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Blanco‑Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District Declares Temporary Suspension of New Non‑Exempt Drilling, Operating and Transport Permit Applications

JOHNSON CITY, TEXAS – JANUARY 15, 2026 — The Blanco‑Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District (BPGCD) Board of Directors adopted Resolution 2026‑001, temporarily halting the acceptance of new non‑exempt drilling, operating, and transport permit applications, as well as any amendments that would increase authorized groundwater production.

The resolution, effective immediately, is intended to give the Board a reasonable timeframe to (1) evaluate existing district rules and propose amendments that align with the District’s Comprehensive Management Plan, (2) incorporate forthcoming legislative actions from the 88th and 89th Texas Legislative Sessions, and (3) publish rule amendments required to meet the Texas Water Code § 36.1071 mandates.

Key provisions of the resolution

• Prohibited Applications – All new non‑exempt drilling, operating, or transport permit applications, and any amendments that would increase non‑exempt permit production, are suspended.
• Exceptions – The District will continue to accept and process:
• • Exempt well registrations,
  • Non‑exempt operating and transport permit renewals,
  • Amendments that do not increase authorized production,
  • Permit ownership transfers, and
  • Replacement wells, provided they do not raise production levels.
• Pending Applications – Administratively complete applications received prior to the resolution’s effective date will be reviewed and processed without interruption.
• Future Lift of Suspension – The suspension will remain in place until the Board formally adopts the necessary rule amendments to implement the Management Plan’s Desired Future Conditions and the Texas Water Development Board’s modeled available groundwater projections.