$225-million Lake Travis water tunnel project nears completion amid drought concerns
(UI) — A nearly 2-mile water tunnel beneath Lake Travis has reached a major construction milestone, advancing a $225-million project designed to improve drought resilience for fast-growing communities in Central Texas.
The tunnel, developed by the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority, will serve the cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park and Leander by enabling water intake from deeper sections of the lake. The system is designed to reduce reliance on floating pump stations, which can be vulnerable during periods of low lake levels.
Once complete, the tunnel will extend the intake point nearly 10,000 feet farther into Lake Travis, allowing utilities to access more stable water supplies during drought conditions, KVUE reported. The tunnel will connect to a new pump station, where water will be conveyed to treatment facilities for distribution.
Construction on the tunnel began in 2022 and was completed in 2026. Crews are now working to finish the pump station and associated infrastructure, with full system completion expected by the end of 2027, according to KVUE.
Project officials said the deep-water intake system is a key investment in long-term water supply reliability as lake levels become more variable and regional demand continues to grow.
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