LAN developed the Buda Water Systems Model for existing capacity analysis. As part of the project, a 2025 water systems model was created and analyzed to identify improvements needed to support increased demand in the system. LAN developed the WaterCAD Model using historical water meter data for the water demands in the model. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was used to geo-code customer address information and combine the water-meter usage flow rates to demand nodes represented in the model.

The 2025 model was built to plan for future development, which included an Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) study and a Water Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) study. LAN worked with the City identifying areas for potential development and included future planned water supply from the Hays-Caldwell Public Utility Agency’s interconnection. Four different model scenarios were created for future build-out of the subdivisions in West Buda and anticipated future infrastructure. One model included a pressure plane analysis to determine which of the City’s two pressures planes should include the Cullen Country and Creekside Subdivisions for future pressure, supply, and elevated storage capacity. As part of the modeling study LAN identified solutions to address deficiencies in the water system for existing and future demands. These recommendations were prioritized for maximum benefit to the City from a financial and a system operation stand point.