Before you buy in the Hill Country, do you actually know where your water will come from—and how reliable it will be long term?
If you are considering a move to the Hill Country, you have probably heard the concern already:
“Is the water situation getting bad?”
That question is not alarmist. It is reasonable.
The Hill Country relies heavily on groundwater systems that are under increasing strain. Rapid population growth, multi-year drought conditions, and reservoirs that entered 2025 already stressed have made water reliability a serious consideration for anyone thinking about relocating or buying property here.
I hear this concern regularly from buyers, especially families planning to put down roots for the long term. And I am not going to sugarcoat it.
Water is a limiting factor in the Hill Country. But a limiting factor is not the same thing as a deal breaker.
The real risk is not that water is “running out overnight.” The real risk is buying property without understanding where your water comes from, how secure that source is, and what tradeoffs you are accepting.
Fear makes people freeze. Data allows people to make smart decisions.
I am Cody Posey, and part of my role is helping buyers understand risks like water availability before they show up as expensive problems. Living in Hill Country can still be a great long-term decision—but only if it is approached strategically.
Understanding the Aquifer Reality (Not the Headlines)
Most of the Hill Country depends on groundwater, primarily from aquifer systems such as the Trinity Aquifer. These aquifers recharge slowly and unevenly, which is the detail that often gets lost in public discussion.
Here is the key point most people miss:
Not all aquifer areas perform the same.
The Trinity Aquifer is not a single underground lake. It is a layered system with varying geology, recharge rates, and water quality depending on location. Some areas experience more consistent recharge. Others are far more sensitive to drought and overuse.
When people say, “The aquifer is depleted,” they are oversimplifying a complex system.
What actually matters is:
- Which section of the aquifer serves the property
- Historical well depth and production data
- Recharge trends in that specific area
- Pumping limits imposed by local groundwater districts
This is why location matters far more than most buyers realize when they think about Living in Hill Country.
I regularly review reports from the Texas Water Development Board and local groundwater conservation districts. These reports track long-term water levels, usage trends, and projected demand. They are not light reading—but they are essential if you want to make informed decisions instead of relying on hearsay.
For example, some areas within Comal County have historically demonstrated stronger aquifer performance than neighboring zones. That difference can mean stable access during drought periods versus persistent stress and declining well yields.
Two homes can look identical on paper and carry completely different water risk profiles.
Wells vs. Municipal Water: The Decision That Changes Everything
Water reliability in the Hill Country usually comes down to one critical distinction:
Are you relying on a private well, or are you connected to a municipal water system?
This single factor dramatically changes your risk exposure.
Private Wells: Independence Comes With Full Responsibility
Private wells are common in rural Hill Country properties, and for some buyers, they are part of the appeal. No monthly water bill. No city oversight. A sense of independence that fits the Hill Country lifestyle.
But wells are not passive systems.
If you rely on a well, you are responsible for:
- Monitoring water levels
- Maintaining pumps and pressure tanks
- Testing water quality
- Paying for repairs or deeper drilling if supply drops
During extended droughts, shallow wells or wells located in stressed aquifer zones can fail. Drilling deeper is expensive, and success is never guaranteed. In some cases, deeper drilling can also introduce water quality issues that require filtration or treatment.
This is why I am direct with buyers considering well-dependent properties:
A well is not “free water.” It is an asset that requires management.
Before purchasing a home with a private well, I strongly recommend:
- A professional well inspection
- Verified production history, not anecdotes
- Comprehensive water quality testing
Seller assurances are not due diligence. Data is.
Living in Hill Country with a private well can work very well—but only if the buyer understands the system they are inheriting.
Municipal Water: Greater Stability, Different Tradeoffs
Municipal water systems—such as those serving New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, and surrounding areas—generally offer more reliability because they draw from multiple sources and operate under long-term planning frameworks.
That reliability comes with its own considerations:
- Rising water rates
- Usage restrictions during drought periods
- Dependence on utility-level decisions
- Exposure to future growth pressures
Municipal water systems are designed to manage scarcity, not eliminate it.
When I evaluate a property connected to municipal water, I look beyond the fact that “city water is available.” I analyze:
- The utility’s long-range water supply plan
- Performance during previous drought cycles
- Capacity relative to projected population growth
- Rate trends and infrastructure investment
Municipal water shifts risk from the individual homeowner to the system—but it does not remove risk entirely.
Conservation Is No Longer Optional
Water conservation is not a trend in the Hill Country. It is a requirement.
Indoor efficiency, outdoor landscaping, and water-use habits all directly impact long-term sustainability. Outdoor irrigation alone accounts for a large percentage of residential water use, particularly during summer months.
If you are serious about Living in Hill Country long term, conservation is part of the equation.
Practical, high-impact conservation strategies include:
- Installing low-flow toilets and showerheads
- Repairing leaks immediately
- Running appliances only with full loads
- Minimizing turf irrigation
- Using drought-tolerant native plants
- Incorporating rainwater harvesting when feasible
Many local utilities offer rebates and incentives for water-saving upgrades. These programs are not just about saving money—they are about reducing system-wide strain.
Conservation is not about sacrifice. It is about resilience.
How I Help Buyers Evaluate Water Risk
Most buyers do not need more information. They need clarity.
This is how I approach water risk with clients considering Living in Hill Country:
- Define priorities
How important is independence versus stability? How much risk tolerance do you have? - Analyze location-specific data
Aquifer performance, well history, or municipal supply planning—depending on the property. - Assess tradeoffs
Cost, reliability, maintenance, and long-term sustainability. - Plan realistically
Conservation strategies, infrastructure upgrades, or alternative water solutions if needed.
The goal is not to scare buyers away. The goal is to prevent regret.
The Future of Water in the Hill Country
The future of water in the Hill Country depends on three variables:
- Rainfall patterns
- Population growth
- How responsibly water is managed
We cannot control rainfall. We can control planning, conservation, and infrastructure investment.
Extended drought cycles have made one thing clear: water management must be proactive, not reactive. Investment in conservation technology, alternative supply strategies, and responsible growth planning will determine how sustainable Living in Hill Country remains over the next decade.
Collaboration matters. Local governments, utilities, developers, and residents all play a role. Transparency, data sharing, and realistic planning are essential.
The Hill Country lifestyle does not have to dry up—but it does require informed participation.
Is Water Scarcity a Reason to Walk Away?
No.
But it is a reason to slow down and evaluate.
Living in Hill Country is no longer forgiving of uninformed decisions. Where you buy matters. How your water is sourced matters. Your willingness to adapt matters.
Water scarcity concerns are real. Ignoring them is risky. Understanding them is empowering.
You do not need fear. You need facts.
If you want to evaluate water risk before you buy—and understand how it fits into your long-term plans—I am here to help you run those numbers and make a confident decision.
