SUBMITTED REPORT

Brookfield Residential, developers of the Blanco Vista subdivision in far north San Marcos, has begun construction of a 2.8- mile-long, 16-inch diameter water line along Post Road.

The $2.9 million water line will connect to the city’s water system and is expected to be completed in December. The city is contributing $50,000 to the cost of the project, which will become part of the municipal potable water system.

“The Post Road water line will provide improved service to a fast-growing area of San Marcos,” said Tom Taggart, the city’s Public Services division executive director. “Blanco Vista is the fastest developing subdivision in our community, with 227 single family homes built since 2012. The completion of this project will provide looped service to the northern portion of our service area. The current service is provided through a single pipeline along I-35.”

The water line has been planned for nearly a decade and was part of the original development agreement between the city and Brookfield Residential, formerly Carma Development, to serve the subdivision when it grew to a certain size.

Contractors are currently installing silt fencing and erosion control along Post Road (Hays County Road 140) which links San Marcos and Kyle and runs parallel to Interstate 35.

The project will install 16-inch diameter ductile iron pipe from Blanco Vista Boulevard to approximately 1,200 feet north of Booth Drive along Post Road.  Construction includes several portions that will be bored to preserve the Blanco River and protect many trees along the route.

Hays County has assisted by allowing the pipeline to be built in the county’s right-of-way to avoid damaging trees and sensitive habitat.

“The Post Road water main project has been under planning and review since before I was elected, and since then I’ve participated with county and city staff and consultants to help ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach,” Hays County Pct. 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant said.

“I believe all parties worked to meet or exceed construction requirements, taking into consideration issues that affect the environment and safety as well as the project’s overall impact on those who use and administer the road,” the commissioner said.