S.B. No. 616 amends the Water Code to regulate aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) projects that intersect the Edwards Aquifer. The bill specifies that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) may authorize injection wells that transect the Edwards Aquifer under certain conditions. These conditions include the injection of groundwater withdrawn from the Edwards Aquifer, stormwater, floodwater, or groundwater through improved sinkholes or caves in karst areas, and the injection of water into a geologic formation underlying the Edwards Aquifer for ASR projects. The latter is specifically defined to include ASR injection wells that transect the Edwards Aquifer in designated areas of Williamson County and Medina County.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the TCEQ adopt rules to implement these changes by March 1, 2026. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025. This legislation aims to facilitate the management and recovery of water resources while ensuring environmental protections for the Edwards Aquifer.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 27.051 (Water Code 27)
Senate Committee Report: Water Code 27.051 (Water Code 27)
Engrossed: Water Code 27.051 (Water Code 27)
House Committee Report: Water Code 27.051 (Water Code 27)
Enrolled: Water Code 27.051 (Water Code 27)