CASE STUDY
Jonah Water Special Utility District (JWSUD) is a public water utility that serves parts of Williamson County, Texas. Community leaders formed the district in 1971 to provide safe, reliable water services. In 1992, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approved its conversion to a Special Utility District.
The Opportunity
JWSUD provides water, wastewater management, and sanitation services across a service area about 40 miles north of Austin, TX, bordered by Taylor in the southeast, Georgetown in the west, and Granger in the northeast. The district operates multiple pump stations and storage facilities.
Jonah Water SUD faces growing water demands because of rapid population increases in its service area. Williamson County’s population has risen by 40 percent since 2010, and JWSUD plans to accommodate future connections that will surpass 31,000 by 2042.
The Solution
To meet demand, Jonah Water SUD chose to build a new 1.0 million gallon ground storage tank. X-Caliber Rural Capital’s Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) USDA OneRD Guaranteed Loan program financed the project. The new tank sits at the Chandler Road Pump Station and includes replacing four pumps on JWSUD-owned land
The Chandler Road Pump Station supplies the district’s Plant No. 1, which supplements water north to Plant No. 12 and south to Plant No. 8. Added storage and pumping capacity at Chandler Road will help Plant No. 1 meet rising demand, which currently is limited to 1,500 GPM.
Value Delivered by the USDA WWD Guaranteed Loan:
- Long term, fixed rates
- Access to competitive funding, not available through commercial banks
- Loan extends to fees and rates like legal and engineering fees, land acquisition, permits, and start-up operations and maintenance
- Can be combined with grants
The WWD program elevates clean drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water drainage to meet vital infrastructure requirements and reduce health risks in rural communities. This approach provides far-reaching benefits:
- Economic development: By providing capital for the development of essential infrastructure, the program fosters an environment that encourages business growth and job creation.
- Public health: Access to clean water and proper waste management reduces waterborne diseases and other related hazards.
- Environmental protection: Responsible waste disposal and storm water management preserve local ecosystems and natural resources.
- Community sustainability: Long-term, low-interest financing helps rural communities maintain and upgrade critical infrastructure over time in an affordable manner to system users.
- Quality of life: Reliable water and waste systems improve overall well-being and make rural areas more appealing places to live and work.
By addressing these critical needs, the WWD Guaranteed Loan program fosters long-term viability and prosperity in rural America, advancing USDA Rural Development’s mission to drive economic security and enhance quality of life
“X-Caliber Rural Capital was instrumental in helping us finance our water system upgrade. Their Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) product provided the financing we needed, and their team guided us through the process with expertise and support. We appreciate their assistance in helping execute the right financing to ensure continued delivery of high-quality water service to our customers.”
Bill Brown, General Manager
Jonah Water Special Utility District
Reach out to your USDA loan officer or email info@xrcusda.com for more information.
