GMA- 12 looks at socio-economic impacts likely to occur from Preliminary DFCs
The Brazos Valley GCD (Brazos and Robertson counties) commissionedan economic study in partnership with their largest permit holders. SAWDF is concerned that the study only looks at the possible economic benefits from groundwater production, mainly in Brazos County, without mention of the hundreds of domestic and livestock wells that will need to be mitigated, both within and outside that district. There is no mention of the associated costs, disruption, and negative impacts to landowners. Furthermore, the study fails to mention that it was born out of a settlement agreement to a lawsuit brought by the same permit holders who helped finance the study. Despite voting in 2025 to maintain the current DFC of approximately 284 feet of average drawdown in the Simsboro, the lawsuit settlement terms require BVGCD to advocate for 329 feet of average drawdown.
An updated POSGCD computer model indicates the additional drawdown in Brazos and Robertson counties may induce more than 50-100 feet of additional Simsboro drawdown in Milam, Burleson, Lee, and Bastrop counties and a lesser amount in Freestone, Madison, & Leon counties. The BVGCD socio-economic study fails to acknowledge these impacts.
While Lost Pines and Post Oak Savannah GCDs are opposed to any proposal by BVGCD to change the DFC in the Simsboro formation, SAWDF urges you to write your GCD general manager:
· Keep the current DFCs in this round of GMA-12 joint planning.
· Use PS4-2 modified model run to support adoption of the current DFCs.
· Protect domestic/livestock well owners; we comprise more than 90% of water wells in the District.
· Brazos Valley GCD’s legal problems are not a reason for GMA-12 to adopt new DFCs.
GMA-12 representatives will formally vote on proposed “Desired Future Conditions” [DFCs] at an April 16 meeting.
The high level of landowner participation after our previous calls for response to GMA-12’s DFC process had a very positive effect. Once again, we urge you to listen in and participate in the DFC process on April 2 and April 16. You can participate in-person, by phone, or teleconference in GMA-12 meetings. Connection info for the Thursday, 4/2 meeting is here. You can also preview/download materials to be presented at the meeting here. We will keep you posted on future meetings.
No Joking Around – TX Legislature is still focused on Water!
The Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House released their respective Interim charges on March 27, 2026. Click the links below to preview/download the original documents. SAWDF encourages you to read up, think about issues important to you, and begin preparing your comments. Below are some highlights. SAWDF will send an alert when Interim Hearings are scheduled in
either chamber. Senate Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs will meet 9:00 am, May 11 on select charges [see below]
Business & Commerce Committee
Managing Data Center Growth:
Study the adequacy of current statutory, regulatory, and infrastructure frameworks to meet the rapidly increasing demand from large electric loads, such as data centers. Recommend ways to balance economic development benefits of this growth against the impacts on landowners, private property rights, water infrastructure, and community integrity.
Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee
Assessing the Water Demands of Energy-Intensive Technologies:
Examine the current water consumption rates for high-consumption cooling technologies, including data centers. Make recommendations to improve transparency for local water providers and ensure industrial growth does not compromise the affordability of water for Texas residents and agricultural producers.
Safeguarding Texas Livestock Industry:
Preparedness and response strategies regarding the New World Screwworm (NWS). Evaluate the effectiveness of current surveillance, monitoring, and control efforts by the Texas Animal
Health Commission and partner agencies to prevent reintroduction of NWS into Texas. Make recommendations to strengthen biosecurity protocols, improve coordination with federal and international partners, and ensure the long-term protection of the Texas livestock industry and wildlife populations. A hearing is set for 9:00 AM, Monday, May 11, 2026;E1.012 (Hearing Room)
Prioritizing Utility Revenue for Infrastructure Maintenance:
Study the practice of large municipalities transferring revenue from water and wastewater utilities to general funds. Assess the impact of such transfers on delays in projects, infrastructure maintenance backlogs, and water loss mitigation. Make recommendations
to limit the percentage of utility revenue available for transfer and ensure ratepayer funds are dedicated exclusively to the sustainability and security of Texas water systems. A hearing is set for 9:00 AM,Monday, May 11, 2026; E1.012 (Hearing Room)
Evaluating Desalination Viability and Regulatory Efficiency:
Inventory existing facilities and review the permitting framework across relevant state agencies to improve efficiency. Assess the practicality of desalination in high-feasibility regions and identify opportunities for local-level implementation. Make recommendations to streamline the regulatory process. A hearing is set for 9:00 AM, Monday, May 11, 2026; E1.012 (Hearing Room)
Texas House Interim Charges [download here]
Agriculture & Livestock Committee
Resiliency of Texas Agriculture:
Consider the legacy, economic impact, and domestic security benefits of Texas agriculture production. Examine opportunities to ensure the future competitiveness of Texas agriculture, given
challenges such as global market distortions, rising input costs, labor constraints, waterscarcity, and regulatory compliance burdens. Make recommendations to expand access to capital and reduce governmental barriers to enhance the growth
and resilience of Texas agriculture.
Natural Resources Committee
Monitoring:
Monitor the implementation and associated rulemaking of all legislation passed by the Committee and enacted by the 89th Legislature to ensure that legislative purposes are properly
implemented, including the following:
• HJR 7, proposing a constitutional amendment to dedicatea portion of the revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to the Texas
water fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue;
• HB 2078, relating to the joint planning of desired future conditions in
groundwater management areas;
• SB 7, relating to the oversight and financing of certain water infrastructure matters under the jurisdiction of the Texas Water
Development Board; and
• SB 1169, relating to the provision of water or sewer service by public entities operating jointly or concurrently.
Groundwater Management:
Study groundwater regulation and make recommendations to ensure groundwater management is adequately focused on protecting the long-term viability of the state’s aquifers. Specifically address:
- if desired future conditions provide sufficient protection of groundwater resources, and whether impediments to achieving
desired future conditions exist; - the adequacy of groundwater conservation districts’ authority to address impacts from large-scale groundwater production projects, including export projects;
- the need for increased investment in groundwater data and modeling tools to support advanced planning, decision-making, and management; and
- how groundwater production in unregulatedportions of the state impacts the aquifer management efforts of existing groundwater conservation districts.
Brackish Groundwater Production:
Monitor the status of brackish groundwater production zone (BGPZ) designations by the Texas Water Development Board and
the development of brackish groundwater projects within designated BGPZs.
Study the adequacy of scientific understanding of the use and development of brackish aquifers, including a review of current regulatory measures and monitoring requirements to encourage the use of brackish groundwater while ensuring that fresh groundwater resources are preserved and protected.
Data Center Water Use and Conservation:
Examine the total water usage of data center operations in Texas, including direct and indirect uses. Evaluate regulatory, permitting,
and infrastructure considerations for water-efficient data center development, particularly in water-stressed regions. Consider policy options to optimize water resources and enhance water stewardship in the data center sector.
Program Capacity:
Assess the capacity of existing state and federal water infrastructure financial assistance programs, including the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas. Evaluate strategies to leverage
the dedicated revenue stream established by Proposition 4 (HJR 7, 89th Regular Session) to meet identified capital needs and develop recommendations to mitigate any possible short-term funding shortfalls.
Regional Water Planning:
Study the state and regional water planning process, data used to project long-term water needs and available water supplies, criteria used to adopt water supply projects and management strategies, and progress made to address water supply deficits described
within the most recent state water plan. Make recommendations to improve the state and regional water planning process.
Meetings of Interest: [in person or online, see agenda for links]
FCGCD Board Meeting; April 6. 2026, 9:30am, 255 Svoboda Lane, Room 115, La Grange, TX
LPGCD Board Meeting; April 15, 2026, 3:30pm; 317 E Hempstead ST; Giddings, TX [online/in-person]
Thank you for your support!
www.simsborowaterdefensefund.org 512-545-4779 info@simsborowaterdefensefund.org