Texas Senate Bill SB272

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to water well recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including the production and use of groundwater.

Impact

The passage of SB 272 is anticipated to significantly impact state regulations pertaining to groundwater management. By formalizing the requirements for recordkeeping and reporting at a district level, the bill seeks to ensure that comprehensive data is available on groundwater extraction and usage. This could bolster the state’s efforts in sustainable water management, especially in light of increasing demand on water resources due to population growth and climate variability. The enforcement of such measures aims to improve accountability among well operators and district managers, leading to more informed decision-making regarding groundwater policies.

Summary

Senate Bill 272, introduced by Senator Seliger, addresses water well recordkeeping and reporting requirements specifically related to groundwater production and usage. The bill aims to enhance the state’s ability to track and manage groundwater resources by mandating that districts maintain adequate records concerning the drilling, equipping, and completion of water wells. This includes a stipulation for these districts to report their findings annually to the Texas Water Development Board, thus enabling better oversight of water resource management across Texas.

Contention

While the bill enjoys support for its potential to enhance water resource management, there are notable concerns regarding its implementation and impact on local control. Some stakeholders may argue that mandating strict reporting could impose undue burdens on smaller districts with limited resources. Additionally, there may be apprehensions about privacy and confidentiality regarding the data captured under this bill. The balance between efficient state oversight and local autonomy in managing groundwater resources is expected to be a central point of discussion among legislators and water management advocates.