As part of an ongoing effort to engage with the community, the City of Boerne has launched a new series – Boerne Listens: A Community Q&A.
This initiative aims to bring context and accurate information directly to you by answering the biggest questions based on feedback from our latest community survey. Each session will focus on a key topic of interest to Boerne residents, with City leaders providing detailed insights, dispelling common misconceptions, and serving as rumor control.
Our first topic in this series is water, one of the most frequently discussed issues in Boerne and the surrounding area. The conversation took place during the March 11 City Council meeting, and we encourage you to watch the full video for an in-depth understanding of the topic. If you’re short on time, here are some key takeaways from the conversation:
Boerne Utilities’ Water Supply and Responsibility
Boerne Utilities customers receive water from the City’s system, but those in the county or on private wells are responsible for managing their own water supply.
The City has not increased the amount of water it pumps from its well water permits, meaning it is not responsible for private wells outside of the City running dry.
The City of Boerne utilizes three different water sources, reducing the strain on any single one. This diversification ensures a more stable and reliable supply for residents.
Surface water supplies (rainwater catchment via Boerne Lake and Canyon Lake) accounted for 87 percent of our potable water production in 2024 and 72% of total water production, including non-potable reclaimed water.
The City follows all water restrictions imposed by regulatory agencies, including the Cow Creek Water District and the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority.
Reclaimed Water System Supports Conservation
The reclaimed water system plays a crucial role in reducing water demand by repurposing treated wastewater for irrigation and other non-potable uses.
By reusing water a second time for irrigation, this conservation effort helps sustain water availability even during periods of drought. In 2024, the system allowed 156 million gallons of water to be recycled for yard irrigation instead of utilizing potable water.
Current Water Capacity, Future Growth
Boerne Utilities has enough water capacity to serve all approved neighborhoods currently under construction. We know this because the City of Boerne has conducted multiple water studies in the past decade, ensuring a proactive approach to water management.
There is still additional capacity for future growth and redevelopment within the city limits, should it be proposed and approved.
Who the City Does (and Doesn’t) Serve
Some areas west of I-10, including certain neighborhoods within the city limits, are served by Texas Water Company, not Boerne Utilities. Texas Water Company has the first right of refusal in those areas and has chosen to provide service there.
Texas Water also serves a couple of other neighborhoods that are too high in elevation to be serviced from the City’s main water pressure plane. The developers of those neighborhoods (Durango and Overlook at Boerne) elected to obtain water service from Texas Water, and that was agreed upon as part of their annexation Municipal Service Plans (MSP).
Bottom Line: We Have Enough Water
Even in the midst of an ongoing drought, Boerne has enough water to meet its current and future needs. At this time, the City does not require a new water source, thanks to careful planning, diverse supply management, and responsible and continued conservation efforts.
While state projections, such as those from the Texas Water Development Board, provide one perspective, Boerne’s actual planning and historical trends offer a more nuanced and locally informed view.
This discussion is an important step in addressing community concerns and providing clarity on Boerne’s water situation. We appreciate the engagement from residents and look forward to continuing this conversation in future Boerne Listens sessions.
Stay tuned for next month’s topic, and in the meantime, watch the full discussion below or on YouTube.
