Water quality and treatment strategies took center stage at the Boerne City Council meeting on August 12, 2025, as officials discussed ongoing challenges and future plans for managing geosmin and disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in the city's water supply.

City representatives highlighted the importance of reducing groundwater usage while ensuring safe drinking water standards. Currently, the city relies on chlorination for groundwater, which does not produce DBPs, unlike surface water treatment. However, the city is facing issues with geosmin, a compound that can affect water taste and odor. Officials noted that while there has been a noticeable geosmin presence recently, it is expected to be temporary.

The council revealed that a pilot study for a new water treatment plant is nearing completion, with preliminary results indicating that an ozone and carbon filtration process could significantly reduce both DBPs and geosmin formation. This new facility is projected to be operational in about four years.

In the meantime, the city plans to continue using its existing plant while implementing a granular activated carbon filter to improve water quality. This upgrade is expected to take at least a year to design and install, aiming to lower the concentrations of geosmin and other contaminants to more acceptable levels.

As Boerne navigates these water quality challenges, officials remain committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its residents, with ongoing efforts to enhance treatment processes and address public concerns.