HB 2915 Summary

• Creates the Groundwater Severance Restriction Act to restrict permanent severing of groundwater from land for commercial water operations or systems, except for domestic use only.

• Requires commercial water operation agreements to be in writing, filed with the county clerk, and include information such as party names, legal description, nature of interest, consideration, planned improvements, and termination conditions.

• Prohibits severance of any groundwater-related resources from the surface estate except for leases with definite terms complying with the act's provisions.

• Establishes that underground injection wells, disposal wells, and commercial disposal wells drilled after the effective date cannot be located within one-half mile of residential developments, unless the parties agree in writing to different setback distances.

• Effective date: November 1, 2012.