The specifics
Over the past several years, the city has seen an increase in the revenue, demand and cost for water. The city, simultaneously, has been working to expand its water resources and keep up with the growth, according to a news release.
The cities of Buda, Kyle and San Marcos, along with other subdivisions in the area, are part of the Alliance Regional Water Authority, which has been in the works for about two decades, Executive Director Graham Moore told Community Impact.
The Alliance Regional Water Authority will connect to the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, which differs greatly from the Edwards Aquifer.
“The Carrizo aquifer is very different; it's like a big, thick, beach sand aquifer,” Graham said. “It's very slow. ... It also is slow to recharge. ... It's very difficult to get that water to move through that sand.”
The authority's water treatment plant is located in Delhi, east of San Marcos, with connection pumps and water storage throughout Hays County.
By the numbers
The city's water usage has increased this summer compared to the rest of the year but has not reached the same capacity as last year; Buda remains in Stage 2 drought restrictions.What's next?
The revenue collected from the increase in water rates would fund the necessary supplies and costs for connecting to the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, which is expected to begin providing water early next year.
For the time being, City Council will vote Sept. 19 on the proposed budget and the subsequent water increase. If approved, the increase water rates will take effect on meter readings in October and will be reflected in November bills.
