HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION

In 2021, DHCWSC delivered 10.01 million gallons of fresh water to our 122 active customers. Water demand trends are highly seasonal, with July, August, and September demand typically nearing or exceeding 1,000,000 gallons/month. From 2013 to 2021, we saw a 51% increase in demand (6.4% annual), largely due to seasonal irrigation and new construction.

The following chart illustrate our current water consumption.

2021 Water Consumption Chart

Well Depth Data

DHCWSC has three active wells whose capacity is heavily influenced by nature's past and present annual rainfall. Increasing water production is expensive and yield is not predictable.

The following chart illustrates our well depth data for 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Well Depth Monitoring Through 2021

Private Water Wells

Private water wells are used for many purposes in Texas. As a Double Horn resident, you may be interested in drilling a water well for drinking or irrigation water. Indeed, we have residents who have done just that.

If you are considering drilling a private well, it is important to understand the groundwater planning and management guidelines in our area. When siting a new well there are spacing and setback guidelines. For example, a well may not be placed within 100 feet of a septic drain field or leach field.

Under the provision of Chapter 36, Texas Water Code, groundwater conservation districts (GSDs) have the authority to regulate the spacing of water wells, the production from water well, or both. In Double Horn, our regulatory authority is the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District (CTGCD), located in Burnet.

The staff at the CTGCD note that there is not a simple "checklist" approach to drilling a water well, many conditions determine how a well is regulated. They recommend that you contact the CTGCD if you are considering drilling a well. The staff also recommends that you contact a reputable licensed driller who can guide you through the process. Many of your questions may be answered at the Texas Landowners Association website which provides an overview of water well regulation, siting, drilling, maintenance, protection, and so forth.

Texas Landowners Association Website

WATER RATES

Water Rates in Effect

At our January 27, 2022 meeting, The Board of Directors of the Double Horn Creek Water Supply Corporation (DHCWSC) adopted a resolution to address our community's increasing demands for water - a valued resource. We agreed to raise the rates for excessive water use (defined as over 20,000 gallons per month). The rate change is effective March 1, 2022.

We have analyzed consumption trends and aquifer recharge patterns. We recognize that the amount of water available to DHCWSC and its members is limited due to rainfall and is subject to seasonal and drought stresses. This rate change is intended to encourage conservation of potable water and to curtail excessive use.

Click on the Water Rate Chart below to see rates effective March 1, 2022.

WATER RATE CHART

FOUR STAGES OF DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN

In case of drought, temporary restrictions may be instituted to limit nonessential water use.

The following are the four stages of the drought contingency plan that triggers communication from DHCWSC to its members:

STAGE 1: Member Awareness - Voluntarily limit use of water for non-essential purposes and practice water conservation.

STAGE 2: Voluntary Water Conservation - Achieve a 5-10% reduction in daily water demand and total water use.

STAGE 3: Mandatory Water Restrictions - Achieve a 10-20% reduction in daily water demand and total water use.

STAGE 4: Critical Water Restrictions - Achieve a 20-40% reduction in daily water demand and total water use.

TIPS AND LINKS

TIPS

Irrigation is generally responsible for over 50% of a household's water usage. Here are a few tips to help optimize irrigation:

Ensure there are no irrigation leaks.
Zone shady irrigation areas differently than sunny areas.
Shut off irrigation November 1 - March 1.
Install drip irrigation for beds (over 60% use reduction over sprinklers).
Water only 1 to 2 times per week up to 1" total.
Plant drought tolerant gardens.