Sec. 8508.0104.  CONTROL AND USE OF WATERS.  (a)  The authority may exercise power over the storm water and floodwater of the basin.
(b)  The authority may exercise the powers of control and use of the state's water in the following manner and for the following purposes:
(1)  to provide for the control and coordination of water use in the basin as a unit;
(2)  to provide by adequate organization and administration for the preservation of the rights of the people of the different sections of the basin in the beneficial use of water;
(3)  to provide for conserving storm water, floodwater, and the unappropriated flow of the basin, including the storage, control, transportation, treatment, and distribution of that water, and the prevention of the escape of water without the maximum of public service;
(4)  to provide for the prevention of the devastation of land from recurrent overflows;
(5)  to provide for the protection of life and property in the basin from uncontrolled floodwater;
(6)  to provide for the conservation of water essential for domestic and other water uses of the people of the basin, including necessary water supplies for municipalities and industrial districts;
(7)  to provide for the irrigation of land in the basin where irrigation is required for agricultural purposes or is considered helpful to more profitable agricultural production;
(8)  to provide for the equitable distribution of storm water, floodwater, and unappropriated flow water to meet the regional potential requirements for all uses;
(9)  to provide for the encouragement and development of drainage systems and provisions for the drainage of land in the valleys of the basin needing drainage for profitable agricultural and livestock production and industrial activities, and other drainage of land for the most advantageous use;
(10)  to provide for the conservation of soil against destructive erosion to prevent the increased flood menace incident to erosion;
(11)  to control and make available for use storm water, floodwater, and unappropriated flow water as authorized by the commission in the development of commercial and industrial enterprises in all sections of the watershed area of the authority;
(12)  to provide for each purpose and use for which storm water, floodwater, and unappropriated flow water when controlled and conserved may be used in the performance of a useful service as contemplated and authorized by the provisions of the constitution and laws of this state;
(13)  to control, store, and preserve the water of the basin inside the authority for any useful purpose;
(14)  to use, distribute, and sell water for any beneficial purpose inside and outside the authority; and
(15)  to acquire water and water rights inside and outside the authority.
(c)  The plans and works provided by the authority or under the power of the authority should give primary consideration to the necessary and potential needs for water by or in the various areas in the watershed of the basin.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 468 (H.B. 4172), Sec. 1.03, eff. April 1, 2021.