Hays County Launches First Countywide Water Study Since 2011 to Plan for Growth, Drought and Long-Term Water Sustainability
For families watching new neighborhoods rise, for ranchers relying on groundwater, and for homeowners concerned about flood risks and long-term water supply, Hays County’s latest move signals something important: the county is planning ahead.
The Hays County Commissioners Court has officially approved a new countywide water study — the first comprehensive study of its kind since 2011 — aimed at evaluating current water conditions and building a long-term sustainability strategy amid rapid population growth and increasing environmental pressures.
For residents in San Marcos, Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs, Wimberley and surrounding communities, this effort directly ties to questions many are already asking: Is our water supply secure? How will future development affect groundwater? Are we prepared for flooding and drought?
County leaders say this study is designed to answer those questions with updated data and a forward-looking plan.
Why This Water Study Matters for Hays County Residents
Hays County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas. Growth brings opportunity — new homes, new businesses, expanded schools — but it also places increased demand on water infrastructure, wastewater systems and drainage capacity.
The newly approved 11-month study will take a comprehensive look at:
- Water supply planning
- Wastewater management
- Flood risks across all four precincts
- Infrastructure needs countywide
- A focused review of the Hillside Terrace neighborhood
By examining these elements together, officials aim to better understand cumulative impacts and identify strategies that protect long-term water security for residents, agriculture and future generations.
For property owners, this can influence flood mitigation planning and infrastructure investments. For families, it connects directly to reliable utilities and public safety. For taxpayers, it signals an effort to make informed decisions before problems become emergencies.
HDR Engineering to Lead Comprehensive Review
The Commissioners Court selected HDR Engineering Inc. to conduct the study. Over the next 11 months, the firm will analyze updated hydrological data, evaluate groundwater and surface water conditions, review wastewater capacity, and assess flood-prone areas across Hays County.
The study will also incorporate modern modeling tools and updated environmental data that were not available during the county’s last major water study in 2011.
A focused review in the Hillside Terrace neighborhood will examine localized concerns, ensuring that smaller communities are not overlooked within the broader countywide assessment.
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Public Input Will Shape the Plan
County officials emphasize that community engagement will be a central part of the process. Residents will have opportunities to provide feedback, raise concerns, and contribute local knowledge about flooding, drainage challenges, and water access issues.
Public participation is expected to help ensure that the final recommendations reflect real-world conditions — not just engineering models.
For residents wondering how to stay informed, updates are expected through official Hays County channels and future Commissioners Court meetings.
Connecting to Broader Water Conservation Conversations
The launch of this study follows recent county-level discussions about water conservation, drought response and industrial water usage — including calls for proactive measures to safeguard groundwater reserves.
As drought conditions and water security concerns continue across Central Texas, Hays County leaders appear focused on long-term resilience rather than reactive planning.
By combining updated data, flood assessments and community engagement, the county is positioning itself to better manage growth while protecting one of its most critical resources.
What Happens Next?
Over the coming months:
- HDR Engineering will conduct data analysis and field evaluations.
- Flood risks will be reviewed across all four precincts.
- Infrastructure capacity and future needs will be assessed.
- Public engagement opportunities will be scheduled.
- Findings and recommendations will be presented to Commissioners Court.
The final study is expected to guide policy decisions, infrastructure investments and water management strategies for years to come.
For many residents, the message is clear: water planning in Hays County is entering a new chapter.
As development continues and environmental conditions shift, the decisions made during this 11-month study could shape how communities in San Marcos, Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs and Wimberley grow — and how they protect the water that sustains them.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continued updates on the Hays County water study and what it means for your neighborhood.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.