Georgetown City Council outlines new water supply and conservation strategies through 2030

The Georgetown City Council meeting on August 26, 2025, focused on the city's water supply strategies and conservation efforts. City officials emphasized that Georgetown is not facing a water shortage, but acknowledged the need to diversify water sources to enhance resilience during droughts.

The meeting highlighted the city's current reliance on surface water from local lakes and a small amount of groundwater from the Edwards Aquifer. To secure additional water by 2030, Georgetown plans to increase its use of groundwater, particularly from the Carrizo Wilcox Aquifer. Other strategies discussed included aquifer storage and recovery, reclaimed water for irrigation, and indirect potable reuse.

Two proposed water supply projects were ultimately rejected due to cost and sustainability concerns. The first was a potential agreement for 10,000 acre-feet of water from Williamson County, which was deemed not economically viable. The second was a contract with GateHouse for 18,500 acre-feet of water from Lee County, which was terminated after determining it was not feasible.

Georgetown is pursuing two promising contracts for long-term groundwater supply, one with Recharge Water and another with EPCOR, both of which involve significant pipeline infrastructure. The city is also expanding its water treatment capacity and focusing on conservation initiatives, including education and incentives for residents to reduce water usage.

The council discussed ongoing efforts to address water violations, emphasizing a proactive approach that includes warnings and educational opportunities for residents. The city is replacing outdated water meters with advanced technology to better monitor consumption and identify leaks, aiming to enhance overall water management and conservation efforts.

Overall, the meeting underscored Georgetown's commitment to ensuring a sustainable water supply while actively engaging the community in conservation practices.