Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 2663 amends the Water Code to require that, by May 1, 2005, a drought contingency plan of a wholesale and retail public water supplier or an irrigation district must include specific, quantified targets for water use reductions to be achieved during periods of water shortages and drought. The entity preparing the plan has the responsibility to establish such targets, but the bill requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to identify quantified target goals for use as guidelines. It also requires the TCEQ and the TWDB to develop model drought contingency programs for different types of water suppliers. The programs must suggest best management practices for accomplishing the highest practicable reductions achievable during water shortages and drought.