House Bill (HB) 1902, 84th Texas Legislature, amended Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC), Chapters 341 and 366 and Texas Water Code (TWC) Chapter 26 in relation to the use of graywater. The bill requires the TCEQ to develop standards to allow the re-use of graywater for toilet and urinal flushing. The bill also creates a new regulatory classification for “alternative onsite water” which is defined as “rainwater, air-conditioning condensate, foundation drain water, storm water, cooling tower blowdown, swimming pool backwash and drain water, reverse osmosis reject water, or any other sources of water considered appropriate by the Commission.” The bill directs the TCEQ to develop similar standards for the re-use of this new source of water similar to graywater.
The TCEQ has drafted language that amends 30 TAC Chapters 210 and 285 to implement HB 1902. The draft rules are available for informal stakeholder review and comment. The TCEQ will not provide a response to the informal comments; however, the comments will be used to finalize the draft rules. The draft rule language can be found at: <www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/wastewater/graywater/>. Comments will be accepted through Feb. 29, 2016, and may be submitted by e-mail to: Laurie.Fleet@tceq.texas.gov.
Or by mail to:
Water Quality Division, MC 148
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711-3087
Attn: Laurie Fleet