Sec. 11.453. APPOINTMENT OF WATERMASTER

(a) On issuance of an order under Section 11.452 of this chapter directing appointment of a watermaster, the executive director shall appoint a watermaster for the river basin or segment of the river basin covered by the commission order.

(b) A person appointed as a watermaster under this section may not be:

(1) the holder of a water right in the river basin or segment of the river basin to be under his jurisdiction as watermaster;

(2) a purchaser of water from the holder of a water right in the river basin or segment of the river basin under his jurisdiction as watermaster; or

(3) a landowner of any land adjacent to the river or segment of the river under his jurisdiction as watermaster.

(c) A watermaster holds office until a successor is appointed. The executive director may remove a watermaster at any time.

(d) The executive director may employ assistant watermasters and other employees necessary to aid a watermaster in the discharge of his duties.

(e) In a segment or basin in which the office of watermaster is vacant, the executive director has the powers of a watermaster.

(f) The executive director shall supervise and generally direct the watermaster in the performance of his duties. A watermaster is responsible to the executive director for the proper performance of his duties.

(g) A person dissatisfied with any action of a watermaster may apply to the executive director for relief.

Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 779, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.