Partnering for Progress: Collaborating with Texas Special-Purpose Districts
Many states struggle with how to manage growing water and wastewater needs at the local level without overburdening city governments or general taxpayers. Population growth, aging infrastructure and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements can place a strain on traditional utility models. These pressures have led some states to explore alternate service delivery models like regional water authorities, utility co-ops and special-purpose districts that can share costs, accelerate project delivery and provide more targeted oversight of water and wastewater infrastructure systems
In Texas, localized governance structures called Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) and Water Control Improvement Districts (WCIDs) have been used for decades to provide flexible and locally controlled means for developing and managing essential utilities and services.
What are MUDs and WCIDs?
MUDs and WCIDs are types of special-purpose districts in Texas created to provide essential utility services such as water, wastewater and drainage, particularly in unincorporated or rapidly developing areas. Both are governed by elected boards, have the authority to levy taxes and issue bonds and operate under the oversight of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
WCIDs were initially established with a stronger focus on drainage and flood control, while MUDs were developed to support residential and mixed-use development by delivering comprehensive utility services. Over time, the functional differences between the two have narrowed, and today they perform many of the same roles and are typically selected based on local needs or historical precedent.
The Role of Civil Engineering Firms
Civil engineering firms play an important role in supporting the mission of MUDs and WCIDs in Texas. Firms that work closely with these special-purpose districts must understand their unique governance structures, funding mechanisms and infrastructure delivery processes. This knowledge allows engineers to guide projects from planning through construction while aligning with district goals.
When strong, long-term relationships are cultivated between engineering firms and the districts they serve, communities benefit from the deep understanding of their infrastructure needs. Those needs can vary significantly, ranging from minor improvements like a small berm to address localized flooding to major capital projects like multi-million-gallon water storage tanks. Effective engineering firms take a long-term view—designing infrastructure that is resilient, cost-effective and adaptable. And even when they have moved on to the next project, they remain engaged after project completion, ready to adjust as needs evolve.
Agility and adaptability are also important in these relationships, as project conditions can change unexpectedly. When a firm has established trust and a shared understanding of a district’s long-term objectives, it can help the district pivot quickly while staying on track toward its broader infrastructure goals.
Finally, engineering firms with multidisciplinary expertise can be a significant asset to MUDs and WCIDs. Districts benefit from working with a single partner that can address a wide range of infrastructure needs—from water and wastewater systems to pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks.
Hays County WCIDs: A 20+ Year Partnership
B&N has successfully worked with MUDs and WCIDs in Texas for more than 20 years. In Hays County we have worked with WCID Nos. 1 and 2, where we have completed more than 200 projects for the Belterra subdivision located within both districts. These projects range from major wastewater treatment plant upgrades to a residential trail, demonstrating the vast range of infrastructure that can be designed for these districts.
