Investor-Owned Utilities

Privately-owned water suppliers, called investor-owned utilities (IOUs), are required to complete a drought contingency plan and amend the plan into their tariff. IOUs must submit a letter requesting a tariff amendment with the drought contingency plan to the TCEQ by May 1, 2005.

What Contingency Plans Should Include

Each drought contingency plan for a retail water utility should include:

• Specific, quantified targets for water use reductions (New Requirement)
• Drought response stages
• Triggers to begin and end each stage
• Supply management measures
• Demand management measures
• Descriptions of drought indicators
• Notification procedures
• Enforcement procedures
• Procedures for granting exceptions
• Public input to the plan
• Ongoing public education
• Adoption of plan
• Coordination with regional water planning group

Texas Administrative Code Title 30, Chapter 288, Subchapter B

Model Drought Contingency Plans

The TCEQ has prepared model drought contingency plans for wholesale and retail public water suppliers, water supply corporations, and IOUs. If you use the model plan, adapting it to fit your customer base and your water system, you'll be sure to meet the TCEQ's minimum requirements. You can receive a print copy of the model plan by calling 512/239-4691, or by e-mail to wras@tceq.state.tx.us. (Help with Downloading Files.)

• Model Drought Contingency Plan for the Investor Owned Utility (TCEQ-20189). WordPerfect or PDF - The example is a model plan for Investor Owned Utilities.