Drought Drying Out Drinking Water in Williamson County

Posted: Tue, 16 Jul 2013 12:23 PM - 20,452 Readers

http://www.keyetv.com/news/features/top-stories/stories//images/watersupply_10313.jpg

Whether on two feet or four, water is the key to survival. Lake levels are dwindling throughout central Texas.

"With the lake as low as it is we're in a near historic drought right now," said Tom Gallier. And if you're in Williamson County you're feeling the heat. "It's kind of sad you see this lake disappearing," said Brian Lanning.

The Sandy Creek arm of Lake Travis supplies millions of gallons of drinking water to Leander and Cedar Park. But that tap is being shut off. "Unless we get much more rain, and much more consistently than we have, we'll probably have the plant shut down until next spring," added Gallier. Gallier is the general manager of the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority.

The BCRUA supplies about 10 percent of the two communities' drinking water. But low water levels are forcing the BCRUA to dismantle its temporary water intake barge -- putting the burden back on existing city-owned water treatment plants. "That instability makes it more difficult to plan for water systems," said Gallier.

And with Williamson County continuing to see tremendous growth, some people wonder what's next. "Could make our rates go up a bit for water," said Jim Lanning. The BCRUA is looking to build a permanent pumping station which means those cities could once again draw water from that source. But a completion date is still five to ten years away.

* Story Contributed by: KEYE TV

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