TWDB approves changes to water loss audit requirements

For immediate release. Contact: Media Relations at 512-463-5129

AUSTIN – (January 23, 2014) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) today approved changes in agency rules that apply to the water loss audit required of all retail public utilities which provide potable water. These changes are related to the 2013 passage of House Bill 857, which requires all utilities to perform and file an annual water loss audit with TWDB (this does not apply to utilities that provide service to 3,300 or fewer connections and are not receiving financial assistance from TWDB).

A water loss audit is a desktop exercise that provides utilities a reliable means for analyzing the water lost through their distribution systems, for example through leaking pipes.

Utilities required to submit an annual water loss audit to the TWDB must do so by May 1, 2014.

A retail public utility that fails to submit a water loss audit is ineligible to receive financial assistance for water supply projects from TWDB and remains ineligible for financial assistance until a complete water loss audit has been filed and accepted.

"Although not all utilities are required to submit a water loss audit annually, TWDB recommends conducting an annual water loss audit to make sure water systems are operating efficiently," said TWDB board member Bech Bruun.

Prior to this legislation, annual water loss audits were required only for those utilities that were receiving financial assistance from TWDB. All other utilities were required to perform a water loss audit every five years.

Regional water planning groups compile and provide data from the water loss audits for utilities to consider as appropriate water management strategies to help meet future water needs.

Additional information regarding water loss and conducting a water loss audit can be found at http://www.twdb.texas.gov/conservation/municipal/waterloss/index.asp

 

The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional planning and preparing the state water plan for the development of the state's water resources. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects.