Bill Caption

Relating to the development of brackish groundwater.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

Under current law, brackish groundwater production zones are designated to reduce the use of fresh groundwater. HB 27 would authorize a groundwater conservation district located over any part of a designated brackish groundwater production zone to create a process for issuing permits to a project designed to treat brackish groundwater to drinking water standards. The establishment of a permitting process would be required upon the receipt of a petition from a person with a legally defined interest in groundwater in the district. These permits would last at least 30 years and the Texas Water Development Board would be granted relevant oversight.

Vote Recommendation Notes

We support the desalination of brackish water as a long term solution to Texas' water needs. Bringing desalination online will add greater choice and flexibility in groundwater usage which supports free markets and property rights. We support this bill for setting up a process to allow for the production of brackish water wells. We would also support an amendment to make the bill less prescriptive with respect to the permitting process.