The bill, H.B. No. 2817, amends existing legislation regarding the use of water withdrawn from the Edwards Aquifer. Specifically, it modifies Section 1.34(b) of Chapter 626 from the 73rd Legislature, stating that water withdrawn from the aquifer must be used within certain defined areas.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 water must be utilized 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 proper management and distribution of this vital resource.