S.B. No. 1525

AN ACT

relating to studies by the Texas Water Development Board of water needs and availability in this state.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. (a) In this section, "board" means the Texas Water Development Board.

(b) The board shall:

(1) conduct a study of water needs and availability in this state; and

(2) use the results of the study to produce a comprehensive water resources map.

(c) The study must consider:

(1) opportunities for, obstacles to, and costs associated with the development of new sources of water, including but not limited to the diversion of water from contiguous states, the use of flood control diversion channels, and the reuse of water associated with oil and gas operations;

(2) potential locations of facilities for the desalination of marine seawater and brackish groundwater;

(3) the allocation of costs associated with the transportation of desalinated marine seawater and brackish groundwater from the place of production to end users;

(4) the potential for the use of public-private partnerships for water development projects in this state; and

(5) methods to ensure that stakeholders from all water user groups are included in the development of plans for the use of water in this state.

(d) In conducting the study, the board may consult with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

(e) Not later than December 1, 2018, the board shall submit to each standing committee of the legislature having primary jurisdiction over water development:

(1) a report of the findings of the study conducted under this section; and

(2) the map developed by the board under Subsection (b) of this section.

SECTION 2. Section 11.155, Water Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 11.155. AQUIFER STORAGE AND RECOVERY REPORTS. (a) The board shall make studies, investigations, and surveys of the aquifers in the state as it considers necessary to determine the occurrence, quantity, quality, and availability of aquifers in which water may be stored and subsequently retrieved for beneficial use.

(b) The board, working with appropriate interested persons, including groundwater conservation districts, regional water planning groups, and potential sponsors of aquifer storage and recovery projects, shall:

(1) conduct studies of aquifer storage and recovery projects identified in the state water plan or by interested persons; and

(2) report the results of each study conducted under Subdivision (1) to regional water planning groups and interested persons.

(c) This subsection expires January 1, 2019. The board shall:

(1) conduct a statewide survey of the most favorable areas for aquifer storage and recovery;

(2) prepare a report that includes an overview of the survey conducted under Subdivision (1); and

(3) not later than December 15, 2018, submit the report described by Subdivision (2) to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives. [The board shall undertake the studies, investigations, and surveys in the following order of priority:

[(1) areas designated by the commission as "priority groundwater management areas" under Section 35.008; and

[(2) other areas of the state in a priority to be determined by the board's ranking of where the greatest need exists.]

SECTION 3. The Texas Water Development Board is required to implement Sections 11.155(b) and (c), Water Code, as added by this Act, only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for that purpose. If the legislature does not appropriate money specifically for that purpose, the board may, but is not required to, implement Sections 11.155(b) and (c), Water Code, as added by this Act, using other appropriations available for the purpose.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.

______________________________ ______________________________

President of the Senate Speaker of the House

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1525 passed the Senate on April 19, 2017, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0; and that the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 27, 2017, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

______________________________ Secretary of the Senate

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1525 passed the House, with amendment, on May 24, 2017, by the following vote: Yeas 144, Nays 2, one present not voting.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House

Approved:

______________________________

Date

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Governor