HB 1618

AN ACT relating to aquifer storage and recovery projects that transect a

House Bill • Harris Davila | Wilson

Filed

Bill introduced by legislator

Committee

Hearing

Passed Cmte

Calendar

Passed

Sent

Enrolled

Governor

Signed

Filed

Bill introduced by legislator

In Committee

Hearing Scheduled

Passed Committee

Floor Calendar

Passed Chamber

Sent to Other Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Sent to Governor

Signed into Law

89th Regular Session

Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended

Awaiting Committee Assignment

Bill filed, pending referral to House committee

← Back to Bills

Committee

Not yet assigned

Fiscal Note

Not available

What This Bill Does

Allows specific types of injection wells to be authorized in the Edwards Aquifer region of Williamson County, specifically permitting aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) projects that inject water through wells crossing the aquifer east of Interstate 35. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality must develop rules by March 2026 to implement these provisions, which create a narrow exception to existing restrictions on injection wells in the sensitive Edwards Aquifer area. The bill aims to provide more flexibility for water management and storage projects while maintaining environmental protections.

Subject Areas

Environment--Water ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, TEXAS COMMISSION ON Water--General PERMITS WILLIAMSON COUNTY EDWARDS AQUIFER Water--Development INJECTION WELLS

Bill Text

relating to aquifer storage and recovery projects that transect a
portion of the Edwards Aquifer.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 27.051(i), Water Code, is amended to
(i)  For purposes of this subsection, "Edwards Aquifer" has
the meaning assigned by Section 26.046(a).  Except as otherwise
provided by this subsection, the commission may not authorize by
rule or permit an injection well that transects or terminates in the
Edwards Aquifer.  The commission by rule or permit may authorize:
(1)  injection of groundwater withdrawn from the
(2)  injections of storm water, flood water, or
groundwater through improved sinkholes or caves located in karst
(3)  injections of water made in accordance with
Section 1.44(e)(3), Chapter 626, Acts of the 73rd Legislature,
(4)  an aquifer storage and recovery project that
includes an ASR injection well, as defined under Section 27.151,
that transects the Edwards Aquifer in the area of Williamson County
east of Interstate Highway 35 for the injection of water into a
geologic formation that underlies the Edwards Aquifer.
SECTION 2.  Not later than March 1, 2026, the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality shall adopt rules to implement
Section 27.051(i), Water Code, as amended by this Act.
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.