Regional Water Planning Process

In June 1997, Governor George W. Bush signed into law Senate Bill I (SB 1), comprehensive water legislation enacted by the 75th Texas Legislature. This comprehensive water legislation was an outgrowth of increased awareness of the vulnerability of Texas to drought and to the limits of existing water supplies to meet increasing demands as population grows. The state's population is expected to increase from its current level of about 19 million to more than 36 million people by the year 2050.

With passage of SB 1, the Legislature put in place a "bottom up" water planing process designed to ensure that the water needs of all Texans are met as Texas enters the 21st century. SBI allows individuals representing I interest groups to serve as members of Regional Water Planning Groups (RWPG) to prepare regional water plans for their respective areas. These plans will map out how to conserve water supplies, meet future water supply needs and respond to future droughts in the planning areas.

In accordance with SB 1, regional water plans were completed and adopted by January 5, 2001, and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved and incorporated the regional water plans into a comprehensive state water plan in January 2002. The water plans will be updated every five years.

After January 2002, TWDB financial assistance may be provided only to water supply projects that meet needs in a manner that is consistent with the approved regional water plans. In addition, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission may not issue a water right for municipal purposes unless It is consistent with an approved regional water plan after 2002.

The next round of Regional Water planning is in full swing across Texas. The updated Regional plans will include population projections based on the 2000 Census. Click here for the 2002-2006 Planning Timeline.

Who is preparing Regional water plans?

SB I designated the TWDB as the lead state agency for coordinating the regional water planning process and developing a comprehensive state water plan. To accomplish these tasks, the TWDB developed planning guidance documents to govern how regional water plans will be developed, delineated planning areas and designated planning group representatives.

In February 1998 after extensive review and public comment, the TWDB adopted state and regional water planning rules, delineated 16 regional planning areas and selected 270 individuals from 11 SB I-required interest groups to serve as initial members of the RWPG. The counties included in this region are displayed on the map located HERE, and the interest groups and their current representatives for this region are listed HERE.

Each RWPG Member is responsible for preparing and adopting a regional water plan for their area. Most RWPG have hired consultants to assist with developing the engineering, socioeconomic, hydrological, environmental, legal and institutional components of the regional water plans. RWPG must provide for public input in the planning process, hold public meetings and furnish a draft report of the plan for public review and comment. SB I requires that each regional water plan address the needs of all water users and suppliers, except certain political subdivisions that decide not to participate.