The Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority was founded as a partnership among Cedar Park, Leander and Round Rock to design and construct a water intake system to bring water to all three cities. Karen Bondy was recently selected as the authority’s new general manager.

Tell me about your past experience in the water industry. What are some of the roles you’ve held in the past?
My career has focused on developing major water infrastructure projects, including new reservoirs, pipelines and water treatment plants, to meet regional needs. Most recently I had 20 years of experience at the Lower Colorado River Authority, which provides water supply to the BCRUA member cities. Prior to that I was a water resources engineer at a water and wastewater consulting engineering firm specializing in water utility planning, design and construction management. ... My last position was senior vice president of water resources.

What are your responsibilities as general manager?
My responsibilities include successfully leading the myriad of BCRUA initiatives, including design, construction and operations. I also will guide the BCRUA board of directors through the decision-making process, considering the needs of all three city partners to provide reliable, cost-effective sources of water for their fast-growing jurisdictions. BCRUA was successful in developing our first phase of infrastructure, securing a significant Texas Water Development Board low-interest loan, saving enough money to partially fund the next expansion. Now we are entering a growth period where the next five years will be exciting and challenging. We have just started construction on the expansion of the water treatment plant and intake and are about to begin final design of Phase 2A, the permanent deep raw water intake, pump station and tunneled pipeline.

You will oversee the BCRUA’s deep-water Intake project Phase 2’s final design and construction. What should Cedar Park, Leander and Round Rock residents know about the water treatment system?
This tri-city partnership to provide water for this fast-growing region is vitally important for the economic future of this region and to protect the health, safety and quality of life for residents. The BCRUA has designed a regional water supply solution that makes sense. Not only is it more cost-efficient and environmentally sound, it also provides a solid foundation for local businesses and the well-being of residents in all surrounding communities. Public involvement is a critical part of the BCRUA’s regional initiative, and we want to hear from you.