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SB 58

Relating to the consideration by a groundwater conservation district of modeled available groundwater when issuing permits.

89th Legislature, 1st Called Session (2025) Introduced by Bob Hall

Texas bill requiring groundwater conservation districts to use scientific models of sustainable water availability when issuing extraction permits to manage aquifer depletion.

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Bill Summary · SB 58

Legislative bill overview

SB 58 requires groundwater conservation districts in Texas to consider "modeled available groundwater" (MAG) when issuing water permits. This bill establishes that districts must account for scientifically-modeled estimates of sustainable groundwater supplies rather than relying solely on other methodologies when making permitting decisions.

Why is this important

Texas groundwater management directly affects agricultural operations, municipal water supplies, and economic development across the state. How districts determine available groundwater resources influences whether new wells are approved, how much water can be extracted, and the long-term sustainability of aquifers that many communities depend on.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and reliability of models: Disagreement may arise over whether MAG models are sufficiently accurate or whether districts should have discretion in weighting different assessment methods
  • Impact on water availability: Agricultural and industrial users may worry that stricter MAG-based permitting limits water access, while environmental advocates may argue it doesn't go far enough in protecting aquifers
  • District autonomy: Questions about whether state-mandated MAG consideration limits local groundwater conservation districts' flexibility to manage region-specific conditions and competing demands

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

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