All Roll Calls
Yes: 690 • No: 14
TexasHB 2989th Legislature Regular SessionHouse
Relating to water losses reported by certain municipally owned utilities to the Texas Water Development Board; authorizing administrative penalties.
Sponsored By: Stan Gerdes, Charles Perry (Republican)
Signed by Governor
City Government--UtilitiesUtilities--Water & SewerWater--ConservationWater--GeneralENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, TEXAS COMMISSION ONWATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD, TEXAS
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Stronger checks on large city water systems
The law covers Texas city-owned utilities providing drinking water through more than 150,000 service connections. After filing an annual water audit, they must check its accuracy within 180 days. A trained, certified reviewer must follow Texas Water Development Board guidelines. Within one year after filing, utilities must develop and submit a water-loss plan to the board. Plans must set one-, three-, five-, and ten-year goals and list projects or programs, expected water and money savings, and costs. Utilities must add the plan to their conservation plan within one year after completion and report progress each year. By December 31, 2030, and every 10 years afterward, they must complete a deeper review of their latest audit. This review checks leak-reduction strategies and billing data, and utilities must update their plans and goals. An experienced reviewer must follow industry standards, build on the first review's recommendations, and consult its reviewer. Neither review can be done by board staff or the person who submitted the audit. The law does not guarantee lower household water bills.
City utilities face $25,000 water-plan penalty
Texas city-owned drinking-water utilities with more than 150,000 service connections must develop and submit the required water-loss plan. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality must assess a $25,000 penalty when a covered utility fails to do so. The penalty falls on the utility, not directly on households. The law does not specify whether utilities pass this cost on through water bills.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Stan Gerdes
House
Charles Perry
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Sarah Eckhardt
Democratic • Senate
Carrie Isaac
House
AJ Louderback
House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/19/2025
Record vote
Yes: 129 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/8/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/8/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 4/25/2025
Record vote
Yes: 138 • No: 0
House vote • 4/24/2025
Record vote
Yes: 136 • No: 9
House vote • 4/24/2025
Record vote
Yes: 136 • No: 3
House vote • 4/24/2025
Record vote
Yes: 143 • No: 2
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Yes: 8 • No: 0
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
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