It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Mercer Street Historical Marker gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Dripping Springs, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas at Always Best Care Senior Services. Mr. Thomas provides an authentic and professional guiding hand when discussing available services for your precious senior family members. When it is time for a beloved senior to receive assistance, Mr. Thomas understands the importance of providing trustworthy and quality support.”
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Veterans Memorial Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Epicure or visit Charro Ranch Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Dripping Springs, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Dripping Springs, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Dripping Springs, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Under the agreement, TDS will offer comprehensive waste disposal solutions, including regular curbside collection of solid waste and recycling materials for both residential and commercial areas within the Dripping Springs city limits. TDS will also offer brush and bulky pickup for residents within the city limits.“As Dripping Springs continues to grow and evolve, it’s essential that we have reliable partners who share our vision for sustainable and high-quality city services,” said Shawn Cox, Deputy City Administrat...
Under the agreement, TDS will offer comprehensive waste disposal solutions, including regular curbside collection of solid waste and recycling materials for both residential and commercial areas within the Dripping Springs city limits. TDS will also offer brush and bulky pickup for residents within the city limits.
“As Dripping Springs continues to grow and evolve, it’s essential that we have reliable partners who share our vision for sustainable and high-quality city services,” said Shawn Cox, Deputy City Administrator of Dripping Springs. “This partnership with Texas Disposal Systems is an important step toward ensuring our community continues to receive dependable, progressive waste solutions that support our entire community.”
At their facilities in Creedmoor, TX, which spans 2,200 acres, TDS operates a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) that measures more than 160,000 square feet and processes 4045 tons of recyclable material per hour including glass, cardboard, paper, aluminum and plastic. TDS ensures that waste is processed responsibly, with a strong emphasis on recycling and resource recovery, which helps to limit materials going into the landfill. With these operations, TDS can handle the amount of waste and recyclables Dripping Springs produces while being a growing city. TDS also prioritizes community education, providing resources so that residents, schools, and businesses can play an active role in sustainability.
“Texas Disposal Systems is proud to partner with the City of Dripping Springs and serve its vibrant, fastgrowing community,” said Adam Gregory, Executive Vice President of Texas Disposal Systems and Okapi Environmental Services. “Across Central Texas, we’re committed to delivering reliable, environmentally responsible waste solutions. We’re excited to contribute to Dripping Springs’ growth by providing services that reflect the City’s priorities and elevate everyday life for residents and local businesses alike.'
All new bins have been delivered, and welcome packets have been delivered by mail and email. This information, including service schedules, recycling guidelines and information about user-friendly technology, can also be found online at: www.cityofdrippingsprings. com/wastecollection.
Founded by Bob Gregory, Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) is one of the largest independently owned solid waste collection, processing, and disposal companies in the nation. Learn more at www.TexasDisposal. com.
DRIPPING SPRINGS — The city of Dripping Springs will be using Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) as its new solid waste and recycling service provider, effective July 1.Following executive session at its May 6 meeting, Dripping Springs City Council voted 4-1 — with council member Taline Manassian dissenting — to authorize the city administrator to finalize the agreement and begin negotiations with Texas Disposal Services for solid waste collection and disposal services.The city issued a request for ...
DRIPPING SPRINGS — The city of Dripping Springs will be using Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) as its new solid waste and recycling service provider, effective July 1.
Following executive session at its May 6 meeting, Dripping Springs City Council voted 4-1 — with council member Taline Manassian dissenting — to authorize the city administrator to finalize the agreement and begin negotiations with Texas Disposal Services for solid waste collection and disposal services.
The city issued a request for proposals (RFP) in January for solid waste and disposal services and the city received responses from multiple entities March 12, including Frontier Waste Solutions, Texas Disposal Services and Waste Connections Lone Star.
As previously reported by the News-Dispatch, the city has used Waste Connections Lone Star as its solid waste provider since 2017, when it acquired Vaquero Waste and Recycling. It was again selected as the provider in 2020, when the city last issued an RFP for solid waste services.
“After the Request for Proposals was issued earlier this year, council selected the proposal they felt was the best fit for the city at the time,” said deputy city administrator Shawn Cox.
Cox said that there may be some scheduling changes that come with the transition, but TDS will be providing that information directly to each customer. He added that collection of additional bags of refuse will only be collected for the first six months, then, afterwards, if additional collections are regularly required, an additional trash cart will need to be arranged.
There is also a cost difference for the customers with the switch to TDS: “Residential rates for solid waste are dropping from $14.92 to $14.80. Recycling, which is an optional service, is increasing from $5.97 to $6.75,” Cox said.
Residents and business owners in the Dripping Springs city limits — not in the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), as those are free to select the provider they prefer — that are not using Waste Connections and are using another provider will need to use TDS going forward, Cox said.
The city is asking residents to stay tuned to the city’s website and social media accounts, as well as mailboxes, for notifications from TDS on the transition process. More information can be found at www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/wastecollection.
Dripping Springs City Council is set to vote on the finalized contract with TDS at its next meeting at press time Tuesday, June 17.
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After reviewing the best commercial and scientific data, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is publishing the final recovery plan for seven federally protected species of the Edwards Aquifer in Central and South Texas. These species are listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act and are found in the state’s two largest spring systems, Comal and San Marcos springs in Comal and Hays counties, respectively. These spring systems are fed by groundwater from the southern Edwards Aquifer. The recovery plan provides gu...
After reviewing the best commercial and scientific data, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is publishing the final recovery plan for seven federally protected species of the Edwards Aquifer in Central and South Texas. These species are listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act and are found in the state’s two largest spring systems, Comal and San Marcos springs in Comal and Hays counties, respectively. These spring systems are fed by groundwater from the southern Edwards Aquifer. The recovery plan provides guidance on how to achieve recovery of the species so that they no longer need protections under the ESA.
This recovery plan applies only to federally protected species and includes one plant, two beetles, one fish, one crustacean, and two salamanders. They are the endangered Texas wildrice, Comal Springs dryopid beetle, Comal Springs riffle beetle, fountain darter, Peck’s cave amphipod, Texas blind salamander, and the threatened San Marcos salamander.
The southern Edwards Aquifer is known for its high diversity of organisms and hosts the only known locations of these species. All seven species are aquatic, and their primary threat is the loss of groundwater and/or spring flows, as well as decreases in suitable habitat due to drawdown of the Edwards Aquifer. This area is experiencing rapid development, which is expected to increase the extent of threats to water quality and quantity. Safeguarding the Edwards Aquifer is crucial not only for the survival of these species but also for the human communities that depend on the groundwater.
The overall recovery strategy involves preserving, restoring, and managing species’ aquatic habitats, along with the water resources necessary to support healthy populations and the ecosystems on which they depend. The recovery strategy also includes using stock populations, or captive refugia, to protect against catastrophic events. Successful recovery efforts will continue to involve cooperation and collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies, private entities and other stakeholders.
Recovery plans are not regulatory documents, and implementation of actions is not required by the ESA. Instead, recovery plans serve as road maps with specific management actions to foster cooperation in conservation for listed species and their ecosystems. The recovery plan describes actions that are considered necessary for the recovery of the seven species, establishes delisting criteria, and estimates the time and cost to implement these recovery actions.
An electronic copy of the final recovery plan is available at ecos.fws.gov/ecp/ report/species-withrecovery- plans. To obtain a copy by mail, send a request to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin Ecological Services Field Office, 1505 Ferguson Lane, Austin, TX 78754.
The limestone-lined road winds toward a horizon where steel cranes rise between rolling hills covered in wildflowers. It’s 7:30 AM on a Tuesday in Dripping Springs, and I’ve arrived at what might be America’s fastest-growing small town. Census data shows this place expanding at a staggering 23.2% annual growth rate – transforming from just 5,000 residents to a projected 12,729 by late 2025. Yet standing at the crossroads of Mercer Street and Highway 290, just 30 minutes west o...
The limestone-lined road winds toward a horizon where steel cranes rise between rolling hills covered in wildflowers. It’s 7:30 AM on a Tuesday in Dripping Springs, and I’ve arrived at what might be America’s fastest-growing small town. Census data shows this place expanding at a staggering 23.2% annual growth rate – transforming from just 5,000 residents to a projected 12,729 by late 2025. Yet standing at the crossroads of Mercer Street and Highway 290, just 30 minutes west of Austin, I can still feel the authenticity of Texas Hill Country before it vanishes.
Officially designated the “Wedding Capital of Texas” by the state legislature, Dripping Springs hosts more than 120 weddings annually – meaning this small town celebrates one wedding for every 72 residents. The math is staggering.
While walking downtown, I count three new venue construction sites. Local officials tell me wedding bookings are up 34% from last year, with couples seeking the limestone backdrop and olive groves as alternatives to crowded destinations.
“We chose Dripping Springs because it feels like real Texas – not a tourist version of it,” a bride-to-be tells me outside Creek Road Cafe. “But everyone’s discovering it now.”
Dripping Springs’ wedding celebrations follow a proud Texas tradition of small towns hosting festivals that draw thousands of visitors annually. The difference is the rapid transformation happening before our eyes.
The town’s namesake natural springs still drip from limestone formations at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, a geological feature that’s supported human settlement for centuries. These same limestone hills create the perfect terroir for vineyards and olive groves.
At Texas Hill Country Olive Company, I walk between 1,500 olive trees planted in neat rows. The landscape, with its golden hills and Mediterranean vegetation, creates an uncanny resemblance to central Italy.
The limestone formations and olive groves create an atmosphere reminiscent of Provence’s hidden villages that most Americans never discover. But instead of centuries-old traditions, everything here feels new – like watching a European landscape being born in real-time.
Unlike many rural American towns struggling with population decline, Dripping Springs’ 23.2% growth rate represents an extraordinary success story. This expansion comes with growing pains – and opportunities.
Local historians remind me that just five years ago, you could park anywhere downtown. Today, I circle twice before finding a spot near Mazama Coffee, where remote workers from Austin tap on laptops beneath ceiling fans.
Like Maryland towns offering authentic experiences without the crowds, Dripping Springs provides genuine Hill Country character missing from more commercial destinations like Fredericksburg, which now sees over 1.5 million tourists annually.
Hamilton Pool Preserve remains the crown jewel attraction – a collapsed grotto creating a jade-green swimming hole beneath a 50-foot waterfall. But advance reservations are mandatory, with summer slots booking 2-3 weeks ahead.
At Deep Eddy Vodka distillery, tastings now include BBQ pairings for $25, while Bell Springs Winery offers vineyard tours that remind me of California’s wine country before commercialization. While Dripping Springs develops its wine identity, it offers experiences reminiscent of this Washington wine town that rivals Napa without California prices.
Summer 2025 represents the perfect window to experience Dripping Springs. The town maintains its International Dark Sky certification despite growth, meaning stargazing remains exceptional. But new development threatens this status within 18 months.
For the optimal experience, arrive on weekdays before 10 AM and stay until sunset when the limestone takes on a golden glow. Local insiders recommend visiting the farmers market on Wednesday mornings for authentic interaction with multi-generation Texans.
As I drive back toward Austin, watching Dripping Springs recede in my rearview mirror, I can’t shake the feeling I’ve glimpsed a place in perfect transition – like visiting Napa in the 1970s or Sonoma before it became a household name. Some destinations have their moment when everything aligns. For Dripping Springs, that moment is now, before the wedding capital of Texas becomes the next American boomtown that everyone’s talking about.
Close to 200 residents from the Dripping Springs area attended a board meeting for the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation (DSWSC) on the evening of June 9. They were joined by a number of local political figures, including Rep. Carrie Isaac, Hays County Commissioner Walt Smith and Dripping Springs Mayor Bill Foulds, Jr.As demonstrated by a show of hands, most residents were there in regards to item number 7 on the agenda - discussion and possible action to “Cancel all bulk water, truck meter, hydrant meter, and constructi...
Close to 200 residents from the Dripping Springs area attended a board meeting for the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation (DSWSC) on the evening of June 9. They were joined by a number of local political figures, including Rep. Carrie Isaac, Hays County Commissioner Walt Smith and Dripping Springs Mayor Bill Foulds, Jr.
As demonstrated by a show of hands, most residents were there in regards to item number 7 on the agenda - discussion and possible action to “Cancel all bulk water, truck meter, hydrant meter, and construction bulk water sales.”
The item was originally on the agenda for the May meeting, but because of the overwhelming number of people who showed up that day, it was moved to the June meeting to allow DSWSC time to find a larger meeting space - which they secured at Dripping Springs Ranch Park.
This is the latest development in a fight over the area’s water supply. Several water bills had been making their way through the 89th Texas Legislature. One of those, SB 2660, was left pending in committee. Another, SB 1253, was passed in both the House and Senate and was sent to the Governor on May 28 and is waiting to be signed into law.
That bill, as well as a lawsuit between DSWSC and the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD) alleging overpumping, were cited as reasons that DSWSC is considering ceasing bulk water sales. Complicating the situation is the fact that DSWSC is currently operating under a 40% curtailment imposed by HTGCD due to drought conditions.
“The way I see it, we are being squeezed by Texas legislation based on the fact that we’re supposed to provide this service, yet we can be curtailed by whatever the groundwater conservation district wants to do,” DSWSC Director Charlie Busbey said. “Our engineer provided us with some general system information a couple meetings ago, and he said serving existing customers without exceeding that 40% curtailment is not feasible. So what are we supposed to do?”
Busbey said that bulk hauling is something that DSWSC has been doing for a long time. They know that people with rainwater collection systems or people who have problems with their wells sometimes need bulk water.
“So we don’t really want to stop that, but the reason this item is on the agenda is because we have to seriously consider that,” Busbey said.
More than 100 people signed up to speak during the public comment period. Each person could speak for up to three minutes. Speakers included a broad range of people, from elected officials, business owners and bulk water haulers to citizens who rely on bulk water to supplement their rainwater collection and water wells.
One of those residents was Jean Cyrus, who was accompanied by her husband Craig Cyrus. The couple bought a place west of Dripping Springs in 1993.
“We invested everything that we had in making our place a home. We had a well dug in May of 1993, but unfortunately in 2011, it went dry and we have had to haul water ever since,” Jean Cyrus said. “So this is a very personal issue for me and my husband. We need access to water.”
Cyrus said that people who must haul water are very well aware of how precious the resource is, and are very conservative in its use.
“I am very well aware of how many gallons I use a month, and I am thankful that my husband has been able to haul water for our use at a couple of hundred gallons at a time, but we've had to have a water hauler bring us loads when our vehicle was broke down or our tank was too low,” Cyrus said.
She said it doesn’t appear that people on municipal water have the same concerns as the rest of the residents.
“I'm not even going to pretend to know the politics of this situation,” Jean said. “I'm learning more, but I just know that it's highly insulting when I see all the new subdivisions and apartment complexes being built, a new car wash coming into town, and sprinklers being used in all these neighborhoods on a very frequent basis to keep the yards lush and green.”
She also expressed concern about moving more and more people into a city that doesn't have the infrastructure or resources to support it.
“What I do care about is having water to drink, water to shower, flush my toilets, wash my clothes and dishes, and water to put out small fires that may spark, to keep them from becoming out of control,” Cyrus said. “We are in serious trouble with our aquifers. But please reconsider keeping bulk water sales available. It is our lifeline.”
The remarks from Cyrus, similar to a lot of those from local residents, were followed by a loud round of applause from the room.
After comments were concluded, the DSWSC board passed a resolution to prohibit bulk water sales for construction activities. Other bulk water sales will be allowed to continue - for now.
DSWSC Vice President Travis Crow reminded the crowd that this is a central Texas issue, not a Dripping Springs water issue, and said he wanted to see what the numbers look like moving forward.
“If we cut off the construction water, let’s see what bulk water haulers are really hauling. This isn't off the table for me,” Crow said.
Crow called on people not to fill pools, and he asked bulk water haulers to help enforce that.
“I know it's money out of your pocket, but we are fighting for citizens here that need drinking water,” Crow said. “We just told construction people, we're not putting it on the road. Don't put it in your damn pool.”
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