BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1225

79R7364 MSE-D                                                                                                         By: Barrientos

                                                                                                                               Natural Resources

                                                                                                                                            4/25/2005

                                                                                                                                              As Filed

 

 

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Population increases have put pressure on all of the state's natural resources, especially its water supply.  As acknowledged by the State Water Plan, part of the solution must be conservation.  "Harvesting" rainwater for reuse would ease the current and projected burden on groundwater and surface water supplies.  Currently, no standards exist by which to ensure that such rainwater is safe for domestic use, including human consumption. 

 

As proposed, S.B. 1225 requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to set health and safety standards for the collection and treatment of rainwater to be used for domestic purposes.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 341, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 341.042, as follows:

 

Sec. 341.042.  STANDARDS FOR HARVESTED RAINWATER.  Requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to establish standards relating to the domestic use of harvested rainwater, including health and safety standards for treatment and collection methods for harvested rainwater intended for drinking, cooking, or bathing.

 

SECTION 2.  Requires TCEQ to adopt standards as required by Section 341.042, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, not later than March 1, 2006.

 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2005.