Denton's Economic Development Partnership Board meeting on June 25, 2025, spotlighted critical discussions surrounding the city's water infrastructure and future growth strategies. Kyle Henson, the Planning and Engineering Division Manager, presented an overview of the utility's plans to address infrastructure needs, particularly in the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) areas.

Currently, Denton serves approximately 171,000 residents through 45,000 utility connections, with water usage fluctuating between 18 million gallons per day in winter and up to 42 million gallons during summer months. Henson emphasized the importance of safeguarding the watershed and managing water quality, particularly as the city anticipates a population increase of around 110,000 people—an estimated 65% rise.

The meeting highlighted the role of Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) in providing infrastructure for new developments. Henson noted that the city implemented a MUD policy in 2022, which streamlines development agreements and ensures that new infrastructure meets city standards. This proactive approach aims to facilitate future annexations and enhance service delivery.

A significant point of discussion was the need for collaboration between economic development and utility planning. Board members stressed the importance of prioritizing infrastructure projects based on potential growth areas to ensure quicker returns on investments. Henson acknowledged this need, stating that while the utility focuses on conveyance infrastructure, aligning with economic development efforts could optimize resource allocation.

The meeting also touched on the city's ongoing efforts to secure water rights and explore innovative solutions for water sourcing, including partnerships with neighboring municipalities. Henson confirmed that the city is actively pursuing funding opportunities to support infrastructure expansion, including loans from the Texas Water Development Board.

As Denton prepares for substantial growth, the discussions underscored the critical need for strategic planning in water management and infrastructure development to support the city's future. The anticipated outcomes include enhanced service delivery and sustainable growth, ensuring that Denton remains equipped to meet the demands of its expanding population.