Sec. 11.453.  APPOINTMENT OF WATERMASTER.  (a)  On issuance of an order under Section 11.452 of this chapter directing appointment of a watermaster, the executive director shall appoint a watermaster for the river basin or segment of the river basin covered by the commission order.
(b)  A person appointed as a watermaster under this section may not be:
(1)  the holder of a water right in the river basin or segment of the river basin to be under his jurisdiction as watermaster;
(2)  a purchaser of water from the holder of a water right in the river basin or segment of the river basin under his jurisdiction as watermaster;  or
(3)  a landowner of any land adjacent to the river or segment of the river under his jurisdiction as watermaster.
(c)  A watermaster holds office until a successor is appointed.  The executive director may remove a watermaster at any time.
(d)  The executive director may employ assistant watermasters and other employees necessary to aid a watermaster in the discharge of his duties.
(e)  In a segment or basin in which the office of watermaster is vacant, the executive director has the powers of a watermaster.
(f)  The executive director shall supervise and generally direct the watermaster in the performance of his duties.  A watermaster is responsible to the executive director for the proper performance of his duties.
(g)  A person dissatisfied with any action of a watermaster may apply to the executive director for relief.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 779, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.