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HB 183

Relating to certain requirements related to water availability, including requirements that certain plats for the subdivision of land include evidence of groundwater supply.

89th Legislature, 1st Called Session (2025) Introduced by Daniel Alders and 4 co-sponsors

Texas bill requiring subdivision plats to include groundwater supply evidence, restricting development in water-scarce areas and increasing developer compliance costs.

Filed
#citygovernment--landuse&zoning(i0064) #countygovernment--landuse&zoning(i0098) #environmentalquality #texascommissionon(v0334) #environment--water(i0320) #platting(s0285) #propertyinterests--realproperty(i0595) #water--development(i0875)
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Bill Summary · HB 183

Legislative bill overview

HB 183 requires subdivisions of land in Texas to provide evidence of adequate groundwater supply before platting is approved. The bill establishes new documentation requirements that developers must meet to demonstrate water availability for proposed residential or commercial developments, particularly in areas dependent on groundwater resources.

Why is this important

Texas faces ongoing water scarcity challenges, especially in rural and rapidly developing areas where groundwater depletion is a critical concern. By requiring proof of water availability at the subdivision stage, the bill aims to prevent development in areas that cannot sustain their population's water needs, potentially avoiding costly infrastructure failures and abandoned properties in water-stressed regions.

Potential points of contention

  • Development restrictions: Stricter water requirements may limit growth in certain regions, particularly West Texas and rural areas, raising concerns from real estate developers and landowners about property rights and economic development
  • Cost and burden: Landowners and developers may face significant expenses conducting groundwater studies and obtaining evidence of supply, which could increase housing costs or discourage smaller development projects
  • Implementation clarity: The bill may lack specificity on what constitutes adequate "evidence" of groundwater supply, creating uncertainty about enforcement standards and potential litigation between developers and local authorities

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

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