Sec. 51.184.  PREFERENCE IN USE OF WATER.  (a)  The board may award the use of district water in the following order of preference and superiority:
(1)  domestic and municipal use;
(2)  industrial use, other than the development of hydroelectric power;
(3)  irrigation;
(4)  development of hydroelectric power;
(5)  pleasure and recreation.
(b)  The board may withdraw water from an inferior use and appropriate the water to a superior use when required for the welfare of the district.
(c)  The board must use the condemnation procedures in Subchapter F of this chapter for a withdrawal or diversion of the use of water which affects a vested right.
(d)  The board may implement the action prescribed in Subsection (b) or in Subsections (b) and (c) above, and shall obtain necessary amendments to the district's permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication in the manner provided in Section 11.122 of this code.
Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 110, ch. 58, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1971.  Amended by Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 1250, ch. 473, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 1975;  Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 980, ch. 367, Sec. 16, eff. June 10, 1981.