The bill, S.B. No. 863, amends the regulations regarding the use of water withdrawn from the Edwards Aquifer. Specifically, it modifies Section 1.34(b) of Chapter 626 from the 73rd Legislature, stating that water withdrawn from the aquifer must be used within certain defined areas. The new legal language specifies that the water must be used either within the boundaries of the authority or within the certificated area of a retail public utility, as defined by a certificate of convenience and necessity that existed on September 1, 2025, provided that any part of this area was located within the authority's boundaries as of June 28, 1996.

The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, aligning the use of aquifer water with specific geographic and regulatory parameters to ensure sustainable management of this vital resource.