Delivering Water Solutions for Growing Communities

Across the country, many communities are facing challenges with their water systems. For some, it’s aging infrastructure; for others, it is rapidly growing populations. Natural disasters, like droughts, floods, and wildfires, further strain these water systems. Civil engineers play a crucial role in maintaining and repairing infrastructure, developing sustainable and efficient new water systems, ensuring reliable supplies of safe drinking water, and protecting communities from hazards such as flooding and erosion.

For fast-growing states, the stakes are especially high. Texas is grappling with the double burden of historic drought and rapid land development, while Georgia is laying the foundation for long-term resiliency as it expands infrastructure and attracts new industries. Meeting these challenges requires an experienced team capable of combining informed planning, innovative technologies, and efficient project management.

Pape-Dawson has been at the center of some of the most crucial water supply programs in Texas history, and through the firm’s geographic and service-area growth, it is poised to tackle similar challenges across the Southeast. At Pape-Dawson, water infrastructure projects are more than moving water. They are about building trust, aligning stakeholders, and delivering solutions that are resilient, cost-effective, and responsive to the pressures communities are experiencing now and will experience in the future.

Securing Water Supplies for Growing Communities

When the City of San Antonio faced the challenge of securing long-term supply for its growing population, the Vista Ridge Regional Water Supply Project became one of the most ambitious undertakings of its kind in North America. Stretching 142 miles and crossing three major rivers, this major water conveyance project demanded not only technical innovation but also exceptional coordination across jurisdictions, agencies, and landowners. Pape-Dawson’s leadership in permitting, land acquisition, and program management was crucial in advancing the project from conceptual route selection to full water delivery in just over four years, without requiring a single easement condemnation. This project set a new standard for how large-scale water infrastructure can be delivered in complex political and environmental landscapes.

The firm’s work with the Alliance Regional Water Authority in Central Texas further demonstrates how long-term partnerships and technical expertise result in regional successes. The $321 million Phase 1B program is improving water supply reliability for the communities of Kyle, Buda, and San Marcos, as well as multiple utilities along the SH 130 corridor. By sourcing water from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer and overseeing the development of wellfields, treatment capacity, and 85 miles of large-diameter pipeline, Pape-Dawson has helped position these communities for sustainable growth.

At a more local level, projects such as the South Comal Water Supply Corporation’s system expansion and the WECO Rogers Ranch production system underscore the firm’s capabilities to support municipalities and water providers as they expand into new growth areas. From permitting dozens of public water supply wells to designing pump stations and integrating SCADA monitoring and control, these projects reflect a comprehensive understanding of the technical details that underpin reliable delivery.

Navigating Policy and Partnerships

Water delivery can be as much a political and social challenge as it is a technical one. Engineers may serve as facilitators among municipalities, utilities, regulators, and community stakeholders. In Vista Ridge, the Pape-Dawson team coordinated with the San Antonio Water System and also helped shape agreements and permitting strategies that ensured alignment across multiple counties and agencies. That type of leadership is vital when new water projects must navigate regulatory scrutiny, environmental stewardship, and public concern.

Partnering with a firm that has strong regional relationships is as important as technical expertise. Whether assisting communities with pricing and funding options, advising on inter-basin transfers, or aligning with statewide water policy, the teams at Pape-Dawson understand that the path to successful water supply development often requires collaboration across both engineering and governance.

Water Delivery Needs in Georgia

While Texas represents a proving ground for some of the most complex water projects in the nation, Georgia presents a new opportunity to bring that expertise to bear in a different context. As the state experiences rapid growth, particularly in metropolitan Atlanta and along major logistics corridors, water infrastructure will play a central role in enabling economic development. Surface water supplies in Georgia are limited and will remain highly regulated due to the long-running water disputes between Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. Even though the Supreme Court ruled several years ago in favor of Georgia’s current water use, litigation continues over future water demands. Combined with the limited groundwater availability in the northern half of the state, reuse, desalination, and brackish groundwater development in the south and coastal Georgia will be increasingly important. Addressing these challenges requires engineers and planners who can bring diverse stakeholders together to ensure that solutions are equitable and sustainable for all.

As drought, climate change, and population growth continue to stress water resources, decisive action is essential. Communities cannot afford to wait until after development stalls or public health is threatened. They need partners who can anticipate challenges, accelerate delivery, and maintain accountability to both regulators and the public.

At Pape-Dawson, we view water infrastructure as both a technical necessity and a community commitment. Every wellfield, pipeline, pump station, and treatment facility ensures that families, businesses, and future generations have access to the most essential resource of all. Whether in Texas, Georgia, or beyond, we are ready to deliver water solutions that sustain growth, safeguard communities, and inspire confidence in the future.