The executive director may appoint and remove watermasters, supervise them, and act as a watermaster when a division office is vacant.
Sec. 11.326. APPOINTMENT OF WATERMASTER. (a) The executive director may appoint one watermaster for each water division. (b) A watermaster holds office until a successor is appointed. The executive director may remove a watermaster at any time. (c) The executive director may employ assistant watermasters and other employees necessary to aid a watermaster in the discharge of his duties. (d) In a water division in which the office of watermaster is vacant, the executive director has the powers of a watermaster. (e) The executive director shall supervise and generally direct the watermaster in the performance of his duties as defined in Section 11.327. A watermaster is responsible to the executive director for the proper performance of his duties. (f) A person dissatisfied with any action of a watermaster may apply to the executive director for relief. (g) For a water basin in which a watermaster is not appointed, the executive director shall: (1) evaluate the water basin at least once every five years to determine whether a watermaster should be appointed; and (2) report the findings and make recommendations to the commission. (h) The commission shall: (1) determine the criteria or risk factors to be considered in an evaluation under Subsection (g); and (2) include the findings and recommendations under Subsection (g) in the commission's biennial report to the legislature. Amended by Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 2207, ch. 870, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 696, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1021 (H.B. 2694), Sec. 5.05, eff. September 1, 2011.