The executive administrator must establish the TexMesonet Hydrometeorology Network, and the network must operate stations, coordinate monitoring, serve as the statewide data repository, and provide technical assistance.
Sec. 16.028. TEXMESONET HYDROMETEOROLOGY NETWORK; TEXMESONET ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) In this section, "network" means the TexMesonet Hydrometeorology Network. (b) The executive administrator shall establish the TexMesonet Hydrometeorology Network to provide a statewide resource for hydrometeorological data and summary information benefiting weather forecasting, flood preparedness, drought monitoring, wildfire management, water resources planning, water conservation, agricultural readiness and productivity, industrial readiness, and related business readiness and productivity across this state. (c) The network shall: (1) establish a series of stations throughout this state to monitor hydrometeorological conditions; (2) coordinate mesoscale, evapotranspiration, and soil moisture monitoring efforts in this state by: (A) collecting, receiving, analyzing, processing, and facilitating access to basic hydrometeorological data; and (B) developing and disseminating products, tools, and summary information related to that data; (3) serve as the centralized repository for hydrometeorological data in this state; and (4) provide appropriate technical assistance related to the duties described by Subdivisions (1)-(3). (d) The executive administrator may, on behalf of the network, enter into: (1) any agreement with an individual or a federal, state, or local governmental entity to provide site location and access for earth observation stations; and (2) a partnership with a public or private entity to provide additional funding and resources for improved access to and development of hydrometeorological data, products, and tools. (e) Each state agency or political subdivision of this state that collects hydrometeorological information, including public institutions of higher education, shall cooperate with the network in the development of a coordinated, efficient, and effective statewide hydrometeorological data collection and dissemination resource. (f) The executive administrator may establish the TexMesonet Advisory Committee to advise and make recommendations to the executive administrator on ensuring data quality and optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of hydrometeorological data collection, product development, and dissemination of data and information. Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not apply to the size, composition, or duration of the advisory committee. Members of the advisory committee serve without compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for actual or necessary expenses incurred in performing functions as a member of the advisory committee subject to any applicable limitation on reimbursement provided by the General Appropriations Act. The committee may include members representing the following entities or interest groups: (1) the office of the state climatologist; (2) the National Weather Service; (3) existing hydrometeorological networks; and (4) other appropriate entities. Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 187 (H.B. 2759), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023. Redesignated from Water Code, Section 16.026 by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 204 (H.B. 1620), Sec. 22.001(73), eff. September 1, 2025. SUBCHAPTER C. PLANNING