Williamson County will work with local water providers to explore long-term water supply solutions, including an engineering study that will evaluate regional needs for water.

County commissioners approved $500,000 for the study at their Nov. 25 meeting.

“I think there's a lot of angst and fear as we grow. ... Step one is protecting what we have for the people who are here today, and then step two is that sustainable growth,” County Judge Steven Snell said.

What happened

At the meeting, Michael Thane, Round Rock Public Works executive director, outlined recent efforts by local water providers and the county to form a regional coalition.


“Future water is not located in the county anymore,” Thane said. “We have to go get it, and it's going to be expensive.”

Georgetown Water Utilities Director Chelsea Solomon said the coalition could allow cities and water suppliers to jointly fund new water sources and the infrastructure needed to transport them, while also partnering to use existing pipelines and easements more efficiently.

“The regional approach is the best,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said. “It just doesn't make sense, otherwise.”

The setup


Although the county is not a water provider, officials hope to guide cities and utilities in coordinating water procurement, infrastructure planning and conservation efforts through the new study and coalition, Snell said at a Nov. 25 press conference.

The newly formed Williamson County Water Group includes representatives from the county and major water providers:Because each city already manages its own water strategies, “the vision is ... to get everybody on the same page,” Snell said.

Potential solutions could involve groundwater and surface water development, water reuse, upgrades to aging infrastructure, and a broad conservation plan, Snell said.

“I’m looking at a 50-year water solution, not a five-year, not a 10-year,” Snell said. “So we’re going to need everybody at the table for that.”


What’s next

The regional water coalition will put out a request to solicit an engineering firm to conduct the water study, and firms will then be reviewed by the coalition, Thane said.

Proposals are due in February, and the coalition will make a recommendation for the engineering firm to the Commissioners Court in March, Thane said. The water study is anticipated to be conducted in April.

“The best time to have this discussion was a long time ago,” Snell said. “The second best time is today.”


Williamson County will fund the supply through $500,000 set aside in the fiscal year 2025-26 budget. Additional funding for long-term water projects has not yet been identified.

“The funding for it has not been set up as of yet because we need to figure [out] what the needs are and what the solution is,” Snell said.

In case you missed it

Texas voters approved a state constitutional amendment on Nov. 4 authorizing a $20 billion investment in water infrastructure.


“We need to work together with our [state] Legislature,” Snell said. “I think we're going to need help from the governor's office because we're talking about a regional solution, but I think the need goes beyond Williamson County.”