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Originally published April 28, 2003; updates made on Oct. 22, 2004
What is the 290 water line?
Why did LCRA extend water service to northern Hays County?
Why are some people concerned about extending water service into Hays County?
How have environmental concerns been addressed?
What is the status of the 290 water line?
Which new developments will LCRA serve from the 290 water line?
Is LCRA doing anything else to encourage water conservation and water-quality protection?
Who can the public contact for more information?
What is the 290 water line?
It is a 15-mile water transmission line and pump system that conveys treated water from LCRA's West Travis County Regional Water System at Bee Cave to western Travis County and northern Hays County. It's often referred to as the 290 water line because it was built in easements alongside U.S. Highway 290. With improvements to the water treatment plant, the water line has the current capacity to serve about 10,000 households.
Why did LCRA extend water service to northern Hays County?
LCRA provides water and wastewater utility services at the request of rural and suburban communities in its service area. Several years ago Hays County residents and officials, citing increasing problems with groundwater supply and quality, asked LCRA to provide drinking water from its nearby regional water system. Because northern Hays County is in the Colorado River basin and in LCRA's water service area, LCRA agreed to work with the county to find a solution to its worsening water supply and water quality problems.
Why are some people concerned about extending water service into Hays County?
Parts of Hays County are in the environmentally sensitive Barton Springs watershed. Some environmental and other interest groups have opposed the water line, saying that it will attract more growth and affect water quality and habitat for endangered species.
How have environmental concerns been addressed?
Before constructing the line, LCRA conducted an environmental assessment and a biological evaluation of the project. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a biological opinion that considered measures for protecting water quality and the Barton Springs salamander, a federally protected endangered species. In addition, LCRA commissioned an independent environmental study to assist in the development of water quality protection measures. A digital copy of the study is available by contacting LCRA at (512) 473-3200, Ext. 2762, or 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 2762.
What is the status of the 290 water line?
Water service from the 290 line began in 2002. A little less than half of the 290 line's capacity is available for developments that existed in May 2000. So far, about 180 households in the Sunset Canyon subdivision have connected to the line. LCRA also has a contract to provide the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation with enough water for 1,100 households.
The water line's remaining capacity is available for new developments that have obtained written authorization from the Fish and Wildlife Service. The Fish and Wildlife Service has authorized seven developments that would add about 6,000 households to the water service area over a number of years. The LCRA Board has approved water service agreements for all of the developments.
Which new developments will LCRA serve from the 290 water line?
Since April 23, 2003, the LCRA Board has approved wholesale water contracts for four developments: Cypress with about 1,250 households, Rutherford Rim and Greenhawe with about 675 households, Rutherford West with about 300 households, and Krasovec with about 480 households. These proposed developments are several miles south of Highway 290 in areas around county roads 1826 and 967. To obtain water, the developers would have to build a line several miles in length to connect to the 290 water line. The Board also has approved a contract to allow Hays County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 to provide enough water for about 1,600 households in the Belterra development along Highway 290, near the Hays-Travis county line. Belterra is the only development authorized by the Fish and Wildlife Service that is under construction.
The Fish and Wildlife Service also has authorized the Sawyer Ranch development, for which LCRA has entered an agreement to serve 1,050 households, just south of the Belterra development. LCRA entered into a retail water services contract with the Sawyer Ranch developers in February 2003.
Each of these developments consulted with and obtained written determinations from the Fish and Wildlife Service that the developments are not likely to adversely impact the Barton Springs salamander. To obtain water service from LCRA, the developer also provides an engineer's certification, before and after construction, that the development plat and restrictions include features - such as buffer zones, impervious cover - recommended by the Fish and Wildlife Service to protect water quality. In addition, wholesale contracts for water from the 290 line are subject to LCRA's approval of nonpoint-source pollution abatement and water conservation plans.
Is LCRA doing anything else to encourage water conservation and water-quality protection?
Yes. For example, in wholesale water contracts to serve new developments with surface water, LCRA includes limitations on groundwater pumping. LCRA also provides customers with educational information about making wise choices in landscaping, land use and use of chemicals to help control nonpoint-source pollution. LCRA also is making information available about efficient ways to use water inside and outside the home.
LCRA supports the development of a regional plan, particularly for storm water management within the Barton Springs watershed. The environmental study developed for LCRA showed that a regional master plan for growth offers the best potential for protecting water quality. Such a plan could include low-impact development, site-development inspections, and maintenance of storm water controls.
Who can the public contact for more information?
Contact LCRA project manager Brent Covert at (512) 473-3256, or 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 3256.
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