What this is
A Texas bill changes rules about how much groundwater districts can let people and businesses pump.
HB 193 is a Texas state law about managing groundwater. It changes how groundwater conservation districts control the amount of water that can be pumped from underground.
Groundwater is water stored beneath the ground. It supplies drinking water to homes and businesses across Texas. Groundwater conservation districts are local groups that manage how much water people can pump. These districts must balance current water needs with future water supplies.
The law modifies the rules in the Texas Water Code, Section 36.1132. It says districts cannot issue permits that would stop the state from reaching its groundwater goals. Districts must limit permits so that all the groundwater pumped (both free exemptions and permitted amounts) does not exceed what the environment can support.
HB 193 was sponsored by Representative Trent Ashby. The bill was introduced in the 89th Texas Legislature. It was referred to the Natural Resources Committee for review. The law takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends. Our communities depend on careful groundwater management to ensure clean, reliable water for years to come.
Key details
- Bill number: HB 193
- Effective date: 91 days after legislative session ends
- Sponsor: Representative Trent Ashby
- Legislature: 89th Texas Legislature
- Committee: Natural Resources
About Texas Legislature
The Texas Legislature is the state legislature of Texas, consisting of the House of Representatives with 150 members and the Senate with 31 members. Meeting in regular session every two years, the legislature passes stat…
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Why it matters
This is part of Our Environment — environment, climate, and the land we share.
How this affects households
Under $30,000
This law helps protect your water supply for the long term by preventing overpumping. You likely use less water than wealthier households, so stricter limits protect what you need most.
$30,000-$60,000
The law ensures your family's water supply stays reliable by limiting how much can be pumped overall. This protects your access to clean drinking water without directly changing your water bill.
$60,000-$100,000
Your household water use won't change much, but the law protects your community's long-term water supply. You may face slightly stricter rules if you have wells or irrigation systems.
Over $100,000
If you own large properties, wells, or businesses that use lots of groundwater, you may face tighter restrictions on how much you can pump. This protects the water supply but could limit your water-intensive activities.
How to get involved
- 1Start with the snapshot above to know what this is in a glance.
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