Drinking Water Capacity and Quality

Town Hall-Drinking Water Capacity & Quality

Q&A Session

Q. What is the City’s allowed capacity from Stillhouse Hollow Lake?

A. Currently, we lease 5,500 acre/feet from the Brazos River Authority. For reference, 1 ac/ft water =325,851 gallons.

Q. What is the status of the ground storage tank not being utilized.

            A. The City has capacity in a ground storage tank owned by Kempner Water Supply Corporation. The tank is not in service due to a lack of need. While utilization of the tank would give the City an increased supply, the quality of water would decrease due to a lack of usage.

Q. How much water does the City currently use?

            A. The City currently uses an average of 1.6 Million Gallons per Day.

Q. Does the City have water secured for growth?

            A. The City has a contractual capacity of 4.84 Million Gallons per Day based on the Wholesale Water Supply Contract. Utilization of the full 4.84 Million Gallon capacity would require upgrade to the Kempner Water System. An additional 2.06 Million Gallons per Day can be requested; however, significant improvements would be needed. 

Q.  Can the City utilize groundwater?

            A. A groundwater study was conducted in 2024 and determined future utilization to be expensive with many unknowns regarding quality and capacity. The Ellenburger-San Saba would be the preferred aquifer for future use if the City Council decides to utilize groundwater as a supplemental resource.  

Q. Can the City utilize existing water rights on Sulphur Creek?

            A. Yes, it is possible to utilize Sulphur Creek for future supplemental use. A study is currently being conducted to determine feasibility. 

Q. What is the benefit of supplemental water resources?

            A. Supplemental resources will allow the City to maintain water service during times of water shortage. Utilizing a supplemental resource will require significant investment in the water system.

Q. Why does the City not have a representative on the Kempner Water Supply Corporation board?

            A. The Wholesale Contract has always been the City’s representation regarding all drinking water matters. The Kempner Water Supply Corporation must adhere to the rules previously adopted which do not allow for City of Lampasas customers to be elected to the Board of Directors.  

Q. Why does the water get discolored or appear dirty?

            A. There are a wide range of issues that could result in discolored water. We fully intend to investigate each instance of discolored water to more understand the cause and prevent future occurrences. That being said, instances of discolored water are common in any system, however, they seem to affect specific areas more than others. We are working diligently to better understand these areas in order to identify permanent solutions.  Keep in mind, the City purchases 100% of the drinking water and have little control on the aesthetics upon arrival. 

Q. How does the City combat discolored water?

            A. Typically staff will respond to discolored water complaints by flushing the affected area. Flushing is a reactionary tool commonly used and if problems persist, nitrification testing will begin to in order to determine if water age is contributing to the issue. 

Q. Does the City have an Iron/Manganese problem?

            A. While we believe it’s unlikely, we are currently investigating the possibility. 

Q. Does the City have lead piping or lead service lines?

            A. The City is unaware of any lead piping or lead service lines in existence. After data review, no evidence supports lead piping being used in the City of Lampasas water system.

Q. If Stillhouse Hollow Lake is full, why are we under Stage 1 water conservation.

            A. The City typically follows recommendations regarding water conservation from the Brazos River Authority. While Stillhouse is nearly full, Central Texas is already experiencing drought conditions. Water in Central Texas has and will always be limited, therefore, conservation is taken seriously by all water systems in the area. 

Q. What is the current water loss?

            A. Typical water loss should be less than or equal to 13%. The City of Lampasas’s reported water loss is 17%. The excess of water loss is likely due to older water meters. A water meter replacement program will likely be initiated in the future. 

Q. Does the Wastewater System have capacity for future growth?

            A. The 1.5 MGD Wastewater Treatment Facility is currently very close to capacity due to loading conditions from industrial users. The City is currently working with users in significant non-compliance of City ordinance for a permanent solution. As we resolve these issues, capacity will be available within the Wastewater System for future growth.