AUSTIN (KXAN) – A hot button issue involving water belonging to the residents of Hays County has been resolved after the Texas Senate passed a bill meant to protect it.

The Trinity Aquifer in Hays County is not currently within a groundwater district but will now be covered by the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation. This comes after a bill put forth by State Representative Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) and State Senator Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels.)

The drilling of the aquifer has been contested by the residents of Hays County since Houston-based company called Electro Purification announced a plan to pump millions of gallons of water every day.

“I’m pleased to announce an agreement has been reached that will protect private property rights and groundwater within Hays County,” said Rep. Isaac.  “Additionally, BSEACD is a non-taxing district, and residential and agricultural wells will be exempt from fees.”

Since the passage of HB 3405 in the House on May 8, 2015, Rep. Isaac and Sen. Campbell have diligently worked to fight off amendments and unnecessary language in the Senate.