Texas Law About How Much Groundwater Can Be Pumped

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.

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