The Hays County Commissioners Court approved the first countywide water study since 2011 at a Jan. 20 meeting. The study will help commissioners better understand the current water conditions in the county and plan for long-term sustainability that supports responsible water management.
Current situation
Significant growth in Hays County has increased development pressure over the last decade, according to the county. The region continues to face significant water challenges as the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District nears its first-ever Stage 4 drought, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
The final results of the study, to be conducted by HDR Engineers Inc., are expected at the end of an 11-month period and will not exceed a cost of $542,360. County officials expect to report updates throughout the process. The community will have opportunities to engage with the study throughout its progress.
HDR Engineers’ study will be broad and focus on a variety of forward-looking areas, according to the county, including:
Water supply planningWastewater effluent managementLocalized flood planningExisting water regulationsThe four county precincts will each undergo a flooding assessment. The study will include a focused evaluation of centralized sewer options for the Hillside Terrace neighborhood, an older, higher-density area facing flooding and aging septic system concerns.
Looking ahead
The water study will combine updated data, flood assessments, infrastructure evaluations and community input to help guide county officials as they work to support growth and maintain healthy and sustainable water resources, according to the city.
Due to the severe drought conditions in the county, Ruben Becerra, Hays County judge and emergency management director, called for Stage 4 water restriction issuings from all water supply corporations, municipal providers and groundwater districts Feb. 4.
Commissioners Court may soon consider a moratorium proposed by Becerra on the approval of permits for new developments that use excessive amounts of water, including data centers, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
The agenda for Commissioners Court’s Feb. 24 meeting includes three items pertaining to water conditions and conservation, including:
A possible resolution related to emergency drought response and water conservation measuresA potential adoption of Findings of Fact related to drought conditions, groundwater supply limitations and potential risks to the county’s ability to maintain necessary water availability for emergency servicesA potential amendment to county development review procedures, ensuring water conservation and water supply feasibility are measured and considered for developments that use high amounts of water