Boerne - Fair Oaks Ranch | May 2025

Working with water From the cover

What’s happening?

Demand Shortage Water supply, demand projections in Boerne Existing supply

As drought conditions in Kendall County and across the state stretch into the summer months, local municipalities and regional water providers have focused on water conservation. Alongside eorts to promote the use of reclaimed water, the city is undergoing a $20 million project for the expansion of the water treatment facility on the city lake. These eorts help the city serve the growing number of utility customers. Boerne residents raised concerns about the water supply in a December community survey, calling for conservation improvements, including the utilization of reclaimed water for landscaping and non-drinking uses. Current water supplies allow the city utility to have a water service population between 35,000 and 40,000. Utilities Director Michael Mann told the Boerne City Council on March 11 that the city is expected to have water capacity for the next 20-40 years, based on the city’s projections. “Somewhere between 2060 and 2070—we feel comfortable that we have enough water until then,” he said. Mann said that while the city is facing a prolonged drought, he is condent city sta is being proactive about what forecasted development it can provide water to based on current supply and projected growth.

25K

14.5K

10.6K

20K

7.1K

15K

1.5K

10K

2030

2040

2050

2060

2070

2080

Boerne population projections

97,031

100K

78,225

75K

61,796

47,445

50K

35,084

25,482

25K

+280.78%

2080

2030

2040

2050

2060

2070

SOURCE: TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD 2026 DRAFT PLANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

In 2022, Kendall County utilized about 9,700 acre-feet of water. By 2070, the county is projected to use nearly 24,000 acre-feet. Projected municipal water needs by county in 2070

The situation

As of May 6, Canyon Lake is at a capacity of 46%, according to the Texas Water Development Board. This limits the amount of water municipalities can pull from the lake, raising resident concerns. According to the 2023 water quality report, water pulled from Canyon Lake makes up around 59% of the city’s drinking water. Mann said that based on current projections, the city should be fine longer than other areas due to Boerne having its own lake. On April 22, Kendall County Commissioners discussed approving a future resolution to ensure the capabilities of regional providers. Precinct 4 Commissioner Chad Carpenter stressed the importance of long-term planning. “What if we get 10 inches of rain and every lake fills up? Does that fix our problem? No, because we are still having millions of people moving to Texas,” Carpenter said.

Acre-feet of water per year:

<1,000

1,000-25,000

25,000-100,000 >100,000

Travis County

Hays County

Kendall County

Comal County

Guadalupe County

Bexar County

Medina County

Wilson County

Frio County

Atascosa County

SOURCE: TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM