S.B. No. 1911 introduces a new restriction on permits for the direct discharge of waste or pollutants into specific water bodies in Texas, including certain stream segments, stream assessment units, and drainage areas. The bill adds Section 26.0275 to Subchapter B, Chapter 26 of the Water Code, defining key terms such as "assessment unit," "classified segment," "drainage area," "stream assessment unit," "stream segment," and "unclassified water body." The new law stipulates that permits for direct discharges from domestic wastewater treatment facilities cannot be issued for water bodies that meet specific water quality criteria, including a history of low phosphorus levels and a minimum number of water quality samples taken over the preceding decade.

The bill also clarifies that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality retains the authority to issue new or amended permits under certain conditions, such as for municipalities or river authorities, and 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 of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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