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HSB 713

A bill for an act relating to the use and withdrawal of Iowa’s surface and groundwater resources, including permitting requirements.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Imposes a formal permitting framework for surface and groundwater withdrawals to regulate use, require reporting, and guide allocation and protections.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 2642.
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Bill Summary · HSB 713

Summary of HSB 713 (Session: 2025-2026, Iowa)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill relates to the use and withdrawal of Iowa’s surface and groundwater resources, including permitting requirements. Its overarching aim is to establish structured rules for how surface and groundwater can be used, allocated, and withdrawn, with a focus on sustainable management and regulatory oversight.

Key provisions and changes (highlights)

  • Permitting framework: Establishes or refines permit requirements for the withdrawal and use of surface water and groundwater. This typically includes what activities require permits, the permitting process, and criteria for approval or denial.
  • Allocation and prioritization: Sets out mechanisms to allocate water resources among different uses (e.g., municipal, agricultural, industrial, environmental flows) and may define priority considerations during shortages.
  • Regulation and enforcement: Specifies regulatory authorities responsible for administering the permitting system, monitoring compliance, and enforcing any penalties for noncompliance.
  • Reporting and recordkeeping: Requires entities that withdraw or use water to maintain records and provide reporting to the governing agency, potentially including volumes withdrawn, location, purpose, and duration.
  • Hydrological impact considerations: May include requirements to assess environmental impacts, watershed considerations, and long-term sustainability when approving withdrawals or changes in use.
  • Interactions with existing law: Aligns with or modifies existing Iowa water resource statutes, potentially integrating with state water plans, watershed management programs, and other environmental regulations.
  • Timeline provisions: May outline effective dates for new permitting rules, transitional arrangements for existing users, and schedule for rulemaking or rule adoption if new standards are introduced.

Who would be affected

  • Water users and permit holders: Municipal, agricultural, industrial, and commercial entities that withdraw surface or groundwater would be directly impacted by permit requirements, reporting duties, and potential limits on withdrawals.
  • Regulatory agencies: Iowa state agencies responsible for water resources (e.g., environmental, natural resources departments) would gain or modify authority to issue permits, monitor compliance, and enforce rules.
  • Local governments and stakeholders: Counties, watershed districts, and environmental groups could be affected through local implementation of the permitting system and participation in process or hearings.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced on February 10, 2026, and referred to the Natural Resources committee.
  • Subcommittee actions: A subcommittee (Golding, Barker, and Levin) met on February 12, 2026, with recommendations for amendment and passage.
  • Committee actions: The Natural Resources committee reported back on February 17, 2026, recommending amendment and passage; later the committee reported approving the bill and renumbering it as HF 2642 on February 19, 2026.
  • Legislative status: The bill progressed through the committee process with votes indicating support (subcommittee and committee votes reported favorably). The renumbering to HF 2642 suggests formal alignment with the House filing and numbering system, pending further actions (such as full House and Senate consideration) per standard Iowa legislative procedure.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Water resource management: The bill aims to provide a clearer, possibly more stringent, permitting regime to manage withdrawals, potentially affecting availability during droughts or for high-demand sectors.
  • Environmental safeguards: By emphasizing impact considerations and monitoring, it could enhance protection of aquatic ecosystems and watershed health.
  • Compliance burden: Entities may experience increased regulatory compliance requirements, including permit application processes, reporting, and potential inspections.
  • Economic and planning implications: Businesses and municipalities may need to integrate water-use planning with permit timelines, affecting project schedules and capital expenditures.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and the actions taken through February 2026. For precise statutory language, deadlines, thresholds, and any amendments, refer to the final bill text and accompanying fiscal notes once enacted.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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