By: Martinez Fischer H.B. No. 3193
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the applicability of the general law governing
  groundwater conservation districts to the management of brackish
  groundwater.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 36.001, Water Code, is amended by
  amending Subdivision (5) and adding Subdivision (30) to read as
  follows:
               (5)  "Groundwater" means water percolating below the
  surface of the earth.  The term does not include brackish
  groundwater.
               (30)  "Brackish groundwater" means groundwater that
  has a salinity of more than 1,000 milligrams per liter but not more
  than 35,000 milligrams per liter.
         SECTION 2.  Section 36.117, Water Code, is amended by
  amending Subsection (l) and adding Subsection (m) to read as
  follows:
         (l)  Except as provided by Subsection (m), this [This]
  chapter applies to water wells, including water wells used to
  supply water for activities related to the exploration or
  production of hydrocarbons or minerals.  This chapter does not
  apply to production or injection wells drilled for oil, gas,
  sulphur, uranium, or brine, or for core tests, or for injection of
  gas, saltwater, or other fluids, under permits issued by the
  Railroad Commission of Texas.
         (m)  This chapter does not apply to wells used to withdraw
  brackish groundwater.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.