When selecting our list of five topics to keep an eye on in 2017, there were plenty of big-ticket items that we could not include in that list. Chief among them may be the work of the Hays-Caldwell Public Utility Agency, which includes the cities of San Marcos, Kyle and Buda as well as the Canyon Regional Water Authority.

The organization, which was created to find and deliver long-term water solutions to its member cities, plans to transport up to 27 million gallons of water per day when the project is fully built out.

January marks the 10th anniversary of the HCPUA’s formation, and 2017 promises to be a landmark year for the organization. Construction will continue throughout 2017 on pump stations and a pipeline connecting the cities of Kyle and Buda and will allow the cities to share water—will continue throughout 2017. The organization also plans to seek funding assistance this year for the $110 million project from the Texas Water Development Board this year.

So why should you care? If you like turning on the faucet and seeing water come out, the HCPUA is an organization worth paying attention to. 

Do you have a question about how local government works or something going on in town? Send it to [email protected].