Austin and the Hill Country corridor

Between Austin and Lockhart, your electric utility depends on the city: Austin Energy, Georgetown Utility Systems and Lockhart's utility are city-run, and Pedernales Electric Cooperative lists Kyle, Buda, Wimberley and Dripping Springs among its primary cities, where co-op service means no retail choice. Water is the other split: as of October 2026, Kyle, Buda and San Marcos were in Stage 3 drought rules and Wimberley Water Supply Corporation in Stage 4.

Places in Austin and the Hill Country corridor

Water and power suppliers around Austin

Round Rock's utility billing page says Oncor delivers the power there and residents choose who bills them. Because city and co-op service areas don't follow city limits, check which company serves your address. PowerToChoose lists no retail plans for Cedar Park ZIP 78613, and San Marcos has its own SMTX Utilities while Pedernales Electric Cooperative also lists the city in its area.

Groundwater districts set the background. The Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, which covers parts of Hays and Caldwell counties, says it is in Stage 3 Exceptional Drought effective October 1, 2025. As of October 2026, the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District showed an Emergency stage with 40% curtailment district-wide, and the Edwards Aquifer Authority put San Antonio Pool permit holders in parts of Hays and Caldwell into Stage 2 cuts on October 5, 2026.

City watering rules follow. Austin has been in Conservation Stage since September 2, 2025, with automatic irrigation one day a week. Dripping Springs went to once-a-week watering on October 15, 2026. As of October 2026, Georgetown was in Drought Stage 1 and Round Rock was in no drought stage. Kyle offers up to $500 in landscape and irrigation rebates. After a sprinkler repair, ask the plumber or irrigator to set the controller to your supplier's current schedule.

Oak wilt and heritage trees in the Austin area

Texas A&M Forest Service says oak wilt is confirmed in 76 Texas counties and advises against pruning or wounding oaks from February through June. It offers cost shares covering 50% of approved trenching costs, up to $2,000 per cooperator per year.

Tree rules are local. Austin requires a permit to remove or impact a Protected tree of 19 inches or more, and Heritage trees of 24 inches or more of listed species, including all oaks and pecans, need a variance. Georgetown's Heritage Trees are 13 listed species at 26 inches or more, and removing or pruning one needs city review. Dripping Springs prohibits removing Heritage Trees of 18 inches or larger of listed species. The tree service guide covers what to ask a crew.

Austin and Hill Country corridor places by county

Travis County places

Any development in unincorporated Travis County needs a county development permit, and the county regulates floodplains only outside cities. The Travis Central Appraisal District mails a value notice each spring when market value rises by at least $1,000.

Williamson County places

The Williamson Central Appraisal District in Georgetown offers online protest filing. The county health district tracks mosquitoes but does not treat private property.

Hays County places

Hays Central Appraisal District takes protests online.

Caldwell County places

Caldwell Appraisal District has an online protest portal, and Plum Creek Conservation District levies a groundwater tax of 0.0189 per $100 for 2026-2027.

Lockhart

Austin-area local business FAQs

When should oaks be pruned near Austin?+

Texas A&M Forest Service advises against pruning or wounding oaks from February through June because of oak wilt. City tree permits, such as Austin's for Protected trees, still apply.

Can I choose an electricity provider in Kyle or Buda?+

Pedernales Electric Cooperative lists both among its primary cities, and co-op areas have no retail electric choice. Check which company serves your address before you shop for a plan.

Sources

Guide checked October 22, 2026.