The City of Round Rock provides water services in and around the city, including several Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) outside city limits. To determine if Round Rock is your water service provider, locate your property on the Round Rock Water Service Area Map.
For Water or Wastewater emergencies, call 512-218-5555 (available 24/7).
Water Quality
The Utilities and Environmental Services Division is committed to providing customers with water that is safe, reliable and of excellent quality.
The City of Round Rock’s water system is rated “superior” by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) – TCEQ’s highest rating.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all drinking water suppliers to provide an annual water quality report called a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The CCR provides customers with water quality information from the previous calendar year.
- 2023 Consumer Confidence Report
- 2022 Consumer Confidence Report
- 2021 Consumer Confidence Report
- 2020 Consumer Confidence Report
- 2019 Consumer Confidence Report
- 2018 Consumer Confidence Report
- 2017 Consumer Confidence Report
For more information about the City’s drinking water, please refer to TCEQ’s Drinking Water Watch.
Required Testing for Lead Levels
Public Water Systems are required to test the lead levels in their drinking water every three years to ensure lead does not exceed the action level of 0.015 mg/L. To view the City’s water test results, please refer to the TCEQ Drinking Water Database and type in ‘City of Round Rock’ for the water system name.
The City does not have lead service lines or lead piping within its water distribution system. However, homes built before 1986 could potentially have lead in their home piping system. To check for lead piping, a simple lead swab test may be performed by the homeowner. Test swabs can be purchased at local hardware stores. To test for lead in drinking water, you must take a sample of your water to a commercial laboratory. To learn more about lead in drinking water, please visit the EPA website.
For questions or to request additional information, please contact Evan Larson at 512-218-6699 or via email.
If you have questions or concerns please call 512-218-5555, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Zebra mussels are having a devastating effect on the state’s natural resources. These highly destructive, invasive species are spreading across Texas lakes by hitching a ride on boats, trailers, jet ski’s, fishing equipment and swimming gear. Zebra mussels only grow to about 1 1/2 inches long; however, they multiply rapidly, one million eggs spawned by one female each year, and with the lack of natural predators in Texas lakes, they can cause tremendous environmental and economic damage.
This invasive species has already invaded several Texas lakes, and could take over all freshwater sources in Texas. The local lakes we use, not only for recreation but also for our water supply, have been classified as infested with zebra mussels. Lake Georgetown, Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Lake Travis are among the 14 infested Texas lakes.
Zebra mussels pose a devastating threat to our state’s aquatic ecosystems, private property and water supply systems. They cause recreational hardships, damage to the ecosystem and financially impact taxpayers.
This video is actual footage of zebra mussels in Lake Georgetown — our primary water source.
Recreational Impact
- Desecrate beaches with their sharp shells.
- Decreases boat fuel efficiency when attached.
- Damages boat motors, water pumps, air conditioners, and navigation buoys.
Ecosystem Impact
- Caused an algal bloom that led to a “do not drink” order for half a million Lake Erie residents.
- Harm native species, including popular sport fish, taking over habitats and damaging lake ecology.
- Reduces the availability of tiny food particles (zooplankton and phytoplankton), impacting filter feeding fish, important prey for bass and other sportfish.
- Reduces native mussel and crayfish populations – as zebra mussels can attach to the shells and exoskeletons of these native species and suffocate them.
Financial Impact
- Disrupts water supplies by completely clogging pipelines and damaging water intake structures, making water more expensive.
- Decreased property value up to 19% in some areas infested with aquatic invasive species.
What can you do?
- Spread the word!
- Clean and thoroughly dry every item that was in or near the water (swimsuits, water shoes, towels, buckets, toys, rafts, etc.)
- Clean and dry your dog(s)
- Report any sightings to TexasInvasives.org
- If you see a violation, report it to 800-792-4263
- CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY your boat, trailer and gear every time you leave a body of water!
- Remove all plants, animals and foreign objects from hulls, propellers, intakes, trailers, and gear before leaving a launch area.
- Drain all water from your boat, including the motor, bilge, live wells and bait buckets, before leaving a lake.
- Dry for a week or more before entering another water body. If unable to let it dry, wash it with a high-pressure washer and hot (at least 140-degree) soapy water.
Transporting Zebra Mussels is ILLEGAL
Possession or transportation of zebra mussels in Texas is a Class C misdemeanor for the first offense, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Repeat offenses can be elevated to a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, jail time up to 180 days, or both.
State law requires boaters to drain all water from their vessel, including live wells, bilges, motors and any other receptacles or water intake systems before leaving or approaching public waters. This applies to all types and sizes of boats used on fresh waters.
Additional Resources:
Title Photo: Amy Benson, U.S. Geological Survey; Zebra mussel attached to crayfish (priorlakesassociation.org)
For questions, comments or to learn more please contact Chad Kinder at 512-341-3134 or via email.
Lead Service Line Inventory
In the EPA’s revised Lead and Copper Rule, all public water systems are required to inventory all service lines to identify any potential lead water lines. By October 16, 2024, all public water systems must make that inventory available to the public to inform residents if their service line is comprised of lead or not. This inventory tracks both the utility side of the service line and the customer side.
The City of Round Rock has conducted an inventory of all properties built before or in 1988, as this was the year Texas banned lead water lines. However, just because a house was built before 1988 doesn’t mean it has a lead service line. The City is using 1988 as a reference point when checking the status of water service lines for properties.
The City is visually inspecting the remaining service lines with an “unknown” status. While we’re still finishing this process, most lines have already been checked, and no lead has been found in the City.
How to Check Your Property
Use our interactive map to check your property’s service line status. Most addresses are complete and will fall into one of the following categories.
Non-lead
If your address reads “non-lead,” it means we have confirmed your service line at the meter box is comprised of either plastic, copper, galvanized steel or any other material that does not contain lead.
Unknown
If your address reads “unknown,” it means we have not yet checked your service line to confirm the material type. We are actively checking all service lines and will eventually get to your address if it is of unknown status.
Galvanized Requiring Replacement
If your address reads “galvanized requiring replacement” then it means your service line at the meter box is made of galvanized steel that was at one point exposed to lead from a lead line upstream. This means it will need to be replaced to be considered a safe material for your service line.
Lead
If your address reads “lead” then it means we have confirmed your service line at the meter box is made of lead and needs to be replaced. Please visit EPA | Lead in Drinking Water to read about the harmful effects of lead in drinking water.
For questions or concerns please contact Kit Perkins at cperkins@roundrocktexas.gov or 512-341-3145 .
Water Sources
Where does Round Rock get its water?
Currently, the City of Round Rock pumps water from two different sources — groundwater and surface water.
Groundwater from wells drilled into the Edwards Aquifer provides a small portion of the City’s water, typically less than 5 million gallons per day. The Edwards Aquifer is dependent on continual rainfall, so it’s not a reliable source during the frequent Central Texas droughts. The City operates four wells known as the Lake Creek Wells and the Westinghouse Wells. Groundwater is the City’s least expensive source of water, since it currently doesn’t require any treatment other than chlorination.
Surface water from Lake Georgetown, which is operated by the Brazos River Authority (BRA), is pumped from Lake Georgetown to the City’s water treatment plant. The BRA also supplements the water in Lake Georgetown via a 28-mile pipeline from Lake Stillhouse Hollow, near Belton.
The City has also partnered with the cities of Cedar Park and Leander to create the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority to access water in Lake Travis. The City contracted to purchase Lake Travis water from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). We began using Lake Travis water in June 2020.
One primary difference between groundwater and surface water, is that surface water sources are able to supply a known quantity of water at a required rate, provided the facilities are available to treat, pump, and deliver water at the desired rate. The stated capacity of a groundwater source is typically the maximum rate that the groundwater source can deliver on a reliable basis.
Additionally, the City continues to develop the reuse water system and conservation programs, to further reduce the City’s freshwater needs.
Water Reuse
The City of Round Rock has been irrigating with reclaimed, recycled, or reuse water since 1998, when the first reuse project was implemented after completing a pipeline from the Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (BCRWWTP) to Forest Creek Golf Club.
Reuse water is treated wastewater used for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation. Instead of discharging the treated effluent into Brushy Creek, it receives additional treatment and disinfection and is then available for non-potable use – irrigation.
The Water Reuse program was created as an effort to reduce the City’s potable water use by supplying reuse water for non-potable purposes. The City has taken advantage of using existing facilities like abandoned wastewater force mains and focuses new reuse projects in areas close to the City’s wastewater facilities.
So, where are we now? Below is a compilation of completed Water Reuse projects, which provide reuse water to the east and northeast side of the City:
- Treatment, pumping, chlorination, and storage facilities at the BCRWWTP, and 9,000 linear feet of 8 and 16-inch transmission and irrigation lines for Old Settlers Park (OSP) to the Round Rock Youth Baseball Complex. OSP has used reuse water for irrigation since completing these facilities in the Spring of 2012.
- Additional storage and pumping facilities along with 22,900 linear feet of 8 and 16-inch transmission main to Kalahari Resorts, Texas State University, Austin Community College, and other parks and schools in the northeast part of the City.
- Subdivisions irrigating common areas and parks have since been added, including Forest Creek HOA, Forest Grove, Meadows of Chandler Creek MUD, Legends Village HOA, and the Vizcaya development.
By the end of 2025, the City plans to have additional transmission lines to supply reuse water to RRISD’s athletic complex, Stony Point High School, Cedar Ridge High School, and two other elementary schools.
The City’s goal is to provide reuse water to parts of the City, in areas economically practical, and where we can make the most of this low-cost, valuable resource.
Reuse Benefits:
- Reduces irrigation costs to users at a single-tier rate of 75% of the 1st tier residential rate.
- Supply is unlimited and users have no restrictions even during drought conditions.
- Conserves scarce and precious raw water supplies by using non-potable reuse water for non-potable purposes.
- Delays major capital expenditures and future surface water rights acquisitions. Delaying, reducing, or eliminating major capital improvements saves millions of dollars.
- Reuse water is a good source of process water for industries to use and at a lower cost to both the City and the industry. Kalahari is using it in its cooling towers. ACC uses it for toilet flushing. It is a good incentive for economic growth and development, and helps projects looking for LEED points.
- Optimizes the resources already in the wastewater treatment process where significant money is spent treating water to a high-quality level to discharge it into the creek.
- Reuse provides good irrigation water to large end-users at a lower cost to them and the City. In turn, it reduces peak daily usage and can lower the number of water rationing days.
For more information regarding Water Reuse, please contact Kit Perkins at 512-341-3145 or via email.
Water Supply Status
Year-round water use standards went into effect in June 2024.
The City’s Drought Contingency Plan outlines the year-round water use standards, which apply to all Round Rock water customers, including several Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) outside the City limits.
Click on the map on the right to see the most current drought map and reservoir levels.
Drought Restrictions
Year-round water use standards went into effect June 13, 2024. Outdoor watering by irrigation system or hose-end sprinkler is allowed following the Watering Schedule, and hand-held watering is allowed any day.
The City’s Drought Contingency Plan outlines the year-round water use standards, which apply to all Round Rock water customers, including several Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) outside the City limits.
Outdoor watering by automatic irrigation system or hose-end sprinkler is limited to the twice-per-week watering schedule; if you choose to water your lawn, it must be on your property’s designated days.
Watering Schedule
| Address Ends In | Watering Days | Watering Times |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Monday and/or Thursday | Midnight to 10 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. to midnight |
| 1 | Wednesday and/or Saturday | |
| 2 | Tuesday and/or Friday | |
| 3 | Monday and/or Thursday | |
| 4 or 8 | Sunday and/or Thursday | |
| 5 or 9 | Wednesday and/or Saturday | |
| 6 or 7 | Tuesday and/or Friday |
You can find the full Drought Contingency Plan here.
Outdoor watering is limited to the twice per week watering schedule; if you choose to water it must be on your property’s designated days.
Stage 1 Watering Schedule
| Address Ends In | Watering Days | Watering Times |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Monday and/or Thursday | Midnight to 10 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to midnight |
| 1 | Wednesday and/or Saturday | |
| 2 | Tuesday and/or Friday | |
| 3 | Monday and/or Thursday | |
| 4 or 8 | Sunday and/or Thursday | |
| 5 or 9 | Wednesday and/or Saturday | |
| 6 or 7 | Tuesday and/or Friday |
ALLOWED
The following uses are allowed only when in compliance with the Stage 1 Watering Schedule:
- Use of soaker or drip hoses
- Foundation watering
- Vehicle washing (commercial car washes are an exception and can be used at any time)
- Filling swimming pools
- Irrigation of new landscaping with an approved variance request (however, installation of new landscaping should be delayed when possible)
- Operating ornamental fountains that recirculate water
PROHIBITED
- Street washing
- Operating ornamental fountains that do not recirculate water
- Watering between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. with an irrigation system, hose end sprinkler, soaker hose, or drip irrigation
EXCEPTIONS
The following uses are exceptions to Stage 1 Drought Restrictions and may take place at any time:
- Irrigation by hand-held hoses or hand-held buckets
- Commercial carwashes
- Commercial plant nurseries
- Commercial power washing companies
- Athletic fields where field is in use (organized youth, amateur or professional sports)
- Necessary usage to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public (i.e. washing garbage trucks and vehicles used to transport food and perishables)
- Irrigation using other sources of water, such as groundwater or rainwater
You can find the full Drought Contingency Plan here.
Q. Can my group hold a charity or fundraiser car wash while we’re in water restrictions?
A. A charity or fundraising car wash can only be held at a car wash facility, so that the dirty, soapy, greasy water can be collected by the car wash sewer system and not discharged into the stormwater system, which would pollute the local creeks and water bodies.
If the car wash is held at a commercial car wash facility, then it can occur any day at any time; it is exempt to the restrictions. Commercial car washes control the runoff from the property and use more efficient equipment to wash the vehicles.
Q. Can I fill my swimming pool?
A. Yes, you can fill your swimming pool on your designated day.
Q. I just had new landscaping installed at my house that needs to be watered more frequently. What do I do?
A. Newly planted landscaping does need to be watered more frequently in order to establish it. If more than 25% of your yard has new sod or landscaped area, you may apply for a 30-day watering variance.
Q. Can I pressure wash my house?
A. Yes, on your designated day. A commercial company that provides pressure washing as its main business is not restricted to specific watering days.
Q. I see a property that is wasting water or watering on a day that isn’t their assigned water day. Who do I report that to?
A. Report water violations via email or by calling 512-671-2872. Please include property name, address, or intersection, and a description of the violation (i.e. watering Monday at 2pm or water running down the street) in order for staff to follow up on the complaint. All complaints are kept confidential.
Q. Can I use a slip-n-slide or other water toy, or inflatable water-using piece of equipment?
A. Yes, provided there is no water run-off from the property where it’s being used. Use it in the grass or other pervious area so the water soaks into the ground.
Q. When can I wash my vehicle?
A. You can wash your vehicle on your designated day at your house, or at a commercial car wash facility any time they are open.
Commercial car washes are not restricted during water restrictions because they are more efficient than washing a vehicle at a private residence. They capture and treat the dirty, soapy water onsite, or through the wastewater lines, rather than letting the water drain into the stormwater system, which is what happens when folks wash vehicles at home. The commercial equipment uses more pressure and less gallons of water per minute, so they overall use less water per vehicle.
Q. When can I use my soaker hoses?
A. They follow the same schedule as other irrigation. Only on your designated water days and not between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Round Rock’s primary water sources are Lake Georgetown and Lake Stillhouse Hollow. When needed, the City pumps water into Lake Georgetown from Lake Stillhouse Hollow through a 32-mile pipeline. The City also utilizes water from Lake Travis and groundwater from the Edwards Aquifer. Learn more at Water Sources.
- Total daily water usage in Round Rock, in millions of gallons
- Current lake level at Lake Georgetown (Round Rock’s primary water source)
- Total monthly water usage, in millions of gallons
- Total inches of rainfall (recorded at the City’s Water Treatment Plant)
Higher than normal temperatures and low amounts of rainfall have a tremendous effect on the amount of water produced in Round Rock. As you can see from the chart below, water use begins to increase mid-February and continues to rise through the summer months.
History of Round Rock Water
Clean and plentiful drinking water was one of the primary reasons that early settlers chose Round Rock as their home. Indeed, Clear Water County was one of the names suggested to the state legislature in 1848 for the land that is now called Williamson County.
In 1896, the city’s first well, Town Well, was drilled. This well was located near the intersection of present day Mays and Main Street. The well often would run artesian and flood the streets. Because of this, the City Council ordered that the well be capped in 1931. Prior to the drilling of the Town Well, Round Rock’s downtown area was supplied with water from Brushy Creek, hauled in by privately owned water wagons.
The city’s first modern water works system included a redevelopment of the Town Well and a 60,000 gallon, 130 foot tall water storage tank. This project was completed in 1935 by the Public Works Administration. Both the well and the storage tank still exist but are no longer operational.
The city continued to survive on ground water, drilling several more water wells in the downtown area. In 1978, a prolonged drought plagued central Texas causing Round Rock’s wells to go dry. For a short period of time, Round Rock had to go without water. This forced the city to explore new, more drought tolerant water supplies.
In 1981, the city opened its first surface water treatment plant. This facility was capable of treating 6 million gallons per day but more importantly, the water source was Lake Georgetown.
Round Rock continued to grow, with population booms in both the 80’s and 90’s. This growth, along with more stringent drinking water regulations, forced the City to expand its surface water treatment plant four more times. Today, the water plant is capable of treating 65 million gallons per day. It is a state of the art facility, outfitted with the most modern equipment and advanced technology.
Lake Georgetown
Lake Georgetown, located 3 miles west of Georgetown, Texas, was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District to control flooding along the San Gabriel River. Impounded in 1980, Lake Georgetown serves as a water supply for Round Rock, Georgetown and the Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District.
Lake Georgetown has 247 square miles of drainage contributing to create a capacity of 124,610 acre-feet. At normal levels, this capacity is equivalent to more than 40 billion gallons of water. The surface area of the lake is 1,310 acres and it is approximately 423 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.
Water: What You Pay For
Want to know what you’re paying for? Watch this quick video about the water service a typical residential water bill covers, and the costs of delivering a consistent, reliable flow of safe and affordable drinking water to your faucet.
Contact Us
Water Treatment Plant
Evan Larson
512-341-3134
elarson@roundrocktexas.gov
