Sec. 11.4531. WATERMASTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) For each river basin or segment of a river basin for which the executive director appoints a watermaster under this subchapter, the executive director shall appoint a watermaster advisory committee consisting of at least nine but not more than 15 members. A member of the advisory committee must be a holder of a water right or a representative of a holder of a water right in the river basin or segment of the river basin for which the watermaster is appointed. In appointing members to the advisory committee, the executive director shall consider:

(1) geographic representation;

(2) amount of water rights held;

(3) different types of holders of water rights and users, including water districts, municipal suppliers, irrigators, and industrial users; and

(4) experience and knowledge of water management practices.

(b) An advisory committee member is not entitled to reimbursement of expenses or to compensation.

(c) An advisory committee member serves a two-year term expiring August 31 of each odd-numbered year and holds office until a successor is appointed.

(d) The advisory committee shall meet within 30 days after the date the initial appointments have been made and shall select a presiding officer to serve a one-year term. The committee shall meet regularly as necessary.

(e) The advisory committee shall:

(1) make recommendations to the executive director regarding activities of benefit to the holders of water rights in the administration and distribution of water to holders of water rights in the river basin or segment of the river basin for which the watermaster is appointed;

(2) review and comment to the executive director on the annual budget of the watermaster operation; and

(3) perform other advisory duties as requested by the executive director regarding the watermaster operation or as requested by holders of water rights and considered by the committee to benefit the administration of water rights in the river basin or segment of the river basin for which the watermaster is appointed.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1351 (H.B. 3), Sec. 1.20, eff. September 1, 2007.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1430 (S.B. 3), Sec. 1.20, eff. September 1, 2007.