Coalition established, tasked with heading off shortages
GEORGETOWN — To head off potential water shortages, Williamson County officials are launching a $500,000 study and creating a coalition to assess future needs prompted by supply, population growth and aging infrastructure.
County Judge Steven Snell during a news conference this past week said the study will dive into the county’s water requirements. He also announced plans to create a Williamson County Water Group made up of area water providers and city and county representatives.
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Future water is not located in the county anymore.”
— Michael Thane, Round Rock public works According to some demographers, Williamson County is among the fastest growing in the nation, luring more people and high-tech businesses from semiconductors to space exploration.
“The county is not a water provider and we’re officially not in the water business, but I think we can provide leadership in that conversation as we bring our cities and our water providers together to create a better future for Williamson County,” Snell said from the steps of the Williamson County Courthouse Tuesday.
During the Nov. 25 Commissioners Court meeting earlier that day, Michael Thane, executive director of public works for Round Rock, addressed the dais with his concerns.
“Future water is not located in the county anymore. We have to go get it and it’s going to be expensive,” Thane said.
Thane said 20 of the county’s largest water providers were invited to a meeting with county staff.
“Before now, city water providers were looking out for water for themselves and not having regional conversations. That’s why I think it’s so important that we have everybody in a room,” Thane said.
Discussions centered on water demands and the individual needs of each community, including how they can work together for regional answers.
“Individual solutions are going to be too expensive, but working together we can find opportunities and possibly multiple solutions,” Thane said.
Thane commended Snell for bringing the conversation to the table.
“This is important for the future growth of the county. It’s a smart study that really needs to happen,” he said.
Snell noted the goal is not a short-term solution but a longterm one that will sustain the county for many, many years.
During the noon press conference, he added, “We’re going to get to work right away.”
More details will be coming as plans develop, officials said.
