1. (a) A person licensed under this chapter may not act as a water supply protection specialist unless the person holds an endorsement issued under this section.

2. (b) The board shall issue an endorsement as a water supply protection specialist to a person who:

   1. (1) is licensed under this chapter as a master plumber or journeyman plumber;
   2. (2) applies to the board on a form prescribed by the board;
   3. (3) pays a fee set by the board;
   4. (4) presents evidence satisfactory to the board of successful completion of a certification program approved by the board for water supply protection specialists; and
   5. (5) passes an examination required by the board.
3. (c) An endorsement issued under this section is valid until the third anniversary of the date of issuance and may be renewed on compliance with any requirements prescribed by board rule.
4. (d) A person who holds an endorsement under this section may represent to the public that the person is a water supply protection specialist.

5. (e) A person is not required to hold a water supply protection specialist endorsement if the person:

   1. (1) is employed by:

      1. (A) a political subdivision; or
      2. (B) an electric utility as defined by Section 31.002, Utilities Code; and
   2. (2) acts as a backflow prevention device specialist or water supply protection specialist in the course of the person's employment.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1421, Sec. 3, eff. June 1, 2003.