Georgetown to Sell Portions of Water Service Territory Amid Rapid Growth Challenges

Georgetown officials are taking decisive steps to address the city's growing water needs by proposing the sale of a significant portion of its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) territory. This move aims to reduce risk and manage the increasing demand for water as the population in the area continues to surge.

During a recent workshop, city leaders discussed the current state of Georgetown's water supply and the challenges posed by rapid growth, particularly in areas outside the city's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). The CCN, which encompasses a sprawling 400 square miles, includes over 40% of customers living beyond city limits. This territory was acquired following the dissolution of the Chisholm Trail Special Utility District, which struggled to manage its water supply.

City officials revealed that the water demand in the former Chisholm Trail area has skyrocketed, with current usage exceeding 800 times the amount at the time of acquisition. As Georgetown anticipates a population of around 900,000 by 2070, the projected water demand could reach 152,000 acre-feet per year—far exceeding the city's current capacity.

To mitigate this looming crisis, the city plans to sell parts of its CCN that lie outside the ETJ, retaining only the areas within city limits and a small section to the west. This strategic decision is expected to significantly reduce the projected water deficit from 100,000 acre-feet to 41,000 acre-feet per year, a 58% decrease.

The city is currently engaging neighboring municipalities to gauge their interest in purchasing the territory. The process will involve a Request for Proposals (RFP) to ensure that any new utility provider can deliver reliable water service and stabilize rates for current customers. Georgetown officials emphasized that they will not cut off water supply during this transition, ensuring that all existing customers maintain access while a new provider is established.

The timeline for this initiative is extensive, with the earliest potential election for city council approval set for May 2026, and the final transfer not expected to close until late 2027 or possibly 2029. City leaders are committed to ensuring that the transition is smooth and beneficial for all residents, particularly those currently relying on Georgetown's water services.