Tapping into Georgetown's water source

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) - A fire hydrant is the first sign that water will soon flow once again in a Georgetown subdivision.

It is the first one this street has ever seen, because every home here is on well water. As the drought continues to dry those up, this house has been without water for the last three days.

Digging through the dirt, down to the rock below, Jacob Lemons prepares to lay water lines to ten homes in the White Tail Estates.

"Between 12 and 15 inches is the water line," said Lemons. "We go a bit lower so we can put some sand on the bottom of it, maybe 18."

About 30 years ago, this rural subdivision had no chance of tapping into the city's water supply. Even as 40 million gallons come out of Lake Georgetown each day leaving dangerously low levels, officials agreed to rescue those suffering here.

"Borrowing from neighbors," said Bill Cardwell, a plumber. "I think one guy's been having it trucked in once a week he said since December."

Three homes are already without water, as their wells ran dry during this drought. The only way to fix it if you do not get on the city water is to drill your well deeper.

Contract plumbers like Lemons said this set of water lines is most likely only stage one. Other residents are thirsty for more connections soon.

"I think that these homes are going to be the catalyst to us getting water through the city, because people see now that it's available and it's a viable alternative," said Robert Weiss, a resident.

Residents recall two house fires in the past few years they said could have been prevented with a project like this. Now, a string of fire hydrants show safer and more saturated future.

But, Lemons said, the water will still have to wait another two weeks before he completes his work.

"I had never had to go without water, so I really can't imagine what it would be like," said Lemons. "I bet they probably get pretty stinky."

There are about 180 homes in this subdivision. Residents said this project is 15 years in the making. It can cost up to $18,000 to have the lines installed on your property, so it might be a while before everyone is on board.