On June 18, 1999, the bill that created the North Harris County Regional Water Authority (HB 2965), sponsored by NHA President, Senator Jon Lindsay, was signed into law, and called a special election for January 15, 2000 so voters could confirm the creation of the new Authority and elect Directors to lead it.

Following the election, the Authority became the single entity empowered to negotiate for a secure, long-term, reliable, quality supply of wholesale drinking water for all the independent neighborhoods, municipal utility districts, small municipalities, and permitted well owners within its boundaries.