The Denton City Council convened on September 16, 2025, to address critical updates regarding the city's water master plan, a vital tool for managing water infrastructure in response to growth trends. The meeting highlighted significant shifts in population growth patterns that have emerged since the last master plan was adopted in February 2018.

Stephen Gay, the General Manager of Water Utilities and Street Operations, presented the findings, noting that the previous plan underestimated growth in certain areas while overestimating it in others. The current trends show a surge in development, particularly in industrial zones south of Highway 380 and west of Interstate 35, contrasting sharply with the slower growth in the city’s core. This discrepancy has created an urgent need for additional water treatment capacity and infrastructure that was not anticipated in the earlier plan.

The updated water master plan indicates a staggering increase in required capital investment, rising from $248 million to approximately $1.12 billion over the next 25 years. This reflects the necessity for enhanced infrastructure to accommodate the rapid growth, particularly in areas that currently lack adequate water services. The council discussed the implications of these findings, emphasizing the importance of adapting the city’s water management strategies to meet the evolving demands of its population.

In addition to the water master plan, the meeting included a segment for citizen comments and clarifications on agenda items, though no public input was recorded. The council's discussions underscored the importance of proactive planning in ensuring that Denton can sustainably manage its water resources in the face of significant growth.

As the city moves forward, the council will need to prioritize the implementation of the updated capital improvement plan to address the immediate and long-term water infrastructure needs of Denton. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing evaluation and adaptation of the water master plan to ensure it remains a relevant and effective tool for the community's future.