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Bill

HB 5385

Relating to aquifer storage and recovery projects that transect a portion of the Edwards Aquifer.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Terry Wilson

Texas bill authorizing aquifer storage and recovery projects that cross the Edwards Aquifer, balancing drought-resilience infrastructure with groundwater protection needs.

Referred to Natural Resources
#edwardsaquifer(s0068) #environmentalquality #texascommissionon(v0334) #environment--water(i0320) #injectionwells(s0692) #williamsoncounty(g1525) #water--conservation(i097l) #water--development(i0875)
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Bill Summary · HB 5385

Legislative bill overview

HB 5385 addresses regulatory procedures for aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) projects that intersect with the Edwards Aquifer in Texas. The bill likely modifies permitting, operational, or environmental protection requirements specific to ASR activities affecting this critical water resource. ASR technology involves injecting treated water into underground formations during wet periods for extraction during droughts.

Why is this important

The Edwards Aquifer supplies drinking water to over 2 million Texans, including the San Antonio metropolitan area, and supports significant agricultural and industrial uses. ASR projects offer potential drought resilience benefits but raise concerns about water quality, contamination risks, and impacts on existing groundwater users. Clear regulatory frameworks are essential given Texas's recurring water scarcity and competing water demands.

Potential points of contention

  • Water quality protection: Whether current safeguards adequately prevent injected water from contaminating the Edwards Aquifer or mixing with native groundwater in unintended ways
  • Stakeholder balance: Conflicts between water conservation benefits (promoting ASR projects) and environmental/agricultural interests concerned about aquifer interference
  • Regulatory clarity: Whether the bill creates permitting certainty for water providers or weakens existing protections by streamlining oversight of Edwards Aquifer activities

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

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