Georgetown City Council Approves Major Water Supply Agreement

News Summary

The Georgetown City Council has taken significant steps to secure the city’s drinking water needs by approving a contract with GateHouse Water LLC to purchase 16.5 million gallons daily from the Simsboro Aquifer. This decision comes as Georgetown experiences rapid growth, necessitating proactive measures to ensure adequate water supply. Additionally, the city has a two-year reservation with EPCOR for groundwater from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, with plans for long-term agreements and infrastructure to enhance water access for residents through 2050.

Georgetown City Council Takes Big Steps for Future Water Supply

Good news for residents of Georgetown! At a special-called meeting on January 3, 2025, the city council members made a crucial decision that will have a lasting impact on the city’s drinking water needs. They officially approved an agreement to purchase a whopping 16.5 million gallons of drinking water every single day from GateHouse Water LLC, with the water being sourced from the Simsboro Aquifer.

Why This Matters

As Georgetown has seen rapid growth over the past few years, the city has been proactive in addressing its increasing demand for water. Back in 2022, the city started updating its water and wastewater planning. This was necessary due to the fast-paced population increase and the corresponding need for additional water supplies. The city took the bull by the horns, and by May 2023, the Integrated Water Resource Plan (IWRP) was finalized and made available to the public.

The IWRP report painted a clear picture: if nothing changes, the baseline water demand in Georgetown is expected to exceed the current supply by 2030. While the city’s existing water sources are anticipated to continue meeting demand for the time being, officials are concerned that burgeoning population growth could lead to water restrictions down the line. That’s why new agreements were essential.

Recent Developments

two-year reservation agreement with EPCOR in August 2023. This agreement allows for up to 62.5 million gallons of groundwater daily from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. The city is gearing up to finalize a long-term supply agreement with EPCOR next year, setting the stage for a secure water future.

To make the most of this additional water supply, the city is planning to build infrastructure that will be essential for transporting and treating Carrizo-Wilcox groundwater by 2030. This means greater access to water resources as the population grows, ensuring that everyone has plenty of water to drink and use.

Looking Ahead

Georgetown’s officials seem optimistic about the recent developments. With the long-term agreement with EPCOR on the horizon, they are confident that this will adequately meet the city’s water needs all the way until 2050. However, the need for sustainable water management remains crucial as the city evolves.

As media inquiries have referenced the findings from the IWRP report, residents should remain informed on projected water supply needs. But for now, the message is clear: Georgetown is taking smart steps to secure a reliable drinking water source for its growing community. This decision shows that local leaders are not just talking the talk but walking the walk when it comes to planning for the future.