The City of Boerne co-sponsored a One Water Conference Wednesday in New Braunfels, an event that brought together City officials, water professionals, and community leaders to discuss integrated water management strategies.
The conference focused on the “One Water” approach, which views all water – drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and recycled water – as a unified resource, promoting sustainable practices to meet current and future water needs.
“Our area is growing, and with that comes the responsibility to manage our water resources thoughtfully,” City Manager Ben Thatcher said. “Boerne’s co-sponsorship of this conference reflects our commitment to learning and sharing best practices that keep us aligned with the highest standards in sustainable growth.”
Prior to the conference, Councilman Joseph Macaluso joined Thatcher on a tour of the Headwaters at the Comal facility. The center exemplifies sustainable practices, featuring drought-tolerant landscaping, rainwater harvesting, and community education programs.
“It was incredible to see a facility so committed to sustainability and community engagement,” Macaluso said. “The Headwaters tour demonstrated that integrating conservation practices is not only possible but adds real value to the community. I’m excited to see Boerne continue to embrace these principles in our own City projects and potentially in other projects that choose to locate in Boerne.”
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The conference underscored the importance of regional collaboration in water management and highlighted the City’s dedication to sustainable water management.
“Effective water management isn’t just about what’s happening in one city; it’s about creating resilient systems across our entire region,” Boerne Utilities Director Mike Mann said. “We’re dedicated to working closely with our neighbors to safeguard water resources and build a sustainable future for everyone.”
Marisa Bruno, Water Program Manager at the Hill Country Alliance, another co-sponsor of the event, believes that for One Water to be successful it will take community involvement and shared responsibility.
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“The challenge is communicating the benefits of these investments, and working with the private sector to share in these investments,” Bruno said.
As Boerne continues to grow, City leaders say they are committed to implementing strategies that balance development with the preservation of natural resources, ensuring a sustainable, more resilient and water-conscious future.
