The bill, S.B. No. 1911, introduces a new section to the Texas Water Code that imposes restrictions on permits for direct discharges of waste or pollutants into specific stream segments, stream assessment units, and drainage areas. The new Section 26.0275 defines key terms such as "assessment unit," "classified segment," "drainage area," "stream assessment unit," "stream segment," and "unclassified water body." It specifies that the restrictions apply to stream segments or assessment units that have had at least 10 water quality samples taken over the past decade, with a total phosphorus level below 0.06 milligrams per liter in 75% or more of those samples.

Under this section, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is prohibited from issuing new permits for direct discharges from domestic wastewater treatment facilities into the specified water bodies, with certain exceptions for municipalities and river authorities. The bill clarifies that it does not affect the commission's authority to issue permits for municipal storm sewer systems or general permits for stormwater discharges. The changes will apply only to permit applications submitted after the effective date of the Act, which will be immediate if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses or will take effect on September 1, 2025, if not.

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