Texas Water Code
§ 12.013 — RATE-FIXING POWER
WA § 12.013Title 2. WATER ADMINISTRATION · Part B. WATER RIGHTS · Ch. 12. PROVISIONS GENERALLY APPLICABLE TO WATER RIGHTS · Art. B. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO WATER RIGHTS
Statute text
View on source(a)The utility commission shall fix reasonable rates for the furnishing of raw or treated water for any purpose mentioned in Chapter 11 or 12 of this code.
(b)In this section, "political subdivision" means municipalities, counties, river authorities, water districts, and other special purpose districts.
(c)The utility commission in reviewing and fixing reasonable rates for furnishing water under this section may use any reasonable basis for fixing rates as may be determined by the utility commission to be appropriate under the circumstances of the case being reviewed; provided, however, the utility commission may not fix a rate which a political subdivision may charge for furnishing water which is less than the amount required to meet the debt service and bond coverage requirements of that political subdivision's outstanding debt.
(d)The utility commission's jurisdiction under this section relating to a municipality shall be limited to water furnished by the municipality to another political subdivision, other than another municipality, on a wholesale basis.
(e)The utility commission may establish interim rates and compel continuing service during the pendency of any rate proceeding.
(f)The utility commission may order a refund or assess additional charges from the date a petition for rate review is received by the utility commission of the difference between the rate actually charged and the rate fixed by the utility commission, plus interest at the statutory rate.
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Legislative history
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 170 (H.B. 1600), Sec. 2.07, eff. September 1, 2013. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 171 (S.B. 567), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2013. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 307 (S.B. 997), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 776 (S.B. 740), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.