Texas Hill Country City Approves $3.1M Reclaimed Water Pipeline

Kerrville leaders take steps to address drought and secure long-term water supply through indirect potable reuse.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, depicting a serene lake surrounded by rolling hills shrouded in fog, conveying a sense of the overwhelming scale and power of the natural environment.As Texas Hill Country communities grapple with drought, Kerrville's embrace of water reuse signals a regional shift towards more sustainable water management strategies.Kerrville Today

The city of Kerrville, Texas has unanimously approved the first steps toward a $3.1 million reclaimed water pipeline project, signaling a growing trend across the Texas Hill Country to embrace unconventional water sources. The 1.6-mile Elm Creek Pipeline will facilitate an indirect potable reuse strategy, where treated wastewater will be released into Elm Creek, flow into Nimitz Lake, and undergo further treatment before being reintroduced into the drinking water supply.

Why it matters

The decision comes as the region faces an ongoing drought and increasing water demand from population growth. Indirect potable reuse is gaining traction as a more sustainable solution compared to alternatives like building remote wellfields or pursuing direct potable reuse, which presents permitting and technical challenges. Kerrville's move reflects a broader acceptance of water reuse as a necessary component of long-term water security across the Texas Hill Country.

The details

The Elm Creek Pipeline project could initially handle up to 500,000 gallons of treated wastewater daily. While Mayor Joe Herring Jr. acknowledged an 'ick factor' associated with the idea, he maintained it was the most practical and cost-effective solution compared to alternatives estimated at $70 million. The reclaimed water will also be used to irrigate local soccer and baseball fields.

  • Kerrville city leaders unanimously approved the first steps toward the $3.1 million reclaimed water pipeline project in March 2026.
  • The 1.6-mile Elm Creek Pipeline is expected to be operational in late 2027.

The players

Joe Herring Jr.

The mayor of Kerrville, Texas, who has advocated for the reclaimed water pipeline project as a vital step to ensure a reliable drinking water supply for the region's continued growth.

City of Kerrville

The local government in Kerrville, Texas that has unanimously approved the first steps toward the $3.1 million reclaimed water pipeline project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Projects like this help residents' water bills from experiencing higher long-term rate impacts.”

— City of Kerrville

“The decision comes amidst an ongoing drought and increasing demand. Mayor Herring acknowledged an 'ick factor' associated with the idea, but maintained it was the most practical and cost-effective solution compared to alternatives like building a remote wellfield (estimated at $70 million) or direct potable reuse, which presents permitting and technical hurdles.”

— Joe Herring Jr., Mayor

What’s next

The city anticipates the Elm Creek Pipeline could be operational by late 2027, providing a new source of reclaimed water to supplement the region's drinking water supply.

The takeaway

Kerrville's decision to embrace indirect potable reuse through the Elm Creek Pipeline project reflects a broader shift in water management strategies across the Texas Hill Country. As communities grapple with drought, population growth, and the impacts of climate change, innovative solutions like water reuse are becoming increasingly necessary to ensure long-term water security.