The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) adopted policy calling for the reaffirmation of the ownership of groundwater as a vested, real property right. The TSCRA Board of Directors overwhelmingly approved the policy at its 2009 fall meeting in Austin.

"As the debate over groundwater ownership continues, it is crucial that the property rights of landowners be protected," said TSCRA President Dave Scott.

"The ownership of groundwater is a fundamental and legal property right that landowners have," Scott continued. "TSCRA urges the Legislature to reaffirm the ownership of groundwater in place as a vested, real property right and supports a regulatory system that recognizes that right."

Texas courts have continually reaffirmed that landowners have a vested property right of groundwater in place. However, recent legal actions have challenged this right.

"Landowners take care of what they own," he continued. "Groundwater is no exception."

TSCRA is a 132-year-old trade organization and is the largest livestock association in Texas. TSCRA has more than 15,000 members who manage approximately four million head of cattle on 51.5 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Okla. TSCRA provides law enforcement services, livestock inspection, legislative and regulatory advocacy and educational opportunities for its members and the industry.