Plans to expand Bee Cave's water treatment plant are underway, addressing ongoing concerns about water supply during peak summer months. During the recent council meeting, officials discussed the necessity of tapping into the City of Austin's water supply to ensure adequate treatment capacity, particularly in June, July, and August when demand surges.

The expansion process has faced delays but is progressing through design and permitting stages. Council members emphasized that the issue is not a lack of water but rather the capacity to treat it efficiently. Currently, the city is only utilizing about half of its contracted water supply from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), indicating that the treatment plant is maxed out during high usage periods.

To mitigate potential shortages, the city plans to purchase treated water from Austin at a minimal cost of approximately 10 cents per thousand gallons. This strategy aims to keep local water tanks full and avoid fines for unauthorized watering, which have been a concern in previous summers. The council remains optimistic that this approach, combined with recent rainfall, will help manage water resources effectively.

As discussions continue with Austin, officials are hopeful for a swift resolution to ensure the community's water needs are met throughout the summer months.