Southeast Travis County Residents Rejoice as Progress Made Towards Running Water Access After Decades
Residents of the unincorporated areas in southeast Travis County, specifically the suburbs near Elroy, have been suffering a lack of running water to their homes for multiple decades. Community members have often had to transport large tanks of water from a communal standpipe located at the Travis County Parks East Office on a weekly basis. However, groundbreaking relief came their way on July 18, with federal and county officials celebrating the initiation of plans to establish basic access to water in these areas.
Federal intervention
U.S. Representative Greg Casar symbolically handed a $1 million check to Travis County, signifying the funding for the East Travis County Water Main improvement project. Casar noted that the lack of water infrastructure ranged from low water pressure to overcharging by private companies or unavailability of clean water.
“In this day and age, having access to clean, safe drinking water should be a basic human right,” Travis County Judge Andy Brown remarked. He went on to explain the allocated funding would be used in initiating the design and construction of a brand-new water main stretching from Elroy Road to Doyle Road along the FM 812.
Reflecting on the Risks
The lack of running water in these localities has also culminated in significant fire safety concerns. Many of these regions do not have functional fire hydrants. Plans for the water main project will incorporate measures to restore water services to such essential fire safety implements.
Pertinent Background
In a recent survey carried out in Travis County Community, dependability of the water source was identified as the highest-ranked issue of importance across the county, followed by consistent septic or wastewater systems. The eastern crescent of Travis County has seen residents routinely suffer from subpar water access or quality.
Local advocacy group member, Alexia Leclercq, highlighted the struggle for clean, affordable water in the Eastern Travis County has continued for three years. She pointed out that approximately half a million people in Texas, part of the two million in the country, do not have access to clean water, often residing in marginalized communities.
Looking Ahead
Travis County’s firm commitment to promoting water equity was evident when it applied for federal grant funding in 2023. Although the federal budget is yet to be approved, Casar remains hopeful about procuring more funding for projects in the southeastern region of Travis County.
“I am immensely proud to deliver this initial chapter of $1 million, optimistic of many more millions to come to ensure everyone enjoys access to affordable, clean water straight from their taps,” said an enthusiastic Casar.
