This bill amends the Water Code and the Special District Local Laws Code to enhance the regulation of groundwater produced within the boundaries of groundwater conservation districts in Texas. A significant provision is the introduction of a new subsection (d) to Section 36.1132, which prohibits districts from issuing permits after December 1, 2025, that would allow an applicant to produce and transfer more than five percent of the total modeled available groundwater apportioned to the district. Additionally, a new subsection (t) is added to Section 36.122, requiring districts to notify other districts in their management area when a permit application proposes the transfer of groundwater from a well capable of producing 25,000 gallons or more per day. The permit can only be issued if at least two-thirds of the districts in the management area approve it.

Furthermore, the bill modifies Section 8863.103(c) of the Special District Local Laws Code by removing specific conditions under which a transfer of groundwater would not be considered a transfer outside the district. The changes aim to ensure that groundwater management is more collaborative among districts and that the potential impacts on desired future conditions are carefully considered before permits are granted. The provisions of this bill will apply only to permits issued on or after its effective date, which is set for the 91st day after the end of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 36.1132, Water Code 36.122, Special District Local Laws Code 8863.103 (Water Code 36, Special District Local Laws Code 8863)