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
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor