Concerns over future water supply took center stage at the recent Lakeway City Council meeting, as officials grappled with the rising costs of water and the implications for residents. A council member highlighted the stark contrast between current water prices and the projected costs of desalination, which could soar to between $2,300 and $7,700 per acre-foot. This dramatic increase raises alarms about the affordability of water for future generations, with current rates sitting at $165 per acre-foot through the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA).

The discussion underscored the urgency of addressing water sustainability in the region, especially as the availability of inexpensive water sources dwindles. The council member emphasized the need for proactive measures to secure a reliable water supply, stating, "The cheap water is gone," and urged fellow council members to consider the long-term impacts of their decisions.

In a related update, the council noted an upcoming meeting with LCRA regarding the Arbuckle Reservoir project. Initially budgeted at $450 million, the reservoir is now projected to hold 90,000 acre-feet of water, with expectations that it will refill multiple times. However, the reservoir has yet to come online, leaving uncertainty about its role in the region's water strategy.

As Lakeway navigates these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring a sustainable and affordable water supply for both current residents and future generations.