09/02/2026
đšUpdate on the Aqua Texas and the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District Lawsuit. Please see link below for the full Summary Judgement.
What does this mean?
- Hays Trinity largely prevailed: The court upheld the Districtâs authority to enforce the permitting moratorium, over-pumping penalties, and groundwater line-loss rules.
-Aqua Texas lost most major claims: The court rejected its equal-protection, takings, and Chapter 245 arguments.
-Aqua Texas did win on wastewater/sewage spills: The court found Hays Trinity exceeded its authority under the specific groundwater statutes and rules at issue when regulating water/sewage spills.
-Aqua Texasâ permits remain effective: Seven permits Hays Trinity argued had expired remain in effect while related enforcement matters are unresolved.
Several issues remain: TOMA/open-meeting compliance, late reporting, and abandoned/deteriorated wells are still pending, and the court will set a trial date.
Bottom line: This is generally a strong ruling for Hays Trinityâs core groundwater-regulatory authority, particularly its ability to manage groundwater production and enforce the moratorium, while placing some limits on how the District can regulate wastewater/sewage spills and leaving a few procedural and enforcement issues for trial.
Link to full summary judgement:
https://brazosvalleygcd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Aqua-Texas-Inc-v.-Hays-Trinity-GCD-Orders-on-Motions-for-Summary-Judgment.pdf