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Elgin’s water infrastructure has received a major upgrade with the completion of a new water storage tank on Pistol Hill, significantly increasing the city’s capacity to meet the demands of its growing population and expanding developments.
The upgraded facility now holds 1.4 million gallons of water, more than tripling the previous storage capacity of 430,000 gallons. This additional capacity en- sures a more reliable water supply for the city’s current population of 12,000 and positions Elgin to support future growth, with project ions estimating the population will reach 50,000 in the coming years, according to City Manager Tom Mattis.
“This is a huge upgrade for the city and our ability to provide water,” Mat tis said. “Not only has this project greatly enhanced our storage, but we now have on-site emergency power. As long as we can keep putting water in this tank, we’ll be able to keep pumping water into town.”
The $6 million project is part of a broader $45 million capital improvement program launched over the past three years. By leveraging grants, private-sector partnerships and American Rescue Plan Act funds, the city issued only $26 million in Certificates of Obligation for these initiatives.
The facility also inc ludes new pumps, elect r ica l upgrades, advanced monitoring systems, enhanced security, operator access and lighting. A generator ensures uninterrupted service during power outages.
Water stored at the site is pumped into the city’s towers, creating natural pressure for distribution without the need for additional pumping, Mattis added.
“Elgin is one of the fastest-growing populations in Central Texas, and we are expected to surge to 50,000 in the next few years,” Mayor Theresa McShan said. “We are working to meet the needs of our current and future residents.”
With the tank now operational, Elgin is better equipped to support residential and commercial growth while ensur ing a reliable water supply for years to come, according to Mattis.
