Citizens' Petition to Governor Abbott: Halt High-Density Housing Wastewater Approvals in Comal County – Save Canyon Lake Before It's Too Late!

We, the citizens of Comal County, urge Texas Governor Greg Abbott to issue an executive order for an immediate moratorium on the approval of any residential wastewater permits for high-density housing projects in Comal County.

Whereas Governor Greg Abbott first declared a drought disaster that included Comal County on July 8, 2022.

Under Texas Government Code § 418.016, the Governor may suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or the orders or rules of a state agency if, in the governor's opinion, compliance with the provisions, orders, or rules would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with a disaster.

For proposed permits (e.g., pending applications, draft permits, or pre-operational authorizations), § 418.016 allows suspension of the underlying statutes or rules if tied to the disaster (e.g., a drought straining water resources, where new wastewater capacity could exacerbate shortages).

We are out of water. Canyon Lake is at historic lows. Wells have been and continue to go dry. There is no water supply for a new housing development, either by Texas Water Company or private wells.

We further urge the Governor to give Canyon Lake the same protections as the Highland Lakes have received, which the TCEQ has strictly enforced since 1989.

In addition, we urge the Governor to call for a special session of the Texas Legislature to discuss giving rural zoning authority to the County Commissioners Court.

Please protect Canyon Lake and the Texas Hill Country before it is too late!