Mirasol Springs new water line decision delayed amid pushback

BEE CAVE, Texas (KXAN) — Controversial development Mirasol Springs saw the decision for the construction of a new water service line delayed until Nov. 18 at a board meeting of the West Travis County Public Utility Agency (WTCPUA) on Thursday afternoon.

The development, which aims to set the gold standard for conservation in the Hill Country, has faced continued backlash from land owners and activists for more than two years.

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Previously, developers had applied for groundwater pumping permits and for permits to collect surface water from the Pedernales River. Landowners said the amount of water the project needed was not sustainable.

In September, Mirasol Capital, the group behind Mirasol Springs, filed for the construction of the water service line with the WTCPUA. The proposed line would provide water to the homes, cottages and a hotel on the property. The developers will have to build and pay for the construction of the line, which will run to their property off of Hamilton Pool Road in Western Travis County.

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A spokesperson with the developer said about today's delay:

"Mirasol Springs is thankful for the thoughtful consideration by the WTCPUA for this service request and our team is eager to earn their approval. The continued disinformation promoted by opponent organizations is detracting from this exceptional project."

Pushback against the new plan

Activists with Save the Pedernales and the Save Our Springs Alliance protested the decision to build the new water service line.

"Any expansion in water services and water pipelines has been shown to increase development and increase groundwater pumping," said Victoria Rose, staff attorney for the Save Our Springs Alliance.

Rose cited a 2016 study conducted by the Meadows Center at Texas State that saw an increase in residential wells after the construction of a pipeline along U.S. 290.

If approved, the new service line won't be immediately accessible. New facilities must be built before it can be activated. The earliest that will happen is 2027, according to a spokesperson with the WTCPUA.