Central Texas coalition to pursue water sources

Hays County formed the coalition with the cities of Bee Cave, Leander, Sunrise Beach and West Lake Hills in spring 2011. The group's first goal was to purchase retail water and wastewater utility systems from the Lower Colorado River Authority, but the LCRA sold those systems to a Canadian company in April.

Whisenant said the coalition's new objectives will include attempts to influence decisions at the state level and in the 2013 Legislature. The group will seek preliminary funding from the State of Texas.

"I think it would be a simple transition, and it would ensure all the citizens of Central Texas have access to good water," coalition President Pix Howell said.

Other coalition members include the counties of Bastrop, Burnet, Llano and Travis, along with several cities, municipal utility districts and other water suppliers.

Howell said members of the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency, which includes the cities of San Marcos, Buda and Kyle, are supportive of the coalition's efforts. The Hays Caldwell PUA is planning to pump water from Gonzales and Caldwell counties and deliver it to Hays County cities along the I-35 corridor.