Boerne council weighs participation in $6B GBRA water supply project

A pivotal discussion on water security took center stage at the Boerne City Council meeting on July 8, 2025, as officials grappled with a significant policy decision regarding participation in a major regional water project. Mike Mann, the presenter, outlined the implications of the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) project, which aims to secure additional water supplies for the rapidly growing Central Texas region.

Mann emphasized the urgency of the decision, noting that Boerne's population is projected to reach 80,000 by 2070, raising concerns about the city's future water capacity. The proposed project includes a massive 160 million gallons per day intake and pump station, with a capital cost estimated at nearly $6 billion. This would require Boerne to commit substantial funding, potentially leading to increased water rates for residents.

Council members expressed mixed feelings about the project. While some acknowledged the necessity of securing water for future growth, others raised concerns about the financial burden it could impose on current residents. The projected costs could lead to a doubling of water rates within a decade, prompting discussions about alternative strategies, such as investing in local water conservation and reclamation initiatives.

The council is faced with a critical choice: to participate in the regional project and secure additional water resources or to focus on local solutions that may be more financially sustainable. As the city weighs its options, the decision will have lasting implications for Boerne's growth and water management strategy. The council plans to continue discussions and gather community feedback before making a final decision by July.