A VIEW FROM THE COUNCIL TABLE

Woodcreek City Council

It’s high time leaders in the Wimberley Valley speak out about Aqua Texas’ negligent operational practices. FACT: In 2018 there are 1946 taps in our Valley and average a rate of $140 each = $3,269,280. It’s estimated Aqua spent less than one-quarter on maintenance and operations. The water tower paint job, a capital expense, was 4 years past due and cost roughly $600,000. FACT: Woodcreek (Aqua Texas) water frequently tastes and smells of sewer. There is belief among many of us that our Cities’ water well may be commingling with wastewater line leaks, along with possible waste overflows into groundwater and Cypress Creek. FACT: Aqua charges a base rate for consumers, regardless of how much water they use (if it’s under 3,000 gallons per month) Outcome: you should see all the water wasting St. Augustine lawns out here. Because, “if we (local ratepayers) are paying for it, we’re going to use it.” FACT: point source pollution has not been detected in Cypress Creek because the Type 2 water is being used on the golf course. We know that water is not absorbed entirely and is indeed running off into Cypress Creek as non-point source pollution. Come drive our neighborhoods and look at the dry creeks when they’re flowing…… Wimberley, you may take comfort that you’re “only” engaging this company to handle your sewer. But you’ll be enabling their growth in our Valley, at the same time they’re wasting and mismanaging our water. We should all ask Aqua Texas to fix their leaks of 29%, compared to the Nationally set standard of 15%, Wimberley, you’re on the precipice of a grievous error. Come out here and look; this filth literally flows (downstream) downhill. And guess where you’re located? What goes around, comes around.

Cyndi Jackson

(Editor’s Note: The views expressed by the writer are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the city they serve.)