The city’s long-term water plan is for 50 years of future water needs. Its short-term plan looks to address water supply issues through 2028.
Council approved a $496,783 task order to structural engineering firm CP&Y Inc., now doing business as STV Infrastructure, to develop its Water Master Plan on Feb. 20.
How we got here
Like many cities in the Central Texas region, a prolonged drought has put a strain on the city’s water supply.
Council received a presentation from city staff regarding the city’s 2023 water usage and restriction on Feb. 6, which identified planned short-term and long-term water supply and future water supply opportunities.
In September, San Marcos City Council unanimously approved an interlocal water agreement allowing them to temporarily transfer Edwards Aquifer Water rights to the city of Kyle. Under the agreement—which expired Dec. 31—the city of Kyle was able to receive up to 310 acre-feet of water, which equals about 100 million gallons.
The city of Kyle also implemented amended Stage 3 restrictions with the goal of reducing the city’s water usage by 30%. According to the presentation, the city surpassed its goal by 12%, decreasing its water usage by an average of 42% daily.
Communications Director Rachel Sonnier said the city of Kyle is exploring an opportunity to utilize the water Kyle will have available from the Alliance Water Regional Authority water source using the delivery point in San Marcos.
“This would be available beyond the 500,000 [gallons per day] that is currently available to Kyle through the emergency interconnection agreement,” Sonnier said in an email to Community Impact.
The takeaway
STV Infrastructure will develop a Water Master Plan to evaluate the city’s water sources and explore a framework to acquire additional water to meet the city’s demands at full build-out, according to agenda documents.
The Water Master Plan will also make recommendations for future capital projects and developer-driven initiatives.
What's next?
There will be a kick-off meeting with the city and the city's design team to review the scope and goals of the project.
