The Watershed Association has formally intervened in Aqua Texas’ latest rate case at the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Hays County and the City of Woodcreek are seeking to join to provide additional oversight and accountability to the steep proposed increases that would affect more than 170,000 Texans—including many in the Wimberley Valley.

Aqua Texas, a private, for-profit water company based in Pennsylvania, is once again seeking aggressive rate hikes under PUC Docket No. 58124, including:

• A 23.4% increase in water revenue as compared to the 2023 reported revenue

• A 51.8% increase in sewer revenue as compared to the 2023 reported revenue

• Statewide rate consolidation that would eliminate local rate distinctions, making it easier for Aqua to acquire more utilities with less oversight

• Recovery of $4.5 million in legal fees, including costs related to their previously failed rate case

This new proposal follows the Watershed Association’s successful challenge of Aqua’s $87 million System Improvement Charge (SIC) case, in which Aqua was ordered to refund $4.7 million to ratepayers. Despite that ruling, Aqua has returned with a new approach that once again places the financial burden on Texas communities.

"These changes would directly impact residents in the Hill Country by removing local transparency while raising costs for essential services," said Watershed Association Executive Director David Baker. "We are stepping in again, this time alongside our local government partners, to ensure that Aqua is held accountable and that ratepayers have a voice in this process."

More than 3,500 protests and interventions have already been filed by concerned ratepayers across the state, reflecting widespread opposition to Aqua’s proposal.

Aqua originally proposed that its rate changes take effect on July 25, 2025. However, following a motion from PUC Staff, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) has delayed the effective date to September 22, 2025. The ALJ is also considering whether to refer the case to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) for a formal contested hearing.

The Watershed Association is committed to pushing back against unjustified rate increases and loss of local oversight. Together, we’re working to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair treatment for Aqua Texas customers across the region.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will hold a public meeting on Thursday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m. at Gem of the Hills, 2233 US Highway 281 North in Blanco, to gather public input on the City of Blanco’s proposed amendment to its wastewater discharge permit (TPDES Permit No. WQ0010549002).

For years, this permit has been a source of concern for residents, scientists, and conservation groups. At issue is the City’s authorization to discharge up to 225,000 gallons of treated wastewater per day into the Upper Blanco River—a vital stretch that provides drinking water, recreation, and wildlife habitat. The Blanco is already a stressed river system, and discharging treated effluent directly into it threatens water quality, ecosystem health, and the character of a river that defines this region. The City is treating around 100,000 gallons a day now, and other developments are being considered.

The City Council is to be commended for making positive steps by recently passing a One Water Resolution to adopt sustainable water management policies and renewing the Memorandum of Agreement with the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment to help facilitate best management practices and seek funding opportunities for much-needed water and wastewater infrastructure. 

The Blanco River in this area is also a losing stream—meaning water sinks into the limestone riverbed and recharges the Trinity and Edwards aquifers. Tracer studies have shown surface water from the Blanco contributing to Barton Springs in Austin. This hydrology means any pollutants in the river don’t just stay local—they can affect groundwater that provides drinking water and feeds springs downstream of Blanco.

The City is now seeking a major amendment to the permit. Proposed changes include decommissioning the lagoon treatment system, building new treatment facilities, reconfiguring holding ponds, and relocating the discharge point. While the infrastructure upgrades are necessary, the plan still relies on a discharge pipeline that sends treated wastewater into the Blanco River. Also of concern is that the new permit would abandon irrigation altogether, making it voluntary rather than a requirement. 

Past permit history helps explain why residents remain wary. Blanco’s old lagoon system was prone to violations, with complaints about odor, runoff, and sludge management.

In 2016, the city began upgrading its facilities and sought to increase discharge volumes up to 1.6 million gallons per day. That proposal drew significant opposition—more than 150 people attended a 2018 TCEQ meeting to voice concerns and advocate for reuse or land application instead of routine discharge. By 2019, the city was discharging more than 100,000 gallons daily, and residents documented visible differences in water quality upstream and downstream of the outfall, including algae growth.

This approach is shortsighted. Wastewater should not be wasted—it is a resource that, if managed responsibly, can be used in place of potable water for irrigation, dust suppression, and other needs. Communities across Texas are moving toward reuse strategies that protect rivers while meeting local water needs. The Blanco deserves no less.

The TCEQ staff’s preliminary review suggests that existing uses, such as swimming and aquatic life, will not be impaired and that no significant degradation is expected. However, these findings are not final, and they are not based on any site-specific science. They can and should be challenged with scientific data and public testimony from people who use and enjoy the Blanco River. Once wastewater is discharged into the river, the impacts on water quality and ecosystems cannot easily be undone.

When wastewater is discharged into Hill Country streams and rivers, it can release too many nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. This overload fuels algae growth, which uses up oxygen in the water and can lead to the death of fish and other aquatic life. [Click Here to learn how nutrients impact Hill Country waterways in research from Baylor University’s Dr. Ryan King.]

Concerns with the current draft permit include a two-year absence of phosphorus limits, even though phosphorus is a major driver of algae blooms in rivers like the Blanco. Residents have already observed algae growth linked to past discharges. Additionally, one of the water-quality standards (CBOD) has been loosened compared to previous permits, a change known as “backsliding” that runs counter to the intent of the Clean Water Act. Oversight and monitoring also remain unclear—particularly regarding emerging contaminants such as PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics.

This is why public participation is critical. The September 11th meeting will provide background on the amendment, explain the state’s process, and—most importantly—allow the community to speak out. Comments submitted in writing or online carry the same weight as those made at the meeting, so even if you cannot attend in person, your voice can still be heard.



The Blanco River is central to the identity and health of the Hill Country. It is a lifeline that connects communities, sustains wildlife, and inspires generations. Decisions about wastewater management will determine whether this river remains clean and flowing—or is burdened with discharges that degrade its quality and diminish its role in our community.

Community Invited to Review Preliminary Draft of Wimberley’s Resilient Comprehensive Plan

The City of Wimberley is inviting residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to review and provide feedback on the Preliminary Draft of the Resilient Comprehensive Plan, now available through the city’s online engagement portal.

Funded by a $300,000 Texas General Land Office grant (at no cost to the city), this long-range plan will guide Wimberley’s growth over the next 10–20 years. It outlines strategies for sustainability, equity, and resilience while addressing land use, housing, infrastructure, economic development, parks and trails, stormwater management, historic preservation, and more.

“This draft represents months of thoughtful planning and public input,” said Mayor Jim Chiles. “We want to ensure the community has every opportunity to weigh in before the final plan is developed.”

The final plan is expected in December 2025. In the meantime, community members are encouraged to review the draft and share feedback.

This effort is led by the City of Wimberley in partnership with Langford Community Management Services, Inc. Your input is essential to shaping a plan that reflects our shared values and goals.

Lawmakers Near Deal to Spend $20 billion Over Two Decades on Water Crisis

The deal allocates $1 billion a year to water projects for 20 years, which some groups estimate is a fraction of what Texas needs to save its water supply.

Photo by: Matthew Guthrie

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