GROUNDWATER WELLS UNDER JURISDICTION OF RAILROAD COMMISSION

(a) In this section: (1) "Public utility" means any person, corporation, public utility, water supply or sewer service corporation, municipality, political subdivision, or agency operating, maintaining, or controlling facilities in this state for providing potable water service for compensation. (2) "Railroad commission" means the Railroad Commission of Texas. (b) A groundwater well drilled or operated in the district under a permit issued by the railroad commission is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the railroad commission and is exempt from regulation by the district. (c) Groundwater produced in an amount authorized by a railroad commission permit may be used in or exported from the district without a permit from the district. (d) To the extent groundwater production exceeds railroad commission authorization, the holder of the railroad commission permit: (1) shall apply to the district for the appropriate permit for the excess production; and (2) is subject to the applicable regulatory fees. (e) Groundwater produced from a well under the jurisdiction of the railroad commission is generally exempt from water district fees. However, the district may impose a pumping fee or an export fee on groundwater produced from an otherwise exempt mine well that is used for municipal purposes or by a public utility. A fee imposed by the district under this subsection may not exceed the fee imposed on other groundwater producers in the district.