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In our Shaping Cities series, we are highlighting the various phases of city development and growth, providing insights into how we deliver innovative solutions and strategic guidance to cities of all sizes. 

According to the water-loss audit data submitted by public water suppliers to the Texas Water Development Board, Texas lost an estimated 136 billion gallons of water in 2020 and 132 billion gallons of water in 2021 – that is enough water to fill the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T stadium – not once, but about 170 times over.

While this may sound bleak, there are solutions to some of Texas’s water-related challenges.

For over 50 years, Dunaway has been helping communities confront water infrastructure challenges head-on. In the second installment of our Shaping Cities series, we dive into the growing importance of water infrastructure across Texas from the rapidly expanding City of Josephine and Caddo Mills to the scenic lakeside community of Granbury. We explore how we are partnering with local leaders and utility providers to tackle water-related challenges, through innovation, infrastructure upgrades, and strategic development guidance.

Creative Solutions for Water Supply 

Communities across North Texas, such as the City of Josephine, are experiencing tremendous growth, with new developments far outpacing existing water infrastructure.

Having grown by more than 359% since 2020, the City of Josephine is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing communities in the region. To help the city keep pace, Dunaway led efforts to identify and resolve critical infrastructure constraints – implementing targeted storage improvements, addressing bottlenecks to improve system flow, and unlocking new water supply sources for emergency purposes.  By adopting this approach, Josephine is seeking to avoid potential water shortages in the future and maintain service continuity, laying the foundation for sustainable growth and long-term water security.

Optimizing and Strengthening Public Water Systems

Dunaway has built a long-standing partnership with Aqua Texas, a private utility and Class A operator dedicated to acquiring, operating, and revitalizing private and public water supply systems across Texas. Many of the communities they serve – often with fewer than 1,000 total connections – face challenges in delivering clean, reliable water as population growth in regions across the state accelerates.

To support Aqua Texas’s mission, Dunaway provides program management, water pipeline and facility design, hydraulic and capacity analyses, growth projections, and coordination with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Our deep familiarity with their water systems enables us to streamline design, permitting, and implementation – from planning through construction and inspection – while modernizing critical infrastructure such as pipelines, pump stations, and storage tanks.

In Hood County near Lake Granbury, a local neighborhood served by Aqua Texas experienced significant drinking water loss on top of exponential population growth. Aqua Texas turned to Dunaway to lead a comprehensive system upgrade, including targeted pipeline replacements and pump station improvements.

These enhancements, the first phase of many planned improvements in the neighborhood, have significantly reduced water loss and improved system performance – delivering cleaner, more dependable water for a rapidly expanding community.

Guiding Development Processes 

As smaller cities across Texas experience rapid growth, many face the challenge of limited financial resources to support essential water infrastructure. Dunaway partners with these communities to navigate development complexities – offering strategic guidance on developer agreements, water infrastructure planning, and creative financing solutions that help secure funding for critical improvements.

“

Dunaway has been an integral part of our city’s team. Their technical knowledge, collaboration skills, willingness to share ideas, and ability to solve problems are a significant asset for the city.

”
Matt McMahan, City of Caddo Mills, Director of Development Services

In Caddo Mills – ranked third in the state for per capita growth – Dunaway has played a pivotal role in guiding the city through its development journey – helping to identify infrastructure needs for new developments, advising on development agreements and regulations, and supporting the financing process for infrastructure upgrades. As Matt McMahan, former City Manager and current Director of Development Services, shared: “Dunaway has been an integral part of our city’s team. Their technical knowledge, collaboration skills, willingness to share ideas, and ability to solve problems are a significant asset for the city.”

Our involvement extends to plat and public infrastructure reviews, as well as the design, bidding, contract administration, and inspection of capital projects. Additionally, Dunaway supports the city’s long-term planning efforts, including updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Capital Improvement Plans, Future Land Use Plan, and Impact Fees – positioning Caddo Mills to accommodate growth while maintaining water reliability and financial resilience.

Let’s Keep it Flowing – Together. 

Across Texas, cities are evolving, and with that growth comes mounting pressure on water infrastructure. But with the right partners, these challenges become opportunities. Whether you are planning for future growth or navigating complex development processes, Dunaway brings the knowledge, experience, responsiveness, and commitment to help you move forward with confidence. Connect with us today to explore how we can support your city’s next chapter – because resilient infrastructure starts with solid collaboration.