Effective October 1, 2026, Woodlands Water increased its use of surface water from 50% to 55%, further reducing our community’s reliance on groundwater and helping sustain our aquifers for future generations.
How we got here
For most of our history, 100% of Montgomery County’s drinking water came from aquifers. Groundwater was plentiful and inexpensive to supply, so that approach worked well. But as the county’s population grew, so did demand. Groundwater levels declined, making water harder and more expensive to access. Over pumping can also cause the land surface to sink (known as subsidence), which worsens flooding and damages infrastructure.
From groundwater to a balanced water supply
The Texas Legislature created the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District (LSGCD) in 2001 to help protect and conserve our region’s groundwater resources. To meet the LSGCD’s requirements to substantially reduce groundwater use from the Gulf Coast Aquifer, the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) launched a countywide Groundwater Reduction Plan (GRP) in 2010.
Between 2011 and 2015, SJRA built a water treatment plant at the Lake Conroe Dam and 55 miles of pipeline to deliver treated surface water from Lake Conroe to multiple cities and utilities across the county, including Woodlands Water.
In September 2015, Woodlands Water began receiving treated surface water, starting with a blend of about 35% surface water and 65% groundwater. In 2022, we moved to an even 50/50 blend. This latest increase to 55% surface water is the next step in that long-term strategy.
What does this mean for customers?
Surface water costs appear on your bill as the Surface Water Conversion Fee. This pass-through charge covers the cost Woodlands Water pays SJRA for treated surface water, with no markup.
As of October 1, 2026, Woodlands Water adjusted the mix of groundwater and surface water delivered to homes. This adjustment resulted in a change to the rate it pays SJRA, from $2.81 to $2.83 per 1,000 gallons. What does that mean for YOU? For a typical Woodlands household using an average of 10,000 gallons of water per month, this equates to approximately $0.20 per month, or $2.40 per year.
This is the only rate change to your water bill in fiscal year 2026–27.
Using more surface water comes with a small cost, but it is an important investment in protecting our groundwater and keeping our community’s water supply reliable for years to come.
* Watch “Where Does Your Water Come From,” the new video from Woodlands Water, to follow your drinking water’s journey from its sources to your tap.
