84R7235 JAM-D
 
  By: Howard H.B. No. 1902
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the regulation and use of graywater.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 341.039, Health and Safety Code, is
  amended by amending Subsections (c) and (e) and adding Subsection
  (c-1) to read as follows:
         (c)  The commission may not require a permit for the domestic
  use of less than 400 gallons of graywater each day if the graywater:
               (1)  originates from a private residence;
               (2)  is used at [by the occupants of] that residence for
  gardening, composting, [or] landscaping, or other uses authorized
  by the commission under Subsection (c-1) [at the residence];
               (3)  is collected using a system that overflows into a
  sewage collection or on-site wastewater treatment and disposal
  system;
               (4)  is stored in tanks that:
                     (A)  are clearly labeled as nonpotable water;
                     (B)  restrict access, especially to children; and
                     (C)  eliminate habitat for mosquitoes and other
  vectors;
               (5)  uses piping clearly identified as a nonpotable
  water conduit, including identification through the use of purple
  pipe, purple tape, or similar markings;
               (6)  is generated without the formation of ponds or
  pools of graywater;
               (7)  does not create runoff across the property lines
  or onto any paved surface; and
               (8)  is distributed by a surface or subsurface system
  that does not spray into the air.
         (c-1)  The commission by rule may adopt and implement minimum
  standards for additional domestic uses and reuses of graywater.
  Rules adopted under this section:
               (1)  must prevent contamination of the potable water
  supply and protect human health; 
               (2)  may require the use of a backflow prevention
  device; and
               (3)  may provide for the inspection and annual testing
  of a backflow prevention device by the commission. 
         (e)  In this section, "graywater":
               (1)  means:
                     (A)  wastewater from clothes-washing machines,
  showers, bathtubs, hand-washing lavatories, and sinks that are not
  used for disposal of hazardous or toxic ingredients; 
                     (B)  air-conditioner condensate, foundation drain
  water, storm water, cooling tower blowdown, swimming pool backwash
  and drain water, and reverse osmosis reject water; and
                     (C)  any other source deemed appropriate by the
  commission; and
               (2)  [. The term] does not include wastewater:
                     (A) [(1)]  that has come in contact with toilet
  waste;
                     (B) [(2)]  from the washing of material,
  including diapers, soiled with human excreta; or
                     (C) [(3)]  from sinks used for food preparation or
  disposal, unless the wastewater has been treated in accordance with
  standards set by the commission.
         SECTION 2.  Section 26.0311(a), Water Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  In this section, "graywater" has the meaning provided by
  Section 341.039, Health and Safety Code [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.]
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.