The city partnered with STV Engineering to develop the plan, which aims to evaluate Kyle’s existing water sources and provide a strategic framework for acquiring additional water, managing the current supply and recommending system improvements to meet the needs of current and future residents, according to the release.
The Water Master Plan will guide the city’s water planning efforts for the next 50 years.
The overview
Water supply has been a discussion in Kyle and neighboring cities for months as Hays County has experienced significant growth.
According to Texas Water Development Board's 2026 Draft Regional Water Plan, Kyle’s annual water demand is projected to increase from 5,929 acre-feet in 2030 to 14,261 acre-feet by 2080. By 2050, existing water supplies are expected to fall short—projected to be 8 acre-feet below the city’s annual needs.
While drought conditions contribute to water strain, population growth is a primary factor. Kyle’s population is expected to grow from approximately 61,000 in 2030 to about 148,000 in 2080.
The draft regional water plan does not account for water projects that have yet to be online.
More details
Kyle currently has a permitted water supply of 6.65 million gallons per day, or 7,450 acre-feet per year, according to city documents presented during a March 29 council workshop. This refers to the total volume of water the city is authorized to use in a given year.
However, the firm supply—defined as the amount available during maximum drought conditions—is lower. Kyle’s firm supply stands at 4.09 million gallons per day, or 3,585 acre-feet per year, which is about 61% of the city’s permitted supply.
Several improvements are planned, including support from the Alliance Regional Water Authority. One of the ongoing projects includes the Carrizo-Wilcox Water Treatment Plant, which is expected to complete one phase in early May, according to Ryan Owens, Vice President and Regional Business Development Director of STV, Inc. The plant will give Kyle, San Marcos, and other cities access to the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, a drought-resistant water source.
Phase 1B includes the completion of “Segment C,” which runs from a booster pump station in Maxwell through San Marcos, Kyle and Buda, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
Once Phase 1B comes online, Kyle’s firm water supply will increase by 42%., according to city documents. When Phases 1C and 1D come online—anticipated in 2027—the supply will grow by another 31%. Phase 2, expected to come online in 2032, will provide a 66% increase, bringing Kyle’s supply to about 12.66 MGD, or 14,180 acre-feet per year.
Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer is also considered drought-resistant, according to Owens.
More details
According to city documents, the plan also recommends long-term strategies such as:
- Building an aquifer storage and recovery well by 2030 ($48.5 million capital cost)
- Participating in the GBRA’s WaterSECURE program by 2034 ($55,000 per acre-foot)
- Evaluating indirect and direct potable reuse options by 2036 ($143 million capital cost, $42,600 per acre-foot)
Notable quotes
“This is not a document that goes on the shelf and just sits there,” City Manager Bryan Langley said at the March 29 meeting. “This is an action-oriented plan that we’re going to be using to bring specific projects back to the council over the next few months.“
