Planning a Reliable and Resilient Water Supply Now for the Future (Source: Texas ASCE)
By Travis Michel and Hunter Hanson
As more people are drawn to the Interstate 35 (I-35) corridor between San Antonio and Austin, there is an expectation that resources—like water—will continue to be there. The region has experienced significant population growth and expansion because of job opportunities, a thriving tech industry, and close proximity to both the Alamo City and the Capital City.
In the early 2000s, municipalities in this part of Central Texas recognized the need for an additional water supply. In response to this need, the Alliance Regional Water Authority (ARWA) — formerly Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency — was established in 2007. ARWA was created by its sponsors, the cities of Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, and the Canyon Regional Water Authority. Since ARWA’s conception, and through its planning efforts, a new groundwater source was envisioned to supplement each stakeholders’ water supply to meet future growth projections. This new supply would diversify each stakeholder’s water supply portfolio and increase their water system’s resiliency to drought.
