By: Perry S.B. No. 1525
 
  (Larson)
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a study 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.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.