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New state laws are giving Bastrop County water officials more tools to manage drought, protect wells and collaborate across county lines amid rising water demand and regional growth.
The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District, which oversees groundwater in Bastrop County, said the recent Texas legislative session marked a shift toward more coordinated and better-funded water management.
“These bills make one thing clear — managing groundwater in isolation no longer works and is no longer an option,” said Claire Marks, education and outreach coordinator for the district. “Aquifers cross county lines, and the challenges facing water supplies require partnerships, transparency and science-based solutions.”
Marks said several new laws directly support those goals, including Senate Bill 480, which took effect June 22 after being signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. The law allows groundwater districts, cities and state agencies to enter formal partnerships for data-sharing, aquifer modeling and drought planning. LPGCD already participates in such efforts, Marks said, but the bill adds legal clarity and promotes a more regional approach.
Senate Bill 7 expands access to state funding for water infrastructure projects such as reuse systems, aquifer storage and rural water improvements. Although LPGCD does not lead those projects, Marks said the district can serve as a partner or data resource for local initiatives.
“Water is a critical need for all Texans,” Abbott said after signing the measure June 18. “With this law, we will secure Texas’ water future for generations to come.”
House Bill 2765, effective Sept. 1, increases the population cap for rural development grants to 200,000, making Bastrop County newly eligible for state funds to improve water and wastewater systems. While the district does not build infrastructure, it may support projects with conservation data, outreach and planning input.
Marks said two other bills authored by state Rep. Stan Gerdes, R- Smithville, will strengthen local well protections. House Bill 1689 allows groundwater districts to repair wells affected by pumping near district boundaries, and House Bill 1633 requires districts to evaluate if new wells would negatively impact existing home and livestock wells.
“Effective groundwater management must be locally informed, regionally coordinated and sustainably funded,” Marks said.
A proposed constitutional amendment, House Joint Resolution 7, could also dedicate a portion of state sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund. If approved by voters Nov. 4, it would provide up to $1 billion annually for water infrastructure, with at least 25 percent reserved for new water supply initiatives.
“This would provide long-term financial support for water planning, conservation, infrastructure and rural water systems,” Marks said. “Most importantly, it includes protections of fresh groundwater resources that our district was established to manage, protect and conserve.”
The amendment would prohibit funding for infrastructure that exports fresh groundwater from water wells.
Marks said the session delivered a “big win” for the district and local residents, but the work does not end there.
“Legislation and policy are only part of the solution. Protecting groundwater requires not only good laws, but also everyday action,” she said. “Every household, landowner and water user must conserve water to the best of their ability.”
