East Texas Water Battle: Lawmakers Hit Pause on Big Pumping Project

Photo Credit: Jasper County Texas Development District #1

Lake Sam Rayburn, East Texas’ largest reservoir, is closely tied to the region’s water supply. While the fight centers on the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, experts warn over-pumping groundwater can also reduce flows into rivers and lakes.

AUSTIN, Texas — State lawmakers have hit the brakes on a controversial plan to pump huge amounts of East Texas water and ship it north.

A Dallas investor wanted to drill high-volume water wells in Anderson and Henderson counties—pulling millions of gallons of groundwater each year from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. That aquifer stretches under much of East Texas, including Jasper, Newton, Tyler, Hardin, Angelina, and Sabine counties.

Locals feared the project could drain private wells, hurt farms and ranches, and even impact rivers and lakes that communities depend on.

In response, the Texas House passed a bill by Rep. Cody Harris (R-Palestine) that pauses new water export permits for two years while the state studies whether pumping this much water is sustainable.

“If we don’t protect our water now, we may not have it later. Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” Harris said.

During the pause, the Texas Water Development Board will study how much water can safely be pumped without damaging the aquifer or lowering levels in rivers and streams.

Why This Matters to Us

Even though the project is centered in Anderson and Henderson counties, the aquifer is shared across East Texas. What’s pumped out in one area can affect wells, cattle operations, crops, and even city water supplies in other counties.

Experts also warn that overuse of the aquifer can reduce groundwater flows into rivers like the Neches and Angelina. Those rivers help feed Lake Sam Rayburn, East Texas’ largest reservoir—a resource that thousands depend on for both water and recreation.

Local leaders, farmers, and even major poultry operations joined in fighting the project, saying it put East Texas at risk just to sell water elsewhere.

For now, the pause gives communities a breather—but the fight over who controls East Texas water isn’t going away.