TCEQ lifts restrictions on water rights

Dow Chemical Company has rescinded its senior priority call and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has notified Brazos River Basin junior water-right holders that their right to divert water is no longer suspended or adjusted.

On Nov. 19, 2012, Jan. 8, 2013, and Jan. 15, 2013, the TCEQ responded to a senior priority call from Dow Chemical Company in the Brazos River Basin by notifying junior water-right holders with a priority date of Feb. 15, 1942 or later that their right to divert was suspended or adjusted, and therefore, they could not divert water except under temporary higher flow conditions. The senior priority call has now been rescinded, and water right holders can divert water again under the terms of their water rights.

The TCEQ continues to monitor the situation closely and strives to balance protection of senior and superior surface water rights while attempting to minimize the impact to junior water right holders, within TCEQ’s authority.

Water is a precious resource—all Texans are encouraged to conserve, especially during times of drought.