County hears water-supply study; consultants push PUA planning, announce Nov. 21 symposium

The Parker County Commissioners Court on Oct. 27 heard an update on a countywide water-supply study and early planning work toward a possible Public Utility Agency to coordinate regional water supply and transmission.

"What we're trying to do is provide and find both short term and long term solutions for addressing the water needs throughout Parker County," said Andrew Franco of Friese and Nichols Engineering, who presented charts showing deeper drilling and reduced well yields over the last 20 years. Franco said the team is evaluating options including a PUA and a water district and will draft governance documents next year.

Consultants told the court the PUA could be a locally governed entity the county customizes — including choices about taxing authority, debt issuance and bidding rules — and could be organized faster than a water district. Franco said the study is collecting demand information, meeting with water providers and planning public engagement, including a "PUA roadshow" of community presentations.

Commissioners emphasized the project's economic-development importance. One commissioner called it "one of the most important things" facing Parker County, urging public engagement and urging residents to submit questions on the project's website. The consultant team invited residents and local officials to a water symposium set for Nov. 21 at the Parker County Sheriff's Posse Clubhouse where speakers will include representatives from the Texas Water Development Board to discuss funding.

The court did not take formal action on governance at the meeting; staff indicated the PUA governance draft would be prepared early next year with possible formation in mid-year after concurrent ordinances are passed by member entities.