Site Policies

Privacy and Security Policy

The Texas Geographic Information Office (TxGIO) is a part of the the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). This website is operated for authorized use only and is provided as a public service.  This policy describes TWDB’s privacy and security practices regarding information collected from visitors to the site, including what information is collected and how that information is used.

Regardless of the information being transmitted to TWDB, we will protect all such information consistent with applicable law.  The privacy of our customers and the security of this site are of utmost importance to TWDB.  This policy applies to all pages beginning with:

• Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) (www.twdb.texas.gov)
• Water Data Interactive (WDI)
• Texas Geographic Information Office (TxGIO) (geographic.texas.gov)
• Save Texas Water (www.savetexaswater.org)
• Water IQ (www.wateriq.org)
• Texas Water Infrastructure Coordination Committee (TWICC) (www.twicc.org)
• Water Exploration (www.waterexploration.org)
• Texas Flood, Information and Resources about flooding
• Texas State Water Plan, Interactive website that show the 2012 and 2017 Water Plans
• TexMesonet
• Water Data for Texas

Note:

This policy does not apply whenever visitors leave the TWDB domains and follow a link to another site, including the sites of other state agencies and local governments.

Notice of Monitored Use

This website is monitored to ensure proper operation, to verify the function of applicable security features and for similar purposes.  Unauthorized attempts to upload information, change information on this site, or otherwise cause damage are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under Texas Penal Code Chapters 33 (Computer Crimes) or 33A (Telecommunications Crimes).

If you visit a TWDB site . . .

• To read or download information:  We may collect and store the number of visitors to the site for statistical purposes.  We may count the number of visitors to the different sections of our site, for example, to help us make them more useful to visitors.  This information is also gathered for anonymous File Transfer Protocol (ftp), remote account login, or for other comparable connections.
• To send us e-mail:  By sending us an e-mail message with a question or comment that contains personally identifying information, or filling out a form that e-mails us this information, we will only use the personally identifiable information to respond to your request and analyze trends.  We may redirect your message to another government agency or person who is in a better position to answer your question.  We will not release your e-mail address to the public unless you consent to such information.
• To register:  Information which may be collected at this site through questionnaires, feedback forms, or other means, enables us to determine a visitor’s interests, with the goal of providing better customer service.
• To submit a web-based form:  When a user provides personal information to TWDB through a survey or purchase form, for example, the TWDB (or a third party engaged by TWDB) collects the information for processing the request.  TWDB may also use this information in aggregate form to get a better general understanding of the type of individuals using online services.  Unless specifically disclosed, the personally identifiable information is not linked by TWDB (or any third party) to any other personal information collected by any state agency, however, any information submitted through a web-based form may be subject to interception.

An individual who submits information in electronic format through this web site is entitled, on request, to receive and review the information that the TWDB collects about the individual, and to have TWDB correct the information.  To make a request, please contact the following person:

Public Information Officer
Telephone: (512) 463-8165
Info Desk: (512) 463-7847
E-mail:   publicinfo@twdb.texas.gov

Cookies

A cookie is a small text file that resides on the user’s hard drive, created at the request of the web server to track specific information.  The TWDB website will use cookies to create session information to facilitate your use of the site.  The information contained in these cookies is randomly created information and contain no personally identifiable information, so your anonymity is preserved.  These cookies are not stored or tracked after the session ends.

Release of Information

All information collected or maintained by TWDB is subject to the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552, Texas Government Code).  The identity of most members of the public who communicate with state agencies through the Internet is confidential under Texas law.  Exceptions to confidentiality may be reviewed at Texas Government code, Section 552.137.

TWDB complies with the   State Web Site Link and Privacy Policy.  TWDB encourages organizations that link to this web site to comply with the provisions of the State Web Site Link and Privacy Policy, especially regarding protection of the privacy rights of individuals, and to make reasonable efforts to provide accessible sites.