Conrad Hester

Conrad Hester

May 24, 2022 | Texas Lawyer

From Trash to Treasure: Who Owns Valuable Wastewater in the Oil Patch?

Until recently, Texas surface owners were presumed to own the groundwater underneath their property. But recent changes to the Texas Natural Resources Code state that water brought to the surface incident to oil and gas drilling is the property of the person who takes possession of the fluid.

By Conrad Hester and Rory Smith

4 minute read