Effective Jan. 20, the professional services agreement for a countywide water study was approved by the Hays County Commissioners Court. The study aims to better understand current water conditions and plan for long-term sustainability across the region, supporting responsible water management amid rapid growth and evolving environmental challenges.
The new study marks the first countywide water analysis since 2011.
“The last water study that we had done is from 2011,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer, emphasizing the need for updated data that reflects current conditions.
Over the last decade, Hays County has experienced significant growth, increased development pressure, and ongoing water challenges, particularly in West Hays County.
“There have always been challenges in West Hays County,” Hammer said. “There are so many factors at play, and every part of the county is different, so this study will help us clearly see what’s really going on.”
Following a competitive selection process, HDR Engineering Inc. was chosen to conduct the study. HDR brings extensive experience in water resource planning and will work closely with county leadership throughout the process. The study will take approximately 11 months to complete, with a not-to-exceed cost of $542,360.
The scope of the study is broad and forward-looking. It will evaluate water supply planning, wastewater effluent management, localized flood planning, and existing regulations that impact water use. The study will also include a flooding assessment for all four county precincts and a focused evaluation of centralized sewer options for the Hillside Terrace neighborhood, an older, higher-density area facing flooding and aging septic system concerns.
Public stakeholder outreach will be a key component of the effort.
“This study gives us a good perspective of where we are at from a water standpoint,” Hammer said. “This would be helpful to have in conjunction with subdivision regulations to give us a better understanding of our Priority Groundwater Management Areas.”
While the study is still in its early stages and final results are expected at the conclusion of the 11-month timeline, County leaders anticipate that interval updates and opportunities for public engagement will be shared as the work progresses. Residents will have opportunities to learn more about the findings and how they may inform future planning and policy decisions.
Looking ahead, Hays County views this study as a foundational step toward protecting water resources for future generations. By combining updated data, flood assessments, infrastructure evaluation and community input, County leaders aim to develop long-term strategies that support growth while maintaining healthy and sustainable water resources countywide.
