The rate at which the city of Bastrop loses treated drinking water outperformed local, regional and national benchmarks, according to data reviewed during an April 14 Bastrop City Council meeting.
Following a presentation from Public Works Director Curtis Hancock, council adopted the city’s latest water conservation plan, setting updated five- and 10-year conservation targets.
By the numbers
During the meeting, Hancock said the plan is required every five years for cities with more than 3,300 water connections; Bastrop has 5,682 connections.
Hancock said Bastrop’s water loss rate fell below national and regional benchmarks, as well as the city’s own target of 9% or less. He noted the city’s 2025 rate exceeded expectations at 6.7%.
Water loss measures the gap between how much water the city pumps and how much is billed or otherwise accounted for. Lower rates mean less water is lost through leaks, meter issues or other unknown causes. The low rate reflects ongoing leak-monitoring, meter-testing and system-tracking efforts, officials said..
Hancock said the five-year plan is expected to return for updates once the city completes work tied to the Simsboro Water Treatment Plant and related groundwater wells.
What residents should know
Bastrop’s water conservation rules apply year-round, regardless of drought stage.
Landscape irrigation with automatic in-ground or hose-end sprinkler systems is prohibited from 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily. Exceptions include drip irrigation, soaker hoses and hand watering with a shut-off valve.
The plan also prohibits water waste, such as runoff into streets, parking lots or sidewalks, broken sprinkler heads and unrepaired leaks.
One more thing
Place 4 council member Kerry Fossler said residents can request residential water audits through the Public Works Department, 512-332-8920.
“Call us up,” Hancock said.
