The Texas Legislature is considering several bills concerning the groundwater supply in the state.
Sen. Senator Charles Perry of Lubbock filed SB2440 relating to requiring certain plats for the subdivision of land to include proof of groundwater supply.
This legislation would help homeowners by requiring a study that certifies adequate groundwater is available for the subdivision. As housing developments continue in rural areas of Texas, many of them rely on individual water wells as the only water supply option. High Plains Water District (HPWD) has been promoting awareness of groundwater availability with its “Know Before You Buy” outreach program.
Working with HPWD, Sen. Perry also filed SB 156 relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. The bill is identical to the version of SB 152 that passed the Senate last session, and has passed out of the Senate, and referred to the House Natural Resources Committee.
A bill authored by Sen. Drew Springer, SB 638, relates to the governance and decision-making of groundwater conservation districts in contested cases, is similar to HB 1971 by Rep. Trent Ashby. HB1971 relates to the procedures for acting on a permit or permit amendment application by a groundwater conservation district and the disqualification of board members of groundwater conservation districts.
HPWD and other groundwater conservation districts are working with the bills’ authors to help address various concerns, which are primarily occurring in other parts of the state. Last week, the Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee heard SB 638. The House NaturalResourcesCommittee approved the committee substitute for HB 1971.
HB 3278 , authored by Rep. Four Price relates to the joint planning of desired future conditions (DFCs) in groundwater management areas. This bill adds new requirements for public participation in the DFC process. The bill passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee without amendments.