Texas Water Code - WATER § 16.193. Permit

(a) The board may not sell the water stored in a facility to any person who has not obtained a permit from the commission. The rights of the applicant in the water are governed by the terms and conditions of the permit. The permit may be for a term of years.

(b) Whether the application for a permit involves a proposed use of water inside or outside the watershed of the impoundment, the commission shall give paramount consideration to recouping the state's investment in order to protect the public interest and promote the general welfare.

(c) The permit shall be conditioned on continued payment of the obligations assumed under the contract with the board and may provide for cancellation at any time on breach of the contract.