What this is
Texas House Bill 24 limits how much groundwater districts can allow one company to move out of the district.
House Bill 24 is a Texas state law that protects our water supply. It adds a new rule for groundwater conservation districts when they approve permits. The rule says districts cannot let any single company pump and move more than 5 percent of the district's total available groundwater to areas outside the district.
Groundwater is water stored underground in rock and soil. Many communities in Texas depend on groundwater for drinking water and farming. When companies pump large amounts of groundwater out of a district, it can lower water levels and harm local water supplies. This bill helps prevent that problem.
The 5 percent limit applies to all permits a company holds in the district combined. So if a company already has permits to pump groundwater, any new permit cannot push them over the 5 percent threshold. The executive administrator of the water board will measure how much modeled available groundwater each district has.
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This law takes effect 91 days after the Texas legislative session ends. It only applies to new permits issued after that date. Permits approved before the law takes effect are not affected. Our community can now have more confidence that groundwater will be managed carefully for everyone's benefit.
Key details
- Groundwater limit per applicant: 5% of district's available groundwater
- Bill number: HB 24
- Effective date: 91 days after legislative session ends
- Applies to: Permits issued on or after effective date
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
Helps protect your local water supply from big companies that might pump it away. This keeps your water bills stable and water available for your neighborhood.
$30,000-$60,000
Protects your community's water supply so companies can't take too much groundwater away from your area. Helps keep your water costs steady.
$60,000-$100,000
Limits how much groundwater companies can move out of your district. This helps protect your local water supply and property values that depend on water access.
Over $100,000
Protects groundwater in your area from being over-pumped by outside companies. This helps maintain your property values and water access for any land or investments you own.
How to get involved
- 1Start with the snapshot above to know what this is in a glance.
- 2Read why it matters so you can speak to it in your own words.
- 3Weigh in using the button above.
When you call, you can say: “Hi, I saw "Texas Law Limits Groundwater Moving Out of Districts" on Community Exchange and want to know how to take part.”
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