The Feasibility of Regionalizing Water and Wastewater Utitlies: A TCEQ Policy Statement Page: 2
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proposed new system. The goal of this policy is to achieve the best service
to the consumer at rates that will ensure that the system is maintained for
the long term.
In this policy, we also address the issue of when existing systems that are
struggling to remain in compliance with state and federal regulations
should consider the option of regionalization.
See Appendix B for details on the statutory authority for this policy.
A Few Important Terms
Before discussing this policy further, we need to define some important
terms. These simplified definitions are intended to help you understand
these terms as we use them in this policy statement. However, the official
definitions are as stated in the relevant statute or rule.
Types of Systems
system-a physical plant plus the lines that connect it to the customer.
public water system (PWS)-any drinking water system that has the
potential to serve at least 15 connections or that does serve at least 25
people for at least 60 days out of one year. For example, mobile home
parks, truck stops, and restaurants that have their own water supply usually
meet the minimum standard of being a PWS. For a PWS, the system
comprises the source of the water, the water treatment plant, and the water
lines that distribute water to the consumer.
wastewater system-For a wastewater system, the system comprises the
sewer lines that collect the wastewater from the customer and carry it to
the wastewater treatment facility as well as the treatment facility itself.
Types of Service Providers
retail public utility-any city, county, district, utility (as defined below),
or water supply corporation that charges a fee to directly provide water or
sewer service to consumers. (Note: "Utility" might seem to be the broader
term, but, as defined in the law, "retail public utility" actually includes
"utility": All "utilities" are "retail public utilities," and not all "retail
public utilities" meet the law's narrower definition of "utility.")
utility-a person, partnership, corporation, or "affected county" that
charges a fee to directly provide water or sewer service to consumers. Also
called "investor-owned utility," "water" or "sewer utility," or "public
utility." (See "Other Terms" below for a definition of "affected county.")2
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Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The Feasibility of Regionalizing Water and Wastewater Utitlies: A TCEQ Policy Statement, pamphlet, January 2003; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth624562/m1/7/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.