2 adopted to be effective May 3, 1993, 18 TexReg 2558; amended to be effective February
21, 1999, 24 TexReg 949; amended to be effective April 27, 2000, 25 TexReg 3544; amended to be effective October 7, 2004,
29 TexReg 9384; amended to be effective December 6, 2012, 37 TexReg 9515.
Current through 40 Tex.Reg. No. 3730, dated June 12, 2015, as effective on or before June 12, 2015
30 TAC § 288.2, 30 TX ADC § 288.2
End of Document © 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 4
§ 288.5. Water Conservation Plans for Wholesale Water Suppliers, 30 TX ADC § 288.5
Texas Administrative Code
Title 30. Environmental Quality
Part 1. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Chapter 288. Water Conservation Plans, Drought Contingency Plans, Guidelines and Requirements
Subchapter A. Water Conservation Plans
30 TAC § 288.5
Tex. Admin. Code tit. 30, § 288.5
§ 288.5. Water Conservation Plans for Wholesale Water Suppliers
Currentness
A water conservation plan for a wholesale water supplier must provide information in response to each of the following
paragraphs. If the plan does not provide information for each requirement, the wholesale water supplier shall include in the
plan an explanation of why the requirement is not applicable.
(1) Minimum requirements. All water conservation plans for wholesale water suppliers must include the following elements:
(A) a description of the wholesaler's service area, including population and customer data, water use data, water supply
system data, and wastewater data;
(B) specific, quantified five-year and ten-year targets for water savings including, where appropriate, target goals for
municipal use in gallons per capita per day for the wholesaler's service area, maximum acceptable water loss, and the
basis for the development of these goals. The goals established by wholesale water suppliers under this subparagraph are
not enforceable;
(C) a description as to which practice(s) and/or device(s) will be utilized to measure and account for the amount of water
diverted from the source(s) of supply;
(D) a monitoring and record management program for determining water deliveries, sales, and losses;
(E) a program of metering and leak detection and repair for the wholesaler's water storage, delivery, and distribution system;
(F) a requirement in every water supply contract entered into or renewed after official adoption of the water conservation
plan, and including any contract extension, that each successive wholesale customer develop and implement a water
conservation plan or water conservation measures using the applicable elements of this chapter. If the customer intends to
resell the water, then the contract between the initial supplier and customer must provide that the contract for the resale of
the water must have water conservation requirements so that each successive customer in the resale of the water will be
required to implement water conservation measures in accordance with applicable provisions of this chapter;
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
§ 288.5. Water Conservation Plans for Wholesale Water Suppliers, 30 TX ADC § 288.5
(G) a reservoir systems operations plan, if applicable, providing for the coordinated operation of reservoirs owned by the
applicant within a common watershed or river basin. The reservoir systems operations plans shall include optimization of
water supplies as one of the significant goals of the plan;
(H) a means for implementation and enforcement, which shall be evidenced by a copy of the ordinance, rule, resolution, or
tariff, indicating official adoption of the water conservation plan by the water supplier; and a description of the authority
by which the water supplier will implement and enforce the conservation plan; and
(I) documentation of coordination with the regional water planning groups for the service area of the wholesale water
supplier in order to ensure consistency with the appropriate approved regional water plans.
(2) Additional conservation strategies. Any combination of the following strategies shall be selected by the water wholesaler,
in addition to the minimum requirements of paragraph (1) of this section, if they are necessary in order to achieve the stated
water conservation goals of the plan. The commission may require by commission order that any of the following strategies be
implemented by the water supplier if the commission determines that the strategies are necessary in order for the conservation
plan to be achieved:
(A) conservation-oriented water rates and water rate structures such as uniform or increasing block rate schedules, and/
or seasonal rates, but not flat rate or decreasing block rates;
(B) a program to assist agricultural customers in the development of conservation pollution prevention and abatement
plans;
(C) a program for reuse and/or recycling of wastewater and/or graywater; and
(D) any other water conservation practice, method, or technique which the wholesaler shows to be appropriate for achieving
the stated goal or goals of the water conservation plan.
(3) Review and update requirements. The wholesale water supplier shall review and update its water conservation plan, as
appropriate, based on an assessment of previous five-year and ten-year targets and any other new or updated information. A
wholesale water supplier shall review and update the next revision of its water conservation plan every five years to coincide
with the regional water planning group.
Credits
Source: The provisions of this §288.5 adopted to be effective May 3, 1993, 18 TexReg 2558; amended to be effective February
21, 1999, 24 TexReg 949; amended to be effective April 27, 2000, 25 TexReg 3544; amended to be effective October 7, 2004,
29 TexReg 9384; amended to be effective December 6, 2012, 37 TexReg 9515.
Current through 40 Tex.Reg. No. 3730, dated June 12, 2015, as effective on or before June 12, 2015
30 TAC § 288.5, 30 TX ADC § 288.5
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 2
§ 288.5. Water Conservation Plans for Wholesale Water Suppliers, 30 TX ADC § 288.5
End of Document © 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 3
§ 288.7. Plans Submitted with a Water Right Application for..., 30 TX ADC § 288.7
Texas Administrative Code
Title 30. Environmental Quality
Part 1. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Chapter 288. Water Conservation Plans, Drought Contingency Plans, Guidelines and Requirements
Subchapter A. Water Conservation Plans
30 TAC § 288.7
Tex. Admin. Code tit. 30, § 288.7
§ 288.7. Plans Submitted with a Water Right Application for New or Additional State Water
Currentness
(a) A water conservation plan submitted with an application for a new or additional appropriation of water must include data
and information which:
(1) supports the applicant's proposed use of water with consideration of the water conservation goals of the water
conservation plan;
(2) evaluates conservation as an alternative to the proposed appropriation; and
(3) evaluates any other feasible alternative to new water development including, but not limited to, waste prevention,
recycling and reuse, water transfer and marketing, regionalization, and optimum water management practices and
procedures.
(b) It shall be the burden of proof of the applicant to demonstrate that no feasible alternative to the proposed appropriation exists
and that the requested amount of appropriation is necessary and reasonable for the proposed use.
Credits
Source: The provisions of this § 288.7 adopted to be effective May 3, 1993, 18 TexReg 2558.
Current through 40 Tex.Reg. No. 3730, dated June 12, 2015, as effective on or before June 12, 2015
30 TAC § 288.7, 30 TX ADC § 288.7
End of Document © 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
§ 288.30. Required Submittals, 30 TX ADC § 288.30
Texas Administrative Code
Title 30. Environmental Quality
Part 1. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Chapter 288. Water Conservation Plans, Drought Contingency Plans, Guidelines and Requirements
Subchapter C. Required Submittals
30 TAC § 288.30
Tex. Admin. Code tit. 30, § 288.30
§ 288.30. Required Submittals
Currentness
In addition to the water conservation and drought contingency plans required to be submitted with an application under § 295.9
of this title (relating to Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans), water conservation and drought contingency plans
are required as follows.
(1) Water conservation plans for municipal, industrial, and other non-irrigation uses. The holder of an existing permit, certified
filing, or certificate of adjudication for the appropriation of surface water in the amount of 1,000 acre-feet a year or more for
municipal, industrial, and other non-irrigation uses shall develop, submit, and implement a water conservation plan meeting
the requirements of Subchapter A of this chapter (relating to Water Conservation Plans). The water conservation plan must be
submitted to the executive director not later than May 1, 2005. Thereafter, the next revision of the water conservation plan for
municipal, industrial, and other non-irrigation uses must be submitted not later than May 1, 2009, and every five years after that
date to coincide with the regional water planning group. Any revised plans must be submitted to the executive director within 90
days of adoption. The revised plans must include implementation reports. The requirement for a water conservation plan under
this section must not result in the need for an amendment to an existing permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication.
(2) Implementation report for municipal, industrial, and other non-irrigation uses. The implementation report must include:
(A) the list of dates and descriptions of the conservation measures implemented;
(B) data about whether or not targets in the plans are being met;
(C) the actual amount of water saved; and
(D) if the targets are not being met, an explanation as to why any of the targets are not being met, including any progress
on that particular target.
(3) Water conservation plans for irrigation uses. The holder of an existing permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication
for the appropriation of surface water in the amount of 10,000 acre-feet a year or more for irrigation uses shall develop, submit,
and implement a water conservation plan meeting the requirements of Subchapter A of this chapter. The water conservation plan
must be submitted to the executive director not later than May 1, 2005. Thereafter, the next revision of the water conservation
plan for irrigation uses must be submitted not later than May 1, 2009, and every five years after that date to coincide with the
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
§ 288.30. Required Submittals, 30 TX ADC § 288.30
regional water planning group. Any revised plans must be submitted to the executive director within 90 days of adoption. The
revised plans must include implementation reports. The requirement for a water conservation plan under this section must not
result in the need for an amendment to an existing permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication.
(4) Implementation report for irrigation uses. The implementation report must include:
(A) the list of dates and descriptions of the conservation measures implemented;
(B) data about whether or not targets in the plans are being met;
(C) the actual amount of water saved; and
(D) if the targets are not being met, an explanation as to why any of the targets are not being met, including any progress
on that particular target.
(5) Drought contingency plans for retail public water suppliers. Retail public water suppliers shall submit a drought contingency
plan meeting the requirements of Subchapter B of this chapter (relating to Drought Contingency Plans) to the executive director
after adoption by its governing body. The retail public water system shall provide a copy of the plan to the regional water
planning group for each region within which the water system operates. These drought contingency plans must be submitted
as follows.
(A) For retail public water suppliers providing water service to 3,300 or more connections, the drought contingency
plan must be submitted to the executive director not later than May 1, 2005. Thereafter, the retail public water suppliers
providing water service to 3,300 or more connections shall submit the next revision of the plan not later than May 1, 2009,
and every five years after that date to coincide with the regional water planning group. Any revised plans must be submitted
to the executive director within 90 days of adoption by the community water system. Any new retail public water suppliers
providing water service to 3,300 or more connections shall prepare and adopt a drought contingency plan within 180 days
of commencement of operation, and submit the plan to the executive director within 90 days of adoption.
(B) For all the retail public water suppliers, the drought contingency plan must be prepared and adopted not later than May
1, 2005 and must be available for inspection by the executive director upon request. Thereafter, the retail public water
suppliers shall prepare and adopt the next revision of the plan not later than May 1, 2009, and every five years after that
date to coincide with the regional water planning group. Any new retail public water supplier providing water service to
less than 3,300 connections shall prepare and adopt a drought contingency plan within 180 days of commencement of
operation, and shall make the plan available for inspection by the executive director upon request.
(6) Drought contingency plans for wholesale public water suppliers. Wholesale public water suppliers shall submit a drought
contingency plan meeting the requirements of Subchapter B of this chapter to the executive director not later than May 1, 2005,
after adoption of the drought contingency plan by the governing body of the water supplier. Thereafter, the wholesale public
water suppliers shall submit the next revision of the plan not later than May 1, 2009, and every five years after that date to
coincide with the regional water planning group. Any new or revised plans must be submitted to the executive director within
90 days of adoption by the governing body of the wholesale public water supplier. Wholesale public water suppliers shall also
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§ 288.30. Required Submittals, 30 TX ADC § 288.30
provide a copy of the drought contingency plan to the regional water planning group for each region within which the wholesale
water supplier operates.
(7) Drought contingency plans for irrigation districts. Irrigation districts shall submit a drought contingency plan meeting the
requirements of Subchapter B of this chapter to the executive director not later than May 1, 2005, after adoption by the governing
body of the irrigation district. Thereafter, the irrigation districts shall submit the next revision of the plan not later than May 1,
2009, and every five years after that date to coincide with the regional water planning group. Any new or revised plans must
be submitted to the executive director within 90 days of adoption by the governing body of the irrigation district. Irrigation
districts shall also provide a copy of the plan to the regional water planning group for each region within which the irrigation
district operates.
(8) Additional submissions with a water right application for state water. A water conservation plan or drought contingency
plan required to be submitted with an application in accordance with § 295.9 of this title must also be subject to review and
approval by the commission.
(9) Existing permits. The holder of an existing permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication shall not be subject to
enforcement actions nor shall the permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication be subject to cancellation, either in part
or in whole, based on the nonattainment of goals contained within a water conservation plan submitted with an application
in accordance with § 295.9 of this title or by the holder of an existing permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication in
accordance with the requirements of this section.
(10) Submissions to the executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board.
(A) Water conservation plans for retail public water suppliers. For retail public water suppliers providing water service
to 3,300 or more connections, a water conservation plan meeting the minimum requirements of Subchapter A of this
chapter and using appropriate best management practices must be developed, implemented, and submitted to the executive
administrator of the Texas Water Development Board not later than May 1, 2009, and every five years after that date to
coincide with the regional water planning group. Any revised plans must be submitted to the executive administrator within
90 days of adoption by the community water system. Any new retail public water suppliers providing water service to 3,300
or more connections shall prepare and adopt a water conservation plan within 180 days of commencement of operation,
and submit the plan to the executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board within 90 days of adoption.
(B) Water conservation plans. Each entity that is required to submit a water conservation plan to the commission shall
submit a copy of the plan to the executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board not later than May 1,
2009, and every five years after that date to coincide with the regional water planning group.
(C) Annual reports. Each entity that is required to submit a water conservation plan to the Texas Water Development Board
or the commission, shall file a report not later than May 1, 2010, and annually thereafter to the executive administrator of
the Texas Water Development Board on the entity's progress in implementing the plan.
(D) Violations of the Texas Water Development Board's rules. The water conservation plans and annual reports shall
comply with the minimum requirements established in the Texas Water Development Board's rules. The Texas Water
Development Board shall notify the commission if the Texas Water Development Board determines that an entity has not
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 3
§ 288.30. Required Submittals, 30 TX ADC § 288.30
complied with the Texas Water Development Board rules relating to the minimum requirements for water conservation
plans or submission of plans or annual reports. The commission shall take appropriate enforcement action upon receipt
of notice from the Texas Water Development Board.
Credits
Source: The provisions of this § 288.30 adopted to be effective February 21, 1999, 24 TexReg 949; amended to be effective
April 27, 2000, 25 TexReg 3544; amended to be effective October 7, 2004, 29 TexReg 9384; amended to be effective January
10, 2008, 33 TexReg 193.
Current through 40 Tex.Reg. No. 3730, dated June 12, 2015, as effective on or before June 12, 2015
30 TAC § 288.30, 30 TX ADC § 288.30
End of Document © 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 4
§ 295.9. Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans, 30 TX ADC § 295.9
Texas Administrative Code
Title 30. Environmental Quality
Part 1. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Chapter 295. Water Rights, Procedural
Subchapter A. Requirements of Water Rights Applications General Provisions
Division 1. General Requirements
30 TAC § 295.9
Tex. Admin. Code tit. 30, § 295.9
§ 295.9. Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans
Currentness
An application relating to the appropriation or use of state water must include water conservation and drought contingency plans
meeting applicable requirements contained in this section. An application not accompanied by such plans is not administratively
complete and shall not be considered by the commission, unless expressly exempted by this section. The water conservation
plan must demonstrate that reasonable diligence will be used to avoid waste and achieve water conservation in order that
appropriated waters will be beneficially used for the authorized purposes. Conservation means those practices, techniques, and
technologies that will reduce the consumption of water, prevent or reduce the loss or waste of water, maintain or improve the
efficiency in the use of water, increase the recycling and reuse of water, or prevent the pollution of water so that a water supply
is made available for future or alternative uses for the benefit of the public health, safety and welfare, and of the environment.
(1) Applications to appropriate or to use water for municipal use, industrial or mining use, or agricultural use, including irrigation
use. The water conservation and drought contingency plans submitted with an application to appropriate or to use state water
for municipal use, industrial or mining use, or agricultural use must be submitted in accordance with the guidelines set forth in
Chapter 288 of this title (relating to Water Conservation Plans, Drought Contingency Plans, Guidelines and Requirements).
(2) Applications to appropriate or to use water by wholesale water suppliers. A water conservation plan submitted with an
application to appropriate or to use state water by a wholesale water supplier must be submitted in accordance with the guidelines
set forth in Chapter 288 of this title.
(3) Applications to appropriate or to use water for any other purpose or use. A water conservation plan submitted with an
application to appropriate or to use state water for any other purpose or use shall include a water conservation plan providing
information where applicable about those practices, techniques, and technologies that will be used to reduce the consumption of
water, prevent or reduce the loss or waste of water, maintain or improve the efficiency in the use of water, increase the recycling
and reuse of water, or prevent the pollution of water.
(4) Applications to amend existing water rights. An application to amend an existing water right for any of the following reasons
must be accompanied by water conservation and drought contingency plans in accordance with the applicable provisions of
this section:
(A) to increase the amount of the appropriation;
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§ 295.9. Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans, 30 TX ADC § 295.9
(B) to extend the term of the appropriation;
(C) to change the place of use, unless the request is to expand the amount of acreage to be irrigated adjacent to the existing,
authorized irrigated tract without an increase in the appropriation; or
(D) to change the purpose or use of the appropriation (a conservation plan to change the purpose or use of an appropriation
need only address the proposed change in purpose or use; however, the executive director may require an applicant to
submit a water conservation plan which addresses the applicant's entire water uses and/or appropriations).
(5) Exemptions to the requirement to submit water conservation plans. Applications to impound water for in-place use only,
for emergency use in accordance with § 295.91 of this title (relating to Requirements for Application for Emergency Water
Use Permit) and for temporary use of water in accordance with § 295.61 of this title (relating to Additional Requirements for
Applications for Temporary Permits) are exempt from having to submit a water conservation plan pursuant to this section.
However, all water right holders must exercise reasonable diligence to avoid waste and achieve water conservation so that the
right to use state water is limited to the amount which is being or can be beneficially used for the authorized purposes but not
to exceed the amount specifically appropriated.
Credits
Source: The provisions of this § 295.9 adopted to be effective May 28, 1986, 11 TexReg 2324; amended to be effective May
3, 1993, 18 TexReg 2558; amended to be effective February 21, 1999, 24 TexReg 969; amended to be effective August 15,
2002, 27 TexReg 7149.
Current through 40 Tex.Reg. No. 3730, dated June 12, 2015, as effective on or before June 12, 2015
30 TAC § 295.9, 30 TX ADC § 295.9
End of Document © 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 2
§ 297.11. General Authorization to Divert, Store or Use State..., 30 TX ADC § 297.11
Texas Administrative Code
Title 30. Environmental Quality
Part 1. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Chapter 297. Water Rights, Substantive
Subchapter B. Classes of Water Rights
30 TAC § 297.11
Tex. Admin. Code tit. 30, § 297.11
§ 297.11. General Authorization to Divert, Store or Use State Water, Texas Water Code, § 11.121
Currentness
Except as provided under Texas Water Code §§ 11.142, 11.1421 and 11.1422, no person may divert, store, impound, take or
use water or begin construction of any work designed for the storage, taking, or diversion of water without first obtaining a
water right. Such authorization may be with or without a term, on an annual or seasonal basis, or on a temporary or emergency
basis as provided by this chapter.
Credits
Source: The provisions of this § 297.11 adopted to be effective May 29, 1986, 11 TexReg 2330; amended to be effective
February 24, 1999, 24 TexReg 1162.
Current through 40 Tex.Reg. No. 3730, dated June 12, 2015, as effective on or before June 12, 2015
30 TAC § 297.11, 30 TX ADC § 297.11
End of Document © 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
§ 297.18. Interbasin Transfers, Texas Water Code, § 11.085, 30 TX ADC § 297.18
Texas Administrative Code
Title 30. Environmental Quality
Part 1. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Chapter 297. Water Rights, Substantive
Subchapter B. Classes of Water Rights
30 TAC § 297.18
Tex. Admin. Code tit. 30, § 297.18
§ 297.18. Interbasin Transfers, Texas Water Code, § 11.085
Currentness
(a) No person may take or divert any state water from a river basin and transfer such water to any other river basin without first
applying for and receiving a water right or an amendment to a water right authorizing the transfer.
(b) An increase in the authorized amount of water being transferred to the receiving basin under an existing water right
constitutes a new interbasin transfer for purposes of this section.
(c) In addition to the other requirements of this chapter relating to the review of and action on an application for a new or
amended water right, the commission shall weigh the effects of the proposed transfer by considering:
(1) the need for the water in the basin of origin and in the proposed receiving basin based on the period for which the water
supply is requested, but not to exceed 50 years;
(2) factors identified in the applicable approved regional water plans which address the following:
(A) the availability of feasible and practicable alternative supplies in the receiving basin to the water proposed for
transfer;
(B) the amount and purposes of use in the receiving basin for which the water is needed;
(C) proposed methods and efforts by the receiving basin to avoid waste and implement water conservation and drought
contingency measures;
(D) proposed methods and efforts by the receiving basin to put the water proposed for transfer to beneficial use;
(E) the projected economic impact that is reasonably expected to occur in each basin as a result of the transfer; and
(F) the projected impacts of the proposed transfer that are reasonably expected to occur on existing water rights,
instream uses, water quality, aquatic and riparian habitat, and bays and estuaries in each basin. If the water sought
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
§ 297.18. Interbasin Transfers, Texas Water Code, § 11.085, 30 TX ADC § 297.18
to be transferred is currently authorized to be used under an existing water right in the basin of origin, such impacts
shall only be considered in relation to that portion of the water right proposed for transfer and shall be based on the
historical uses of the water right for which amendment is sought.
(3) proposed mitigation or compensation, if any, to the basin of origin by the applicant;
(4) the continued need to use the water for the purposes authorized under the existing water right if an amendment to an
existing water right is sought;
(5) comments received from county judges required to be provided notice of the application as provided by § 297.17 of
this title (relating to Emergency Authorization (Texas Water Code, § 11.139)); and
(6) information required to be submitted by the applicant.
(d) The commission may grant, in whole or in part, an application for an interbasin transfer only to the extent that:
(1) the detriments to the basin of origin during the proposed transfer period are less than the benefits to the receiving basin
during the proposed transfer period, as determined by the commission based on consideration of the factors described by
subsection (c)(1)-(4) and (6) of this section; and
(2) the applicant for the interbasin transfer has prepared drought contingency and water conservation plans meeting the
requirements of Chapter 288 of this title (relating to Water Conservation Plans, Drought Contingency Plans, Guidelines
and Requirements) and has implemented a water conservation plan that will result in the highest practicable levels of water
conservation and efficiency achievable within the jurisdiction of the applicant.
(e) The commission may grant new or amended water rights under this section with or without specific terms or periods of use
and with specific conditions under which a transfer of water may occur.
(f) If an interbasin transfer of water is based on a contractual sale of water, the new or amended water right authorizing the
transfer shall contain a condition for a term or period not greater than the term of the contract, including any extension or
renewal of the contract.
(g) The parties to a contract for an interbasin transfer of water may include provisions for compensation and mitigation. If the
party from the basin of origin is a governmental entity, each county judge located in whole or in part in the basin of origin may
provide comment on the appropriate compensation and mitigation for the interbasin transfer.
(h) A new water right or amendment to an existing water right for a proposed interbasin transfer of water is junior in priority
to water rights in the basin of origin granted before the time an administratively complete application for the transfer is filed
with the chief clerk in accordance with § 281.17 of this title (relating to Notice of Receipt of Application and Declaration of
Administrative Completeness). If an amendment is made to the water right to effectuate an interbasin transfer of water for a
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 2
§ 297.18. Interbasin Transfers, Texas Water Code, § 11.085, 30 TX ADC § 297.18
term, the affected portion of the water right shall be junior to all existing water rights in the basin of origin only for the term
of the amendment.
(i) A new water right or amendment to an existing water right for a transfer of water from a river basin in which two or more river
authorities or water districts have written agreements or permits that provide for the coordinated operation of their respective
reservoirs to maximize the amount of water for beneficial use within their respective water service areas shall be junior in
priority to water rights granted in that basin before the time an administratively complete application for the interbasin transfer
is filed with the chief clerk in accordance with § 281.17 of this title. If an amendment is made to the water right to effectuate
an interbasin transfer of water for a term, the affected portion of the water right shall be junior to all existing water rights in
the basin of origin only for the term of the amendment.
(j) An appropriator of water for municipal purposes in the basin of origin may, at the appropriator's option, be a party in any
hearings under this section. Nothing in this provision shall be construed as adversely affecting the ability of any other potentially
affected person to obtain party status.
(k) The provisions that are contained in subsections (b)-(j) of this section that are in addition to those generally required for an
application for a new or amended water right do not apply to:
(1) a proposed transfer which in combination with any existing transfers totals less than 3,000 acre-feet of water per annum
from the same water right;
(2) a request for an emergency transfer of water as provided by § 297.17 of this title;
(3) a proposed transfer from a basin to its adjoining coastal basin;
(4) a proposed transfer of water that is:
(A) imported from a source located wholly outside the boundaries of this state; except water that is imported from
a source located in the United Mexican States;
(B) for use in this state; and
(C) transported by using the bed and banks of any flowing natural stream in this state; or
(5) a proposed transfer from the part of the geographic area of a county or municipality, or the part of the retail service
area of a retail public utility as defined by Texas Water Code, § 13.002, that is within the basin of origin for use in the
part of the geographic area of the county or municipality, or that contiguous part of the retail service area of the utility,
not within the basin of origin. The further transfer and use of this water outside of such county, municipality, or the part
of the retail service area of a retail public utility as defined by Texas Water Code, § 13.002 as existing at the time of the
transfer or as may exist in the future other than back to the basin of origin shall not be exempt under this paragraph.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 3
§ 297.18. Interbasin Transfers, Texas Water Code, § 11.085, 30 TX ADC § 297.18
Credits
Source: The provisions of this §297.18 adopted to be effective May 29, 1986, 11 TexReg 2330; amended to be effective
February 24, 1999, 24 TexReg 1162; amended to be effective August 15, 2002, 27 TexReg 7152; amended to be effective May
6, 2010, 35 TexReg 3504; amended to be effective August 28, 2014, 39 TexReg 6494.
Current through 40 Tex.Reg. No. 3730, dated June 12, 2015, as effective on or before June 12, 2015
30 TAC § 297.18, 30 TX ADC § 297.18
End of Document © 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 4
APPENDIX G
APPENDIX G
71st LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION Ch. 1053, § 3
Approved June 18, 1989.
Effective Sept. 1, 1989.
CHAPTER 1053
H.B. No. 3112
AN ACT
relating to the creation, administration, and powers, Including the power of eminent domain subject .o
limitations, and to the duties, operations, and financing of the Upper Trinity Regional Water District, and
to the creation In that district of subdistricts with the power to levy and collect ad valorem taxes in the
subdistricts; providing for the Issuance of bonds; authorizing the power of eminent domain.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas;
SECTION 1. PURPOSE. It is the purpose and intent of this Act to establish a
mechanism that can provide on an orderly basis for the water, wastewater, solid waste,
and liquid waste needs of Denton County and the entities that may be served by the
entities created by this Act. To accomplish this purpose, a conservation district, without
taxing power, is created, with the authority to create subdistrict; that have the power of
taxation, subject to limitations, all for the purpose of providing for services on a
coordinated basis that is consistent with the regionalization objectives to be satisfied by
the creation of the district.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act:
(1) "District" means Upper Trinity Regional Water District.
(2) "Basic service area" means the geographic area in the corporate limits of, all
participating members, all contract members, and all customers and the areas that are
served by those members and customers.
(3) "Board" means the board of directors of the district.
(4) "Contract member" means a governmental entity that provides retail utility
service in its boundaries, that contracts with the district not later than the end of the
second year after the effective date of this Act to preserve the option to become a
participant in the 10-year period following the effective date of this Act, and that
agrees to pay an annual pro rata share of the administrative and planning costs of the
district that are unrelated to capital projects to be financed by the district; provided,
however, that the share of administrative and planning costa may not exceed for a
contract member 50 cents per capita unless otherwise agreed by at least 75 percent of
the contract members having, collectively, at least 75 percent of the population
represented by all of the contract members.
(5) "County" means Denton County, Texas.
(6) "Customer" means a wholesale user of the water or wastewater services provided
by the district that provides retail utility service in the boundaries of the user.
(7) "Participant" means a governmental entity that provides retail utility service in
the entity's boundaries and that contracts with the district for the construction of and
payment for the water or wastewater projects to be financed by the district.
(8) "Service area" means that geographic area in the boundaries of the district.
(9) "Subdistrict" means a subdistrict authorized to be created under this Act.
SECTION 8. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS. (a) The legislature finds that the creation
and establishment of the district and the creation and establishment of subdistrict; in the
district are essential to the accomplishment of the purposes of Article XVI, Section 59, of
the Texas Constitution.
(b) The legislature finds that all of the land and other property included in the
boundaries of the district and in the boundaries of a subdistrict will be benefited by the
improvements, works, and projects that are to be provided by the district and by
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Ch. 1053, § 3 71st LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION
subdistricts pursuant to the powers conferred on the district and subdistricts by this Act,
and that the district is created to serve a public use and benefit and any subdistrict
created will serve a public use and will be for a public purpose.
(c) The legislature specifically finds and declares that the requirements of Article XVI,
Section 59(d), and Section 69(e), of the Texas Constitution, to the extent applicable, have
been met and accomplished in due course, time, and order and that all notices required to
be given relating to this Act have been given, that all approvals required to be obtained
have been obtained, and that the legislature has the authority and power to enact this
Act.
SECTION 4. CREATION. (a) A conservation and reclamation district is created pur-
suant to Article XVI, Section 59, of the Texas Constitution. The district shall be known
as the Upper Trinity Regional Water District.
(b) The district is a governmental agency, a body corporate and politic, and a political
subdivision of the state.
(c) The boundaries of the district are coterminous with the boundaries of the county
plus the entire area in the boundaries of any contract member or participating member, a
portion of whose incorporated limits is partially in the boundaries of the county as those
boundaries existed on the effective date of this Act.
(d) An election confirming the creation of the district is not required.
SECTION 5. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. (a) The district is governed by a board of
directors. A director may not be an elected official of any governmental entity that has
the authority to appoint a member of the board.
(b) A director shall serve for a term of four years.
(c) Directors shall be appointed by the governing bodies of the participants and the
contract members in the manner provided by this Act.
(d) A director is subject to removal with or without cause by action of the governing
body of the entity that originally appointed that member.
(e) The board has exclusive authority to manage the district under this Act.
SECTION 6. COMPOSITION OF BOARD. (a) The initial board consists of the persons
who served as the initial board of directors of the Upper Trinity Municipal Water
Authority, Inc., a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of this state and those
persons who are appointed by those entities that become participant or contract members
within two years of the effective date of this Act.
(b) Each participant or contract member shall appoint one member to the board, and the
county shall appoint one member to the board.
(c) The county may appoint one additional member to the board if the board determines
that such an appointment is in the best interests of the district and that the directors to be
appointed by the county are selected from a list of nominees submitted to the county by
the board.
(d) Those entities that contract with the district after two years from the effective date
of this Act are entitled to representation on the board only pursuant to the rules
established by the board for the admission of board members.
SECTION 7. VOTES OF DIRECTORS. (a) Directors who are appointed by the partici-
pants are entitled to vote on all matters before the board, including all projects to be
considered by the board in all service areas of the district, regardless of whether the
participant is participating in the project.
(b) A director who is appointed by a contract member that is not a participant is entitled
to one vote on all matters before the board except those matters that require a weighted
vote.
(c) Votes concerning authorization of and financial commitments for capital projects
shall be determined as provided by this section.
(d) Each participant that is receiving or that has contracted to receive service or
capacity, including that service or capacity to be received as a result of the capital project
then under consideration, has one vote for each four million gallons per day, or portion of
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71st LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION Ch. 1053, § 13
that amount, of service or capacity for which the participant has contracted with the
district. The amount for which the participant has contracted shall be determined by
taking into account any water treatment plant capacity in which the member is participat.
ing, any wastewater treatment plant capacity of the district in which the member is
participating, or any raw water supply for which the member has contracted with the
district, or any combination of the foregoing.
(e) Each participant with a population of 60,000 or more as determined by the most
recent federal decennial census is entitled to one extra vote that may be cast on those
matters requiring a weighted vote.
(f) Participation in capital projects financed by the district through the issuance of
special facility bonds entitles that entity to be classified as a participant, but does not
entitle that entity to receive any credit toward the four million gallons per day of service
or capacity standard established in Subsection (d) of this section.
SECTION 8. TERMS OF OFFICE. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this Act, the
initial directors shall serve staggered terms in accordance with the procedures to be
adopted by the initial board, but an initial director may not be appointed for a term in
excess of four years.
(b) Each director, other than an initial director, shall serve a four-year term.
(c) Members of the board may serve consecutive terms.
SECTION 9. RIGHTS AND VOTING AUTHORITY OF CERTAIN DIRECTORS. (a)
The directors that served on the board of directors of the Upper Trinity Municipal Water
Authority, Inc., have the rights and privileges as members of the board appointed by
participating members, but are not entitled to a weighted vote on any matter coming
before the board. They are entitled to vote as participating members without the right to
a weighted vote.
(b) The directors that served on the board of directors of the Upper Trinity Municipal
Water Authority, Inc., shall serve an initial term of two years beginning on the effective
date of this Act and are eligible to be appointed to the board by a contract member or a
participant.
SECTION 10. DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPENSATION. (a) A di-
rector must be a qualified voter who resides in the district and must qualify to serve by
taking the oath of office and furnishing evidence of the person's qualifications to serve on
the board consistent with the requirements of this Act.
(b) A director is not entitled to receive compensation for serving as a director, but may
be reimbursed for actual reasonable expenses necessarily incurred on behalf of the
district or in the discharge of official duties.
SECTION 11. EX OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS. The board may establish a category
of ex officio directors and may provide for the duties and responsibilities of the ex officio
members in bylaws, rules, or regulations to be adopted by the board,
SECTION 12. BOARD PROCEDURES. (a) The board shall prepare and adopt bylaws
for the district, and shall hold regular, special, or emergency meetings at times and on
days or dates as specified in those bylaws.
(b) A majority of the directors constitutes a quorum for the transaction of district
business, and approval of at least a majority of the directors present at a meeting is
necessary for approval of any matter coming before the board, except in a situation in
which a weighted vote is required. If a weighted vote is required, a majority of the
weighted vote of all directors eligible to vote is necessary for approval of any matter
coming before the board.
(c) The board shall provide in its bylaws for the method of execution for all contracts,
the signing of checks, and the handling of any other matters approved by the board. The
board shall annually elect new officers.
SECTION 13. BOARD OFFICERS. (a) The officers of the board shall consist of the
president, one or more vice-presidents, a secretary, and a treasurer.
(b) The board shall elect a president and any vice-president from its members.
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Ch. 1053, § 13 71st LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION
(c) The board may appoint a secretary, one or more assistant secretaries, a treasurer,
an assistant treasurer, and other officers that are necessary. The secretary, assistant
secretaries, treasurer, and assistant treasurer are not required to be members of the
board.
(d) The president shall be the chief executive officer of the district and shall preside
over the meetings of the board. Any vice-president may perform all duties and exercise
all powers conferred on the president when the president is absent or fails, refuses, or is
unable to act.
(e) The secretary of the board or one of the assistant secretaries is responsible for
keeping the minutes of the meetings of the board and all official records of the board and
may certify as to the accuracy or authenticity of any actions, proceedings, minutes, or
records of the board or of the district.
(f) The duties of the other officers may be provided in the bylaws of the district.
SECTION 14. LOCATION OF MEETINGS. The regular meeting place of the board
shall be at the place designated in the bylaws.
SECTION 15. EMPLOYEES. The board may appoint and employ all persons, firms,
corporations, partnerships, and other entities considered necessary to conduct the affairs
of the district, including engineers, attorneys, financial advisors, accountants, a general
manager, and other employees or consultants.
SECTION 16. CUSTOMER ADVISORY COUNCIL. (a) The board shall establish a
customer advisory council composed of one representative from each customer receiving
service from the district.
(b) The members of the customer advisory council may act as provided in the bylaws of
the district or rules and regulations of the board, but the customer advisory council may
not vote on matters coming before the board.
SECTION 17. SEAL AND BYLAWS. The board shall adopt a seal for the district and
may adopt bylaws to govern the matters considered appropriate by the board provided
such bylaws are consistent with this Act and the laws of this state.
SECTION 18. CONFLICT OF INTEREST. The members of the board and all other
officers of the district are subject to the conflict of interest provisions specified in Chapter
421, Acts of the 63rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1973 (Article 6252-9b, Vernon's Texas
Civil Statutes).
SECTION 19. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) Subject to the specific provi-
sions of this Act, the district and its board have the rights, powers, privileges, authority,
and functions granted, conferred, contemplated, and described in Article XVI, Section 59,
of the Texas Constitution, including the rights, powers, privileges, authority, and func-
tions conferred by Chapter 54, Water Code, relating to municipal utility districts, together
with the additional rights, powers, privileges, authority, and functions enumerated,
described, expressed, or implied by this Act.
(b) The district may not levy or collect ad valorem taxes.
(c) If any general law is in conflict or inconsistent with this Act, this Act prevails.
SECTION 20. PLAN AND ACQUIRE WORKS AND FACILITIES. The district may
plan, lay out, purchase, construct, acquire, own, operate, maintain, repair, and improve,
inside or outside its boundaries, any works, improvements, facilities, plants, equipment,
and appliances, including any administrative properties and facilities, any permits, fran-
chises, licenses, or contract or property rights, and any levees, drains, waterways, lakes,
reservoirs, channels, conduits, sewers, dams, stormwater detention facilities, or other
similar facilities and improvements, whether for municipal, industrial, agricultural, flood
control, or related purposes, that are necessary, helpful, or incidental to the exercise of
any right, power, privilege, authority, or function provided by this Act, including supply-
ing water for municipal, domestic, and industrial uses, and all other beneficial uses or
controls; collecting, treating, processing, disposing of, and controlling all domestic or
industrial wastes whether in fluid, solid, or composite state; gathering, conducting,
diverting, controlling, and treating local storm water or local harmful excesses of water in
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71st LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION Ch. 1053, § 27
the boundaries of the district; and irrigating and altering land elevations in the bound-
aries of the district where needed.
SECTION 21. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY; EMINENT DOMAIN. (a) The district
may acquire, by purchase or by exercise of the power of eminent domain, subject to this
subsection, any land, easements, rights-of-way, or other property or improvements inside
or outside the boundaries of the district, including land above the probable high water line
around any reservoirs in which the district has an ownership or operational interest, that
are needed or are appropriate to carry out the powers and functions of the district.
(b) The power of eminent domain shall be exercised in the manner and with the
privileges, rights, and immunities available under the laws of the state, including Chapter
21, Property Code.
(c) The district may not exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire:
(1) any property located in a municipality located in whole or in part in the county
without the prior consent by resolution of the governing body of the municipality in
whose jurisdiction the subject property is located;
(2) any property located outside the county to be used as a water supply reservoir
without the consent of the county or counties in which the reservoir is to be located;
(3) any property owned by the county, any municipality, or any agency or instrumen-
tality of a county or municipality; or
(4) a waterworks system or a wastewater system that is owned by a municipality, a
political subdivision of the state, private parties, or a nonprofit corporation.
SECTION 22. ADDITIONAL GENERAL AUTHORITY. The district may provide for:
(1) the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, and operation of whole-
sale water and wastewater systems and treatment works necessary to provide service
to district customers; and
(2) the acquisition, construction, improvement, and maintenance of any water supply,
reservoir, or interest in any water supply or reservoir necessary to fully implement the
powers and duties of the district as provided by this Act.
SECTION 23. PROVIDING SERVICES OUTSIDE DISTRICT. The district may elect
to provide water, wastewater, solid waste, or nonhazardous liquid waste services outside
its service area, but the district may not be compelled to supply those services for use
outside its service area except by 'rder of the state agency that has jurisdiction over
those matters.
SECTION 24. RIGHTS OF BASIC SERVICE AREA. The basic service area has the
primary right to water or wastewater treatment capacity and to water supply in each
classification that the district secures under permit from the state agency that has
jurisdiction.
SECTION 25. RIGHTS PROTECTED. (a) This Act does not compel any customer or
prospective customer to secure water or wastewater service from the district, except
pursuant to contracts voluntarily executed.
(b) This Act does not alter any outstanding permit, contract, or other obligation, nor
does this Act in any manner impair the rights of any entity to own, operate, maintain, or
otherwise use or control any water, wastewater, solid waste, or liquid waste system in
accordance with the law applicable to that entity.
SECTION 26. DISPOSAL SYSTEMS. (a) The district way exercise the powers needed
to establish, acquire, operate, and maintain a regional solid waste disposal system and a
nonhazardous liquid waste disposal system.
(b) The district shall provide the services afforded by a disposal system to:
(1) any user as determined by the board if the services are to be rendered in the basic
service area of the district; and
(2) any customer if the services are to be rendered outside the basic service area.
SECTION 27. WATER QUALITY RULES AND REGULATIONS. (a) The district
may adopt and enforce rules and regulations for protection of water quality in and
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Ch. 1053, § 27 71st LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION
flowing to or from the areas in or surrounding the lakes, reservoirs, and other sources of
water supply owned, operated, or controlled by the district.
(b) The rules and regulations shall be adopted for the purpose of the prevention of
waste or unauthorized use of water controlled by the district and of the regulation of
privileges on any land, reservoir, or easement owned or controlled by the district.
(c) The rules and regulations shall be adopted and enforced in accordance with the
procedures provided by Subchapter D, Chapter 54, Water Code, and shall be consistent
with the applicable rules and regulations of any state agency that has jurisdiction over
those sources of water supply.
SECTION 28. RATES AND CHARGES. (a) The district may establish rates and
charges to be assessed against customers of the district for each service rendered to
those customers. The rates and charges may be established by classes of customers, by
project, or by area of service.
(b) If revenue bonds or other obligations payable wholly from revenue are issued, the
board shall establish and revise rates of compensation for water sold and for wastewater
or other services rendered by the district that will be sufficient to pay the expense of
operating and maintaining the facilities of the district, to pay those bonds and obligations
as they mature and the interest as it accrues, and to maintain the reserve and other funds
as provided by the resolution or order authorizing those bonds or obligations.
SECTION 29. CHARGES, FEES, AND RENTALS. (a) The district may adopt, en-
force, and collect all necessary charges, fees, or rentals for providing district facilities or
services and may require a deposit for any service or facilities furnished. The district
may provide that the deposit bear interest.
(b) The district may discontinue a facility or service to prevent an abuse or enforce
payment of an unpaid charge, fee, or rental due to the district.
(c) Municipalities, public agencies, political subdivisions, and any other entities that
contract with the district are authorized to establish, charge, and collect fees, rates,
charges, rentals, and other amounts for any services or facilities provided pursuant to or
in connection with a contract with the district, and to pledge sufficient amounts to make
all payments required under the contract.
SECTION 30. DISTRICT AUDIT. All funds and accounts of the district shall be
audited by an independent auditor, and a copy of the audit shall be maintained in the
official records of the district.
SECTION 31. BONDS, NOTES, AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS. (a) The district may
issue its revenue bonds, notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes,
short-term obligations, refunding bonds, or other obligations for any of its purposes
without an election and on those terms the board determines to be appropriate.
(b) Those obligations may be made payable from all or part of the revenues of the
district derived from any lawful source, including any contract with any customer or user
of the facilities owned or operated by the district under this Act or from the ownership
and operation of any waterworks system, wastewater system, sewer system, solid waste
disposal system, or nonhazardous liquid waste system, or any combination of those
systems. Additionally, those obligations may be paid from and secured by liens on and
pledges of all or part of any of the revenue, income, or receipts derived by the district
from its ownership, operation, lease, or sale of the property, buildings, structures, or
facilities, including the proceeds or revenues from contracts with any person, firm,
corporation, municipality, public agency, or other political subdivision or entity.
SECTION 32. BOND PROCEDURES. (a) The district's bonds or other obligations
may be issued to mature serially or otherwise in not to exceed 40 years from their date of
issuance, and provision may be made for the subsequent issuance of additional parity
obligations, or subordinate lien obligations, under terms or conditions that may be set
forth in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the obligations.
(b) The obligations are negotiable instruments within the meaning of Chapter 8,
Business & Commerce Code.
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71st LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION Ch. 1053, § 33
(c) The district's bonds or other obligations shall be executed and may be made
redeemable before maturity, issued in the form, denominations, and manner, and under
the terms, conditions, and details, and sold in the manner, at the price, and under the
terms provided by the bond resolution.
(d) The district's bonds and obligations shall bear interest at rates provided in the
resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or other obligations.
(e) If provided in the authorizing resolution, the proceeds from the sale of the bonds or
other obligations may be used for paying interest on those bonds or other obligations
during the period of the acquisition or construction of any facilities to be provided
through the issuance of the bonds or other obligations, paying expenses of operation and
maintenance of facilities, creating a reserve fund for the payment of the principal of and
interest on the bonds or other obligations, and creating any other funds.
(f) The proceeds from the sale of bonds or other obligations may be placed on time
deposit or invested to the extent and in the manner provided by the authorizing
resolution.
(g) The district may pledge all or any part of its revenue, income, or receipts from fees,
rentals, rates, charges, or contract proceeds or payments to the payment of the district's
bonds or other obligations, including the payment of principal, interest, and any other
amounts required or permitted in connection with the bonds or other obligations. The
pledged fees, rentals, rates, charges, proceeds, or payments shall be established and
collected in amounts that will be at least sufficient, together with any other pledged
resources, to provide for the payment of expenses in connection with the bonds or other
obligations, and for operation, maintenance, and other expenses in connection with those
facilities.
(h) The district's bonds and other obligations may be additionally secured by mortgages
or deeds of trust on real property owned or to be acquired by the district, and by chattel
mortgages or liens on any personal property appurtenant to that real property. The
board may authorize the execution of trust indentures, mortgages, deeds of trust, or
other forms of encumbrances. Also, the district may pledge to the payment of the
obligations all or any part of any grant, donation, revenue, or income received or to be
received from the United States government or any other public or private source.
(i) The district is an issuer within the meaning of Chapter 53, Acts of the 70th
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, 1987 (Article 717k-8, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), and
bonds issued pursuant to this Act, and the appropriate proceedings authorizing their
issuance must be submitted to the attorney general for examination, if required to be
submitted by Chapter 53, Acts of the 70th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, 1987 (Article
717k-8, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes). If the bonds recite that they are secured by a
pledge of revenue from a contract, a copy of the contract and the proceedings relating to
the contract must be submitted to the attorney general. If the attorney general finds
that the bonds are authorized and the contract is entered in accordance with law, the
attorney general shall approve the bonds and the contract, and the bonds shall be
registered by the comptroller. After approval and registration, the bonds and the
contract are incontestable in any court or other forum for any reason, and are valid and
binding obligations in accordance with their terms for all purposes.
(j) The district shall issue its bonds and other obligations in accordance with Chapter
656, Acts of the 68th Legislature, Regular Session, 1983 (Article 717q, Vernon's Texas
Civil Statutes), and the Bond Procedures Act of 1981 (Article 717k4, Vernon's Texas Civil
Statutes), as applicable.
SECTION 33. GENERAL CONTRACT AUTHORITY. (a) The district may enter into
contracts with the United States, its agencies, a municipality, or other public or private
party considered necessary in the exercise of the powers and purposes of the district
(b) The district may enter into contracts for the acquisition, purchase, rental, lease, or
operation of the water production, water supply, water filtration or purification, water
supply facilities, or other water or wastewater facilities that are owned or operated by the
contracting party.
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Ch. 1053, § 33 71st LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION
(c) The district may acquire water appropriation permits and other necessary permits
directly from the appropriate agency of the state or from owners of permits.
(d) Contracts that require a payment of money by the district may be made payable
from any general or specific source of funds as determined by the board.
SECTION 34. CONTRACTS BY MUNICIPALITIES. (a) A municipality, public agen-
cy, political subdivision, or any nonprofit water supply corporation doing business wholly
or partially in the district or a subdistrict may enter into any contract with the district
that is considered appropriate by its governing body.
(b) The governing body of an entity listed in Subsection (a) of this section may pledge
to the payment of a contract any source of revenue that may be available to the
governing body, including the levy and collection of ad valorem taxes, if that entity has
the authority to levy and collect those taxes.
(c) To the extent a governing body pledges funds to the payment of the contract that
are to be derived from its own water system, its wastewater system, or its combined
system, the payments constitute an operating expense of that system,
SECTION 35. DEPOSITORY. (a) The board, by order or resolution, shall designate
one or more banks inside or outside the district to serve as depository for the funds of the
district.
(b) Except as specifically provided by this Act, funds of the district shall be deposited in
the depository bank or banks.
(c) The funds of the district may be invested as provided by law for the investment of
county funds and may be invested in accordance with the Public Funds Investment Act of
1987 (Article 842a-2, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes).
(d) The funds of the district shall be secured in the manner provided by law for
investment of public funds.
SECTION 36, REGULATORY POWER OF MUNICIPALITIES. This Act does not
exempt the district or any subdistrict or any land located in the district from the terms
and provisions of any applicable ordinances, codes, resolutions, platting and zoning
requirements, rules, or regulations of any municipality.
SECTION 37. CREATION OF SUBDISTRICTS. To provide for the orderly develop-
ment of water, wastewater, and other services of the district in its boundaries and to
prevent unnecessary duplication of facilities, the district may create subdistricts.
SECTION 38, PETITION. (a) A petition requesting the creation of a subdistrict in the
district may be presented to the board of the district.
(b) The petition must be signed by at least 25 persons who own property in the
boundaries of the proposed subdistrict, or the petition may be submitted by the governing
body of a municipality if accompanied by a resolution of the governing body authorizing
the submission of the petition.
(c) A petition must specify:
(1) the metes and bounds of the boundaries of the proposed subdistrict;
(2) the general nature of the improvements to be acquired, constructed, or otherwise
implemented in the subdistrict;
(3) the necessity and feasibility of those improvements; and
(4) the proposed method for funding those improvements.
(d) The petition must state on its face whether the power to levy and collect ad valorem
taxes in the subdistrict is requested.
(e) If a subdistrict is proposed in the corporate limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction of a
municipality, the petition requesting the creation of the subdistrict must be accompanied
by an official action of the governing body of the municipality in whose jurisdiction the
subdistrict is proposed approving the creation of the subdistrict, If the governing body of
the municipality in whose jurisdiction the subdistrict is proposed objects to the creation of
the subdistrict, the subdistrict may not be created in the incorporated limits or the
extraterritorial jurisdiction of that municipality.
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71st LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION Ch. 1053, § 43
SECTION 89. NOTICE AND HEARING. (a) The board shall set a date for a hearing
on a petition not earlier than the 30th day and not later than the 90th day after the day
the petition is presented to the district.
(b) Notice of the hearing shall be given to each municipality in whose boundaries or
extraterritorial jurisdiction the proposed subdistrict is to be located.
(c) A copy of the notice of the hearing also shall be posted in three public places located
in the proposed subdistrict and at the county courthouse not later than the 14th day
before the date set for the hearing.
(d) Notice of the hearing shall be published at least one time in a newspaper of general
circulation in the county not later than the 10th day before the date of the hearing.
SECTION 40. APPEARANCE AT AND PROCEDURES FOR HEARING. An inter-
ested person may appear at the hearing for the purpose of supporting or opposing the
creation of the subdistrict. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the
procedures established by the board.
SECTION 41. BOARD ORDER. (a) After the public hearing, the board shall enter an
order in the official records of the district making its findings.
(b) If the board considers the creation of a subdistrict to be feasible and practical and
finds that the creation of the proposed subdistrict will be beneficial to the public, will
benefit the residents of and the land included in the proposed subdistrict, and will
contribute to the orderly growth and development of the regional water and wastewater
systems within the district, the board shall enter an order granting the petition and
ordering the creation of the subdistrict in accordance with Section 42 of this Act.
(c) The board shall include its findings in the order and shall file the order in the official
records of the district.
(d) The order shall define the boundaries of the subdistrict, but the board is not
required to include in the subdistrict all of the land described in the petition if the board in
its judgment determines that a modification or change in the subdistrict is necessary or
beneficial to the public.
(e) If the board finds the subdistrict not to be feasible, practical, or beneficial, the board
shall enter an order dismissing the petition and the proposed subdistrict may not be
created. The dismissal order does not affect the ability to petition for the creation of a
subdistrict covering the same territory at a later time.
SECTION 42. CONFIRMATION ELECTION REQUIREMENT. (a) If the board or-
ders the creation of a subdistrict for which the power to levy and collect ad valorem taxes
was not requested in the petition, the subdistrict shall be created and in existence from
and after the date stated in the order of the district, without the necessity of a
confirmation election in the boundaries of the subdistrict. The subdistrict does not have
the authority to levy or collect ad valorem taxes.
(b) If the board enters an order granting a petition that seeks the power to levy and
collect ad valorem taxes in the subdistrict, the subdistrict may not be created until a
confirmation election is called, conducted, and held by the district in the proposed
boundaries of the subdistrict and a majority of the qualified voters voting in the election
confirm the creation of the subdistrict. If the subdistrict is confirmed at the confirmation
election, the subdistrict may levy and collect ad valorem taxes for the maintenance and
operation of the subdistrict and for the payment of contracts of the district. The taxes
may not be levied and collected until approval at an election called and held for that
purpose.
SECTION 43. CONFIRMATION AND TAX ELECTIONS. (a) A confirmation election
required by Section 42 of this Act, and any election to authorize the levy and collection of
ad valorem taxes in a subdistrict for maintenance purposes shall be conducted in the
manner required by Chapter 54, Water Code, for the levy and collection of maintenance
taxes by municipal utility districts.
(b) An election to authorize the levy of taxes in support of contracts must be held in the
manner provided by Chapter 64, Water Code, for the issuance of bonds by municipal
utility districts.
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Ch. 1053, § 43 71st LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION
(c) The confirmation election required by this section, a maintenance tax election, and
an election authorizing the levy of taxes to support bonds or contracts of the subdistrict
may be combined into a single election and may be held on a date selected by the board.
(d) Each subdistrict election shall be called and held by the board in accordance with
the Election Code and Chapter 54, Water Code.
SECTION 44. STATUS OF SUBDISTRICTS, (a) A subdistrict is a conservation and
reclamation district under Article XVI, Section 59, of the Texas Constitution with the
limited powers granted in this section.
(b) The subdistrict constitutes a political subdivision and a body politic and corporate
under the law of this state.
(c) A subdistrict has the powers specified in this Act and the same powers as the
district, and is subject to the same limitations.
(d) A subdistrict may not provide services outside its boundaries, except that it may
provide retail water and sewer services in its customer service area as certificated by a
state regulatory agency.
SECTION 45, SUBDISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD. (a) A subdistrict is governed by
a board of supervisors consisting of at least five members, as determined by the board at
the time the creation petition is granted.
(b) The initial board of supervisors shall be appointed by the district from among the
residents of the subdistrict.
(c) The district shall make the appointments for terms specified in the order creating
the subdistrict but not to exceed four years.
(d) The initial supervisors are subject to removal, with or without cause, by action of
the district's board.
(e) Vacancies on the board of supervisors shall be filled by the district's board for the
unexpired term.
(f) Except for the initial supervisors and before the issuance of bonds, notes, or other
obligations of the subdistrict, members of the board of supervisors shall be elected in the
manner provided by Chapter 54, Water Code, for directors of municipal utility districts.
The election shall be held on the first Saturday in May. At the initial election of
supervisors, the supervisors' positions shall be divided by the district's board into two
groups as nearly equal as possible for the purpose of electing initial supervisors for
two-year terms and four-year terms as provided by Section 54.103(a), Water Code.
Successor supervisors shall serve four-year terms.
SECTION 46, GENERAL POWERS OF SUBDISTRICTS. (a) A subdistrict may exer-
cise the powers provided by this Act and shall own and manage the affairs, works, and
projects of the subdistrict subject to any contracts with the district.
(b) The issuance of bonds by the subdistrict is not effective until the issuance is
approved by official action of the district's board.
SECTION 47. TAXES OF SUBDISTRICTS. In a subdistrict that is authorized to levy
and collect ad valorem taxes, the tax rates shall be established by the board of
supervisors on the basis of an annual budget established at the same time and in the same
manner as provided by law for counties. Taxes shall be levied by the board of
supervisors.
SECTION 48. SUPERVISORS' COMPENSATION. The members of the board of
supervisors are not entitled to receive compensation for serving as supervisors but may
be reimbursed for actual reasonable expenses necessarily incurred on behalf of the
subdistrict or in the discharge of their official duties.
SECTION 49. STATUS OF SUBDISTRICT. A subdistrict may only become a partici-
pant of the district.
SECTION 50. CONVERSION OF WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION TO A SUBDIS-
TRICT. (a) On the adoption of a conversion resolution by the board of directors of any
nonprofit water supply corporation doing business wholly or partially in the boundaries of
the district, the board may consider the question of converting the nonprofit water supply
4278
71st LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION Ch. 1053, § 56
corporation to a subdistrict by following the procedures provided by this Act for creation
of subdistricts and this section.
(b) The resolution required by Subsection (a) of this section shall include, in addition to
the information required by Section 38 of this Act, a plan of conversion, including the
proposed method for the transfer of assets and the assumption of debts to the subdistrict.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision of this Act to the contrary, any nonprofit water
supply corporation that was a member of the Denton County Steering Committee in
connection with the Denton County Water and Wastewater Study Regional Master Plan
for 2010 may become either a contract member or a participant in accordance with this
Act.
SECTION 51. MEETINGS OF BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. The board of supervisors
of a subdistrict shall hold regular, special, or emergency meetings at those times and on
those dates the board determines.
SECTION 52. SUBDISTRICT OFFICE; MEETING PLACE. The board of supervisors
of each subdistrict shall designate a meeting place in the subdistrict as the regular office
and meeting place, but the regular meeting place may be at the regular meeting place of
the district if approved by order of the district.
SECTION 53. COLLECTION OF TAXES IN SUBDISTRICTS. (a) The county tax
assessor-collector shall maintain the tax rolls and collect taxes for any subdistrict located
in the unincorporated area of the county and having taxing power in the same manner as
for taxes for the county. The tax assessor-collector for any other subdistrict shall be
selected and shall perform the duties determined by the board of supervisors.
(b) Reimbursement of the costs of the tax assessor-collector for the services shall be
paid by the subdistrict.
(c) Taxes and other revenues collected in a subdistrict shall be used solely for purposes
in the subdistrict, except that the costs of administration of the affairs of a subdistrict
may be paid to the district in accordance with contracts between the district and the
subdistrict
(d) All taxes and revenues of a subdistrict as collected shall be deposited as public
funds into accounts of the subdistrict approved by the district.
(e) All accounts of a subdistrict shall be audited by an independent auditor, and a copy
of the audit shall be maintained in the official records of the subdistrict and the district
(f) The funds of a subdistrict may be deposited or invested as permitted for public
funds of the district.
SECTION 54. CREATION EXPENSES. The district is authorized to pay all costs and
expenses incurred in the creation and organization of the district, including the reimburse-
ment of costs and expenses incurred by the Denton County Steering Committee in the
preparation of the Denton County Water and Wastewater Study Regional Master Plan for
2010, and the Upper Trinity Municipal Water Authority, Inc., in the development and
implementation of that study. The district is authorized to succeed to and assume the
rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities, including contractual obligations, incurred
by the Upper Trinity Municipal Water Authority, Inc., a nonprofit corporation created to
serve on an interim basis pending the creation of the district.
SECTION 55. TAX EXEMPTION. The accomplishment of the purposes stated in this
Act being for the benefit of the people of the state and for the improvement for their
properties and industries, the district and the subdistricts in carrying out the purposes of
this Act are performing an essential public function under the constitution and are not
required to pay any tax or assessment on any property or project owned, operated, leased,
or controlled by the district or any part of that property, and the bonds or other
obligations issued under this Act and their transfer and the income from those bonds or
other obligations, including the profits made on their sale, at all times are free from
taxation in the state.
SECTION H. NOTICE. The legislature specifically finds and declares that the re-
quirements of Article XVI, Section 59(d) and Section 59(e), of the Texas Constitution, to
the extent applicable, have been met and accomplished in due course, time, and order, that
4279
Ch. 1053, § 56 71st LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION
all notice required to be given relating to this Act has been given, that all approvals
required to be obtained pursuant to this Act have been obtained, and that the legislature
has the authority and power to enact this Act.
SECTION 57. EMERGENCY. The importance of this legislation and the crowded
condition of the calendars in both houses create an emergency and an imperative public
necessity that the constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several days in
each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended, and that this Act take effect
and be in force from and after its passage, and it is so enacted.
Passed by the House on May 5, 1989, by the following vote: Yeas 134, Nays 1; passed
by the Senate on May 20, 1989, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
Approved June 16, 1989.
Effective June 16, 1989.
CHAPTER 1054
H.B. No. 3136
AN ACT
relating to the travel expenditures made by the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:
SECTION 1. The Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 may not spend more than
$6,000 for the payment of travel expenses during a fiscal year.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 1989.
SECTION 3, The importance of this legislation and the crowded condition of the
calendars in both houses create an emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several days in each house be
suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.
Passed by the House on May 16, 1989, by a non-record vote; passed by the Senate on
May 26, 1989, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
Approved June 16, 1989.
Effective Sept. 1, 1989.
CHAPTER 1055
H.B. No. 3146
AN ACT
relating to exempting certain motor vehicles used by certain licensed child-care facilities from taxes on
the sale, use, or rental of motor vehicles.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:
SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 162, Tax Code, is amended by adding Section
152.093 to read as follows:
Sec. 152.093. MOTOR VEHICLES SOLD TO CERTAIN LICENSED CHILD-CARE
FACILITIES. (a) The taxes imposed by this chapter do,not apply to a motor vehicle:
(1) purchased, used, or rented by a qualified residential child-care facility; and
(2) intended for use primarily in transporting the children residing in the
facility under a state license.
(b) In this section, "qualified residential child-care facility" means a child-care
facility:
4280
74th LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION Ch. 494, § 5
SECTION 2. The importance of this legislation and the crowded condition of the
calendars in both houses create an emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
constitutional rule requiting bills to be read on three several days in each house be
suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended, and that this Act take effect and he in force
from and after its passage, and it is so enacted.
Passed the Senate on April 25, 1995: Yeas 31, Nays 0; passed the House on May 24,
1995, by a non-record vote.
Approved June 12, 1995.
Effective August 28, 1995, 90 days after date of adjournment.
CHAPTER 494
S.B. No. 1657
AN ACT
relating to the boundaries of the Upper Trinity Regional Water District, to weighted voting by contracting
entities, and to the validation of certain actions of the district.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:
SECTION 1. Subsection (c), Section 4, Chapter 1053, Acts of the 71st Legislature,
Regular Session, 1989, is amended to read as follows:
(c) The boundaries of the district are coterminous with the boundaries of the county plus
the entire area in the boundaries of any contract member or participating member, a portion
of whose incorporated limits is partially in the boundaries of the county as those boundaries
existed on the effective (late of this Act, and including the area within the boundaries of the
City of Irving, Dallas County, Texas.
SECTION 2. Chapter 1053, Acts of the 71st Legislature, Regular Session, 1989, is
amended by adding Section 4A to read as follows:
Sec. 4A. EXPANSION OF BOUNDARIES. (a) The boundaries of the district may be
expanded to include the area within the boundaries of the City of Irving, Dallas County,
Texas; if the district and the City of Irving execute a contract member's contract or a
participating member's contract not later than the second anniversary of the effective date of
this section.
(b) Approval of a contract member's contract between the district and the City of Irving
requires a three-quarters majority rote of the district's board of directors. Approval of a
participating member's contract between the district and the City of Irving requires a three-
quarters »tajority rote of the weighted vote of all directors eligible to vote.
SECTION 3. Section 7, Chapter 1053, Acts of the 71st Legislature, Regular Session, 1989,
is amended by adding Subsection (g) to read as follows:
(y) Regardless of the date on which an entity became a member, the entity is not entitled
to a number of weighted votes that exceeds 25 percent of the weighted votes of all directors
eligible to rote for a capital project.
SECTION •1, All resolutions, orders, and other acts or attempted acts of the board of
directors of the Upper Trinity Regional Water District relating to any election, contract, or
issuance of bonds or other obligations and the expenditure of funds in payment of the bonds
and all other governmental and proprietary actions by the board of directors of that district
are validated in all respects. All the resolutions, orders, and other acts or attempted acts of
the board of directors of the Upper Trinity Regional Water District and all elections,
contracts, issuances of bonds or other obligations, and payments of the district are valid as
though they originally had been legally authorized or accomplished.
SECTION 5. Section 4 of this Act does not apply to or affect litigation pending on the
effective date of this Act in any court of competent jurisdiction in this state to which the
district is a party.
3233
Ch. 494, § 6 74th LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION
SECTION 6. The importance of this legislation and the crowded condition of the
calendars in both houses create an emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several days in each house be
suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended, and that this Act take effect and be in force
from and after its passage, and it is so enacted.
Passed the Senate on May 8, 1995: Yeas 30, Nays 0; passed the House on May 24,
1995, by a non-record vote.
Approved June 12, 1995.
Effective August 28, 1995, 90 days after date of adjournment.
CHAPTER 495
S.B. No. 1691
AN ACT
relating to the conveyance of certain real property by the Austin independent School District to the
Austin Community College District.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:
SECTION 1. (a) The Austin Independent School District may convey all light, title, and
interest in all or part of the real property described by Section 1, Chapter 824, Acts of the
62nd Legislature, Regular Session, 1971, to the Austin Community College District for
mutually agreed consideration paid to the Austin Independent School District.
(b) The conveyed property must be used by the Austin Community College District for
public educational purposes consistent with Section 1, Chapter 824, Acts of the 62nd
Legislature, Regular Session, 1971. The Austin Independent School District retains a right
of reverter in the conveyed pmperty, and title to the property shall automatically revert to
and vest in the Austin Independent School District if the Austin Community College District
ceases to use the property for public educational purposes.
(c) A conveyance under this Act does not invoke the right of reverter retained by the state
in Section 1, Chapter• 82.1, Acts of the 62nd Legislature, Regular Session, 1971.
SECTION 2. The importance of this legislation and the crowded condition of the
calendars in both houses create an emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several days in each house be
suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended, and that this Act take effect and be in force
from and after its passage, and it is so enacted.
Passed the Senate on May 12, 1995: Yeas 31, Nays 0; passed the House on May 24,
1995, by a non-record vote.
Approved June 12, 1995.
Effective August 28, 1995, 90 days after date of adjournment.
CHAPTER .196
S.B. No. 1694
AN ACT
relating to the administration, powers, and duties of the Greater Greenspoint Management District of
Harris County and political subdivisions contracting with the district, including the powers to issue
bonds and levy taxes.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:
SECTION 1. LEGISLATIVE DECLARATION. (a) The legislature finds, determines,
and declares that, in addition to those purposes set forth in Chapter 817, Acts of the 72nd
3234
Ch. 45, § 2 77th LEGISLATURE-REGULAR SESSION
(b) The Health and Human Services Commission shall comply with any prerequisite imposed
under the federal law to receiving the grant.
SECTION 3. The state agency responsible for implementing the demonstration project
required by Section 32.053, Human Resources Code, as added by this Act, shall request and
actively pursue any necessary waivers or authorizations from the Health Care Financing
Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services or other
appropriate entities to enable the agency to implement the demonstration project not later than
January 1, 2002. The agency may delay implementing the demonstration project until the
necessary waivers or authorizations are granted.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.
Passed the Senate on March 22, 2001: Yeas 30, Nays 0, one present, not voting; and that
the Senate concurred in House amendment on April 23, 2001, by a viva-voce vote;
passed the House, with amendment, on April 19, 2001, by a non-record vote.
Approved May 3, 2001.
Effective September 1, 2001.
CHAPTER 46
S.B. No. 835
AN ACT
relating to the directors of the Upper Trinity Regional Water District and the powers and duties
of the district; providing a criminal penalty.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:
SECTION 1. Subsection (d), Section 6, Chapter 1053, Acts of the 71st Legislature, Regular
Session, 1989, is amended to read as follows:
(d) Those entities that contract with the district after March 13, 2000, [two-years-from-file
effestive4a4e-of-this-Ae] are entitled to representation on the board only pursuant to the rules
established by the board for the admission of board members and member entities. For
admission of entities, the board may establish rules regarding:
(1) membership on the board;
(2) the authority of board members to vote; and
(3) the weight to be given to votes on matters requiring a weighted vote.
SECTION 2. Subsection (c), Section 21, Chapter 1053, Acts of the 71st Legislature, Regular
Session, 1989, is amended to read as follows:
(c) The district may not exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire:
(1) any property located in a municipality located in whole or in part in the district
[county] without the prior consent by resolution of the governing body of the municipality in
which [whose] jurisdiction of the subject property is located, except for the purpose of
acquiring easements for pipeline purposes in municipalities that had not appointed a director
who serves on the board or who served on the board on January 1, 2001;
(2) any property located outside the county to be used as a water supply reservoir without
the consent of the county or counties in which the reservoir is to be located;
(3) any property owned by the county, any municipality, or any agency or instrumentality
of a county or municipality; or
(4) a waterworks system or a wastewater system that is owned by a municipality, a
political subdivision of the state, private parties, or a nonprofit corporation.
76
77th LEGISLATURE-REGULAR SESSION Ch. 46, § 7
SECTION 3. Section 27, Chapter 1053, Acts of the 71st Legislature, Regular Session, 1989,
is amended by adding Subsections (d) through (h) to read as follows:
(d) Under a contract with a county, municipality, or water district, the district may adopt and
enforce rules applicable in the boundaries of that county, municipality, or water district and
in other areas under the jurisdiction of the county, municipality, or water district to:
(1) preserve and protect the quality and sanitary condition of all water, sanitary sewage,
and storm water that may affect a water supply of the county, municipality, or water district
or the district or the waters of the state; or
(2) prevent waste or unauthorized use of water. sanitary sewage, or storm water under
the jurisdiction of a county, municipality, or water district or the district.
(e) Rules adopted under Subsection (d) of this section: •
(1) may not exceed the authority of the county, municipality, or water district;
(2) must be consistent with and no more stringent than state or federal requirements;
(3) must conform to the terms of the contract; and
(4) are not applicable within a municipality that is not a party to the contract or does not
consent to the rules being applicable within the municipality.
(I) The district shall publish once a week for two consecutive weeks in one or more
newspapers with general circulation in the district a notice of the substance of the rules adopted
under Subsection (d) of this section and of any penalties for a violation of the rules.
(g) A penalty for a violation of the rules may not take effect before the fifth day after the date
of the second publication of the notice.
(h) A violation of a rule adopted under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
SECTION 4. Subsection (c), Section 38, Chapter 1053, Acts of the 71st Legislature, Regular
Session, 1989, is amended to read as follows:
(c) A petition must specify:
(1) the [nietes-aild-beufids-ef--the] boundaries of the proposed subdistrict in a manner
satisfactory to and approved by the district's executive director and general counsel;
(2) the general nature of the improvements to be acquired, constructed, or otherwise
implemented in the subdistrict;
(3) the necessity and feasibility of those improvements; and
(4) the proposed method for funding those improvements.
SECTION 5. All resolutions, orders, contracts, and other acts or attempted acts of the board
of directors of the Upper Trinity Regional Water District relating to any election, contract, or
issuance of bonds or other obligations and the expenditure of funds in payment of the bonds and
all other governmental and proprietary actions by the board of directors, officers, agents,
employees, and contractors of that district are validated in all respects. All the resolutions,
orders, contracts, and other acts or attempted acts of the board of directors, officers, agents,
employees, and contractors of the Upper Trinity Regional Water District and all elections,
contracts, issuances of bonds or other obligations, and payments of the district are valid as
though they originally had been legally authorized or accomplished.
SECTION 6. Section 5 of this Act does not apply to or affect litigation pending on the
effective date of this Act in any court of competent jurisdiction in this state to which the Upper
Trinity Regional Water District is a party.
SECTION 7. (a) The proper and legal notice of the intention to introduce this Act, setting
forth the general substance of this Act, has been published as provided by laW, and the notice
and a copy of this Act have been furnished to all persons, agencies, officials, or entities to which
they are required to be 'furnished by the constitution and other laws of this state, including the
governor, who has submitted the notice and Act to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission.
77
Ch. 46, § 7 77th LEGISLATURE-REGULAR SESSION
(b) The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission has filed its recommendations
relating to this Act with the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of
representatives within the required time.
(c) All requirements of the constitution and laws of this state and the rules and procedures of
the legislature with respect to the notice, introduction, and passage of this Act are fulfilled and
accomplished.
SECTION 8. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the
members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If
this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect
September 1, 2001.
Passed the Senate on March 15, 2001: Yeas 30, Nays 0, one present, not voting; passed the
House on April 20, 2001: Yeas 142, Nays 0, two present, not voting.
Approved May 3, 2001.
Effective May 3, 2001.
CHAPTER 47
S.B. No. 989
AN ACT
relating to the mission of Prairie View A&M University.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:
SECTION 1. Section 87.104, Education Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 87.104. PURPOSE OF THE UNIVERSITY. In addition to its designation as a statewide
general purpose institution of higher education and its designation as a land-grant institution,
Prairie View A&M University is designated as a statewide special purpose institution of higher
education for instruction, research, and public service programs [which-are] dedicated to:
(1) enabling students [with—latent—apfitudesr-talem.sr•and—abilities—and] of diverse
economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to realize their full potential;
(2) assisting small and medium-sized communities to achieve their optimal growth and
development; and
(3) assisting small and medium-sized agricultural, business, and industrial enterprises to
manage their growth and development effectively.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the
members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If
this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect
September 1, 2001.
Passed the Senate on March 22, 2001: Yeas 30, Nays 0, one present, not voting; passed the
House on April 20, 2001: Yeas 142, Nays 0, two present, not voting.
Approved May 3, 2001.
Effective May 3, 2001.
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APPENDIX H
APPENDIX H
Ch. 687, § 1 78th LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION
SECTION 1. Section 101.004, Election Code, is amended by amending Subsection (j) and
adding Subsection (k) to read as follows:
(j) If the early voting clerk determines that an application that is submitted before the time
prescribed by Subsection (eX1) does not contain the information that is required for
registration under Title 2, the clerk shall notify the applicant of that fact. If the applicant
has provided a telephone number or an address for receiving mail over the Internet, the clerk
shall notify the applicant by that medium.
(x) If the applicant submits the missing information before the time prescribed by
Subsection (e)(1), the applicant is entitled to receive a full ballot to be voted by mail under
this chapter. If the applicant submits the missing information after the time prescribed by
Subsection (e)(1), the applicant is entitled to receive a full ballot to be voted by mail for the
next election that occurs:
(1) in the same calendar year; and
(2) at least 30 days after the date the information is submitted.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.
Passed by the House on May 2, 2003, by a non-record vote; passed by the Senate on
May 28, 2003: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
Approved June 20, 2003.
Effective September 1, 2003.
CHAPTER 688
H.B. No. 2660
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of minimum levels of water conservation in water conservation plans.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:
SECTION 1. Section 11.1271, Water Code, is amended by amending Subsection (c) and
adding Subsections (d), (e), and (f) to read as follows:
(c) Beginning May 1, 2005, all water conservation plans required under this section must
include specifi,c, quantified 5-year and 10-year targets for water savings. The entity
preparing the plan shall establish the targets. Targets must include goals for water loss
programs and goals for municipal use in gallons per capita per day.
(d) The commission and the board jointly shall identify quantified target goals for water
conservation that water suppliers and other entities may use as guidelines in preparing
water conservation plans. Goals established under this subsection are not enforceable
requirements.
(e) The commission and board jointly shall develop model water conservation programs
for different types of water suppliers that suggest best management practices for achieving
the highest practicable levels of water conservation and efficiency achievable for each specific
type of water supplier.
09 The commission shall adopt rules establishing criteria and deadlines for submission of
water conservation plans, including any required amendments, and for submission of
implementation reports.
SECTION 2. Section 15.106, Water Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read
as follows:
(b-i) Beginning May 1, 2005, all water conservation plans required under this section
must include specific, quantified 5-year and 10-year targets for water savings. The entity
preparing the plan shall establish the targets. Targets must include goals for water loss
programs and goals for municipal use in gallons per capita per day.
SECTION 3. Section 17.125, Water Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read
as follows:
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78th LEGISLATURE—REGULAR SESSION Ch. 689, § 1
(b-1) Beginning May 1, 2005, all water conservation plans required under this section
must include specific, quantified 5-year and 10-year targets for water savings. The entity
preparing the plan shall establish the targets. Targets must include goals for water loss
programs and goals for municipal use in gallons per capita per day.
SECTION 4. Section 17.277, Water Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read
as follows:
(b-1) Beginning May 1, 2005, all water conservation plans required under this section
must include specific, quantified 5-year and 10-year targets for water savings. The entity
preparing the plan shall establish the targets. Targets must include goals for water loss
programs and goals for municipal use in gallons per capita per day.
SECTION 5. Section 17.857, Water Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read
as follows:
(b-1) Beginning May 1, 2005, all water conservation plans required under this section
must include specific, quantified 5-year and 10-year targets for water savings. The entity
proparing the plan shall establish the targets. Targets must inclvdP goals for water loss
programs and goals for municipal use in gallons per capita per day.
SECTION 6. Not later than September 1, 2004, the Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality and the Texas Water Development Board shall take the actions necessary to comply
with Section 11.1271, Water Code, as amended by this Act.
SECTION 7. (a) This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all
the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.
If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect
September 1, 2003.
(b) The change in law made by this Act to Section 11.1271, Water Code, applies to a holder
of an existing permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication as described in Section
11.1271(b), Water Code, regardless of whether the permit, certified filing, or certificate of
adjudication is obtained before, on, or after that date.
(c) The changes in law made by this Act to Sections 15.106, 17.125, 17.277, and 17.857,
Water Code, apply only to applications for financial assistance filed with the Texas Water
Development Board on or after the effective date of this Act.
Passed by the House on May 2, 2003: Yeas 126, Nays 0, 2 present, not voting; passed
by the Senate on May 28, 2003: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
Approved June 20, 2003.
Effective June 20, 2003.
CHAPTER 689
H.B. No. 2661
AN ACT
relating to the use of graywater.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:
SECTION 1. Section 26.0311, Water Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 26.0311. STANDARDS FOR CONTROL OF GRAYWATER [GRZYWA=11.]. (a)
In this section, "graywater"[agreywateg] means wastewater from clothes washing machines,
showers, bathtubs, handwashing lavatories, and sinks that are not used for disposal of
hazardous or toxic ingredients. The term does not include wastewater:
(1) that has come in contact with toilet waste;
(2) from the washing of material, including diapers, soiled with human excreta; or
(3) from sinks used for food preparation or disposal.
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