Enrolled Bill Summary

            House Bill 2660 amends the Water Code to require the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) jointly to identify quantified target goals for water conservation that water suppliers and other entities may use as guidelines in preparing water conservation plans. The goals are not enforceable requirements. The bill also requires the two agencies jointly to 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. The actions required of the TWDB and the TCEQ must be taken not later than September 1, 2004. Beginning May 1, 2005, all water conservation plans required of applicants for new or amended water rights, applicants under the water loan assistance program, political subdivision applicants for assistance for water supply projects, applicants for financial assistance for water quality enhancement, and applicants under the TWDB revenue bond program must include specific, quantified 5-year and 10-year targets for water savings. The entity that prepares the water conservation plan must establish the targets, which must include goals for water loss programs and goals for municipal use in gallons per capita per day.