The City of Blanco and the Texas Water Company (TWC) have cemented their partnership with the announcement of a new 25-year operating agreement aimed at overhauling the city's water infrastructure. The joint effort will ensure a reliable and amplified supply of water for the Texas town, aiming to provide up to 540,000 gallons per day, as detailed by an announcement on Friday that has made clear the scope of the improvements and commitments made by both parties. These forthcoming upgrades come at a critical time after Blanco experienced severe water supply issues, including a recent major leak that led to stringent Stage 6 water restrictions.
According to a report by KVUE, completed improvements already include the renovation of the city's Water Treatment Plant and the implementation of new electronic water meters. These new meters not only improve water usage accountability but are accompanied by a cloud-based portal, allowing Blanco residents to monitor their water usage and handle bill payments online. Funding has also been secured for the replacement of several water lines deemed most outdated or in need of repair.
Mayor Mike Arnold projected a promising outlook for Blanco's water future. In a statement obtained by KXAN, Arnold said that the city’s water supply is, "more plentiful and secure than it’s been since the founding of our town," while mentioning that the city continues to "aggressively explore avenues to secure additional water sources and infrastructure upgrades." The completed plant renovation, electronic meter implementation, and replaced water lines represent key milestones in Blanco's efforts to revamp its water supply.
Despite the advancements, Blanco's announcement reminded residents that the city remains subject to regional drought restrictions and underscored the importance of continued water conservation efforts. Aundrea Williams, TWC President, extended her appreciation for the city's collaboration. She said in the announcement released by Blanco, "We applaud the City of Blanco for their constructive collaboration in this process, and we hope our work brings the City’s residents peace of mind when it comes to helping deliver their water supply," KXAN reported.
The efforts of Blanco and TWC symbolize a proactive response to past water crises that saw the city grappling with shortages and infrastructure woes. With the strengthened foundation of their relationship and the new long-term agreement, Blanco residents can look to the future with a renewed sense of security surrounding their water resources.
