Bill > HB5188

This bill amends the Texas Water Code to create a new exemption from groundwater conservation district permitting requirements for certain brackish groundwater wells. Specifically, the bill allows operators to drill and operate wells that withdraw groundwater from a designated brackish groundwater production zone without obtaining a permit, provided they can document that the well produces water with an average total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration of at least 3,000 milligrams per liter, which is a technical measure of water salinity. The groundwater conservation district retains the right to cancel this exemption if the well no longer meets the brackish water criteria, such as if the TDS concentration drops below 3,000 milligrams per liter or the water is no longer being drawn from a designated brackish groundwater production zone. The purpose of this exemption appears to be to encourage the development and use of brackish groundwater resources, which are not suitable for drinking or agricultural purposes but can potentially be used for industrial processes or desalination after treatment. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, giving groundwater conservation districts and potential well operators time to prepare for the new exemption.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5188