To bring water service to a new development, you must first
overcome a number of challenges. Among them are:
- Obtaining a reliable source of water
- Building a system that will supply clean, drinkable water to
your customer base reliably and consistently
- Ensuring sufficient revenue to maintain equipment
- Having properly trained staff available to keep the system
running
If you think you need to set up a new utility, start by reading
The
Feasibility of Regionalizing Water and Wastewater
Utilities (TCEQ publication RG-357). If, after working
through this guidance, you believe that you have the resources to
establish a successful new water utility, one option is to create a
sole proprietership or a for-profit water or sewer utility
corporation (called an investor-owned utility, or IOU, under TCEQ
rules). Another is to create a nonprofit water supply or sewer
service corporation (WSC). To pursue either of these options, you
must:
- Work through the Secretary of State's Office to create a
corporation.
- Submit to the TCEQ the plans and specifications along with
proof of a reliable water supply for your proposed water
system.
- Obtain a discharge permit for the proposed wastewater treatment
plant or arrange to connect with a neighboring system.
- Secure funding for the proposed utility.
- Obtain a CCN, which delineates the service area.
- Set up a tariff, which is your schedule of rates and service
rules.
For information about these utility types and their regulations,
see
Rules and Guidance for Water Utilities.
Contact
us if you have any questions about setting up a water
utility.
