In April 2014, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) authorized the creation of the Brazos River Watermaster Program downstream of Possum Kingdom Lake for the purpose to actively manage water and water rights in the Brazos River Basin.
The Watermaster will allocate water per adjudicated water rights; monitor stream flow, reservoir levels and water use; enforce compliance with water rights; and respond to complaints.
In turn, water right holders will be required to: install a measuring device; notify the Watermaster prior to diverting water; and submit a water use report. A yet-to-be-determined water use fee will assessed to administer the program.
The TCEQ has scheduled seven public meetings throughout the Brazos River Basin to discuss this new program and answer questions.
• Oct. 27, 7 p.m., College Station, TEEX Emergency Service Training Institute, Building 25 (H.D. Smith), Room 101A-D
• Nov. 6, 7 p.m., Lake Jackson, Lake Jackson Civic Center, Terrace Room 1
• Nov. 10, 7 p.m., Rosenberg, Fort Bend County Fair Ground, Building B
• Nov. 17, 7 p.m., Killeen, Killeen Civic and Conference Center, Ballroom A&B
• Nov. 18, 7 p.m., Hewitt, Midway Middle School, Performing Arts Center
• Dec. 2, 7 p.m., Stephenville, Tarleton State University, Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center Theater Room
• Dec. 9, 7 p.m., Mineral Wells, Mineral Wells Activity Center Ballroom