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1. How do I receive emergency notifications?

The City of Horseshoe Bay is a partner with the Capital Area Council of Governments and are pleased to offer an emergency notification system to residents of Central Texas. Registering with WarnCentralTexas.Org allows the City of Horseshoe Bay, Llano and Burnet County Officials, and CapCog officials to contact our communities by phone, email, and text during times of disasters or public safety events. To register for emergency alerts, go to:  WarnCentralTexas.Org

The City of Horseshoe Bay also uses another resource to send emergency and non-emergency notifications as well called CivicReady!  CivicReady has helped the City of Horseshoe Bay to implement its mass notification and communication solution. The CivicReady solution allows the City of Horseshoe Bay to issue urgent notifications, emergency instructions, warnings, and non-emergent communications to subscribed citizens via email, text message, and a voicemail alert over the phone, to keep citizens safe and informed.  In the event of a local emergency, citizens subscribed to CivicReady will benefit from immediate, actionable information and instructions sent via their preferred notification methods.

Sign up for Notifications If you would like to sign up for notifications. Sign Up

Modify Existing Notification Profile or Unsubscribe If you would like to modify your existing notification profile, or unsubscribe. Modify or Unsubscribe

2. How do I receive communications from the City?

CivicReady has helped the City of Horseshoe Bay to implement its mass notification and communication solution. The CivicReady solution allows the City of Horseshoe Bay to issue urgent notifications, emergency instructions, warnings, and even routine communications to subscribed citizens via email, text message, and a voicemail alert over the phone, to keep citizens safe and informed.  In the event of a local emergency, citizens subscribed to CivicReady will benefit from immediate, actionable information and instructions sent via their preferred notification method.

Sign up for Notifications

If you would like to sign up for notifications.

Sign Up

Modify Existing Notification Profile or Unsubscribe

If you would like to modify your existing notification profile, or unsubscribe.

Modify or Unsubscribe

3. How do I sign up for notifications?

The City of Horseshoe Bay uses a notification solution called Civic Ready to send mass notifications and communications.  You can Sign Up Here and select your favorite method to receive news and communications from the City of Horseshoe Bay.  Those notices will show up on the City's website on the homepage in the City News Spotlight.

For emergency notifications, the City of Horseshoe Bay's first notification is through WARNCENTRALTEXAS.ORG.  The next alert is through CivicReady above, but will be similar in nature.  It just may take a few more minutes to come through.  To sign up for warncentraltexas.org, please click the link above.

4. How do I stay informed?

CivicReady has helped the City of Horseshoe Bay to implement its mass notification and communication solution. The CivicReady solution allows the City of Horseshoe Bay to issue urgent notifications, emergency instructions, warnings, and even routine communications to subscribed citizens via email, text message, and a voicemail alert over the phone, to keep citizens safe and informed.  In the event of a local emergency, citizens subscribed to CivicReady will benefit from immediate, actionable information and instructions sent via their preferred notification method(s).

Sign up for Notifications

If you would like to sign up for notifications.

Sign Up

Modify Existing Notification Profile or Unsubscribe

If you would like to modify your existing notification profile, or unsubscribe.

Modify or Unsubscribe

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1. What is the City's bond rating?

https://www.horseshoe-bay-tx.gov/398/Bond-Rating

2. What is the City's tax rate?

https://www.horseshoe-bay-tx.gov/237/Tax-Rates

3. Where can I find the City's current budget?

https://www.horseshoe-bay-tx.gov/487/Budget

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1. What is the history of Horseshoe Bay?

Horseshoe Bay citizens voted to incorporate as a Type A General Law City under Texas law on September 10, 2005. The boundaries of the city followed those of the Lake LBJ Municipal Utility District, with the exception of The Trails and a 20 acre parcel on the corner of Highway 71 and Ranch Road 2821. These were not included, but were annexed into the new city limits shortly after incorporation.

For additional information click here.

2. When was the City of Horseshoe Bay founded?

The City of Horseshoe Bay was incorporated in 2005 however, the origins of Horseshoe Bay date back to 1971 and Horseshoe Bay is celabrating its 50th Year Anniversary in 2021!!

In honor of Horseshoe Bay's 50th Anniversary, a group of citizens worked to write the book  "The Story of Horseshoe Bay, Texas 1971-2021". 

3. When was the City of Horseshoe Bay incorporated?

The City of Horseshoe Bay was incorporated in 2005.

4. When are City Council meetings?

City Council regular meetings are normally scheduled for the third Tuesday of each month at 3:00 p.m. In order to allow the Council and staff additional time to work on the budget process, the first budget meeting is held in late June or early July and the August meetings are held the last Tuesday of the month. 

Meetings are held at:  City Hall, 1 Community Drive, Horseshoe Bay, Texas 78657.

Click the link for the list of:   Regular Scheduled Meetings.

5. Where do I find agendas, minutes and meeting packets on the website?

Agendas, minutes, and meeting packets for both City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission can be found on at the following links:

Agendas & Minutes

City Council Regular Scheduled Meeting Dates

Planning and Zoning

6. What are City Hall/Utility Billing Office hours?

Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (Exceptions are holidays or severe weather.)

7. What days are City Offices closed for holidays?

The list of City observed holidays can be found here. 

8. How do I contact staff?

Please click the link for the Staff Directory.

9. How is the City of Horseshoe Bay Governed?

Click HERE to learn how the City is governed.

10. Who are the 4 Partners?

Click HERE to learn about the 4 Partners.

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1. Who are my Burnet or Llano County Officials?

For information concerning County Officials please see below:

Burnet County	Llano County
County Judge James Oakley	County Judge Ron Cunningham
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Don Dockery	Precinct 1 County Commissioner Peter R. Jones
Precinct 4 Constable Millicent "Missy" Bindsel	Precinct 1 Constable Gary Olfers

2. How do I find information on Burnet County?

For information on all offices, click here:  Burnet County

3. How do I find information on Llano County?

For information on Llano County offices, click here:  Llano County

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1. Does the City offer curbside bulk trash pickup?

Bulk Trash pick-up is available for residents every other Friday. These pick-ups must be scheduled and there is a maximum of 25 open bulk spots per Friday. 

Please contact customer service at 830-598-8741 x 201 to be placed on the next available bulk pick-up date.

Bulk Trash Schedule

2. How do I replace a damaged trash bin?

Please contact the Utility Customer Service Department at 830-598-8741 ext 201 for assistance.

3. When is Residential Garbage collected?

The City of Horseshoe Bay provides a weekly curbside trash pick-up service to residents. The City will provide each residence with one 96 gallon trash bin.  Please contact customer service at 830-598-8741 for additional information. 

Garbage Collection

4. What is the holiday schedule for Trash Collection?

The only observed Holidays are Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.   

If your scheduled pick-up day is Monday and an observed holiday above falls on a Monday, your garbage will be collected on Tuesday.  

 This one-day delay in garbage collection will then apply to regular scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday garbage collections too. 

Observed Holiday Falls on Monday Example

Monday scheduled pick-up - collected Tuesday

Tuesday scheduled pick-up - collected Wednesday

Wednesday scheduled pick-up - collected Thursday

If an observed holiday falls on Tuesday, only Tuesday and Wednesday scheduled pickups are affected.

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1. I am a new resident. How do I setup utility services?

New accounts for utility services are established by completing an Application for Utility Service and paying the Security Deposit of $200. You may obtain your application at City Hall, 1 Community Drive next to the primary Fire Station on FM 2147 or complete the application available online (PDF).

2. How do I sign-up for WaterSmart?

The City offers a leak alert program through Watersmart that will notify residents when a possible leak is detected and where residents can get detailed information about their household water use.

To learn more or sign up for this free service click here.

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1. How does Direct Debit or Auto Draft work?

Direct Debit, also known as Auto Draft, lets you authorize the payment of your utility bill directly from a checking account or credit card. In other words, your check writing days are over. Direct Debit means you won’t have to worry about late payment fees or bother with envelopes, stamps and mailboxes again.

2. How do I put Direct Debit to work for me?

Just complete and return the Application (a voided check is required for checking account debit). Direct Debit Application

3. How will I know how much is being deducted?

You will still receive a copy of your bill. If you have questions about specific charges, simply contact The City of Horseshoe Bay at 830-598-8741. Otherwise, your bill will be paid automatically.

4. Is there a charge for Direct Debit?

No.

5. What do I save with Direct Debit?

Since your bill is paid automatically, you save on check charges, postage and, most importantly, time.

6. What if I later decide I do not want Direct Debit?

Simply notify us in writing and we’ll discontinue your enrollment. You can drop off the notice or mail it to us at:
City Hall
1 Community Drive
PO Box 7765
Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657

7. What if I have multiple bills from The City of Horseshoe Bay?

You’ll need to fill out an application for each account you have. Please call a customer service representative at 830-598-8741 if you have any questions. View the Direct Debit Application

8. When will my bill be paid?

For both the “Checking Account Debit” and the “Credit Card Debit” option, payment automatically takes place approximately 5 business days after you receive your bill.

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1. Where is the nearest hospital?

Baylor Scott & White	Ascension Seton Highland Lakes
Address 810 W. State Highway 71 Marble Falls, TX 78654 830.201.8000 bswhealth.gov Directions	Address 3201 S. Water Street Burnet, TX 78654 512.715.3000 healthcare.ascension.org Directions

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1. Where do I find a local event?

Click HERE for local events.

2. Does the City have a calendar of events?

City Calendar

3. Is there a list of local businesses?

For information on local businesses, click HERE to visit the Horseshoe Bay Business Alliance.

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1. Who do I contact for curbside trash service?

The City of Horseshoe Bay provides a weekly curbside trash pick-up service to residents. The City will provide each residence with one 96 gallon trash bin.  

Please contact customer service at 830-598-8741 for additional information.

2. Who do I contact for water and sewer service?

New accounts for utility services are established by completing an Application for Utility Service and paying the Security Deposit of $200. You may obtain your application at City Hall, 1 Community Drive next to the primary Fire Station on FM 2147 or complete the application available online (PDF).

For more informaiton you may contact Customer Service at 830.598.8741 ext 201 or 202.

3. Who do I call for electricity service?

For the local area, electricity is purchased and provided by Pedernales Electrical Cooperative.

Please visit:  PEC for more information.

4. Who do I contact about a power outage?

To report a power outage, click the following link to go to PEC's interactive map:  Click HERE to report an outage.

5. Is there a local cable tv provider?

Yes! The cable tv provider for the area is VYVE.

6. Who are local internet access providers for the area?

A few of the local internet providers include:

Vyve - (830) 693-7500 (only services part of Horseshoe Bay)

Frontier - (855) 380- 4206

VGI Technology - (888) 375-8474

Zeecon - (830) 798-9388

7. Who are some local propane providers?

Pinnacle Propane - (830) 693-4383

4-T Propane - (830) 220-9240

Star Propane - (512) 756-4285

8. Who are the land line telephone providers?

Frontier Communications - (800) 921-8101

VYVE - (830) 693-7500

9. How is the fishing on Lake LBJ?

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's (TPWD) Lake LBJ Fishing Report

10. Are Zebra Mussels in Lake LBJ?

Zebra Mussels

11. Where do I find information on the Highland Lakes?

LCRA

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1. Can I pay my citation online?

Yes, payments can be made online through https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/horseshoebaytx

Return to Municipal Court Webpage

2. If I received a citation can I just pay the fines?

Yes. However, any and all charges in which you pay in lieu of seeing the judge or making other arrangements with the Court will be plead as Guilty or Nolo Contendere, will be considered convictions, and go on your record.

To avoid further charges and a warrant for your arrest, this must be done in person or in writing no later than the initial appearance date listed on the citation. Return to Municipal Court Webpage

3. What does the appearance date on my citation mean?

The appearance date is your deadline to enter a plea in person or by mail. You must appear in person or in writing on or before the appearance date listed on your citation. Phone calls do not constitute an appearance. No re-sets will be granted on the appearance date. Return to Municipal Court Webpage

4. What if I do not report by my appearance date?

If you fail to respond to the charge(s) by the appearance date shown on the citation, an additional charge will be assessed against you for failure to appear and warrants for your arrest will be issued. You may be denied renewal of your driver's license. Return to Municipal Court Webpage

5. Will I see the Judge on my appearance date?

No. The appearance date is the deadline you or your attorney must enter a plea to the Court in person or in writing. Return to Municipal Court Webpage

6. Can I see the Judge before my appearance date?

No. To speak to the Judge you must ask to be placed on the arraignment docket for the next available court date. This request must be made on or before the appearance date on your citation. Return to Municipal Court Webpage

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1. What do I need to know if I want to use my home as a Short Term Rental?

Do I need a Short-Term Rental permit if I'm not currently renting?

A STR permit is required if you are actively advertising a short-term rental, even if there are no available dates on the calendar. Rentals advertised for stays of more than 30 consecutive days or more do not require a license.

Who can apply for a STR permit?

Only someone with ownership of the dwelling to be used for a STR or a representative of such person can apply for a permit.

How does a person apply for an STR permit?

Applications for STR permits will be accepted in the Development Services office until June 2023 when all applications will be accepted online. Applicants will be required to certify and provide verification that they meet the requirements for STRs. Use this link to apply https://us.openforms.com/Form/01bcbd5b-0f4d-4b48-8b27-b9a205805e89

What is the fee for obtaining an STR permit? Does a permit need to be renewed?

An application fee of $600.00 dollars per address will be assessed for individual STR permit applications. STR permits expire one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed on-time and renewal fee of $600.00 dollars to avoid fines. STR permits can be renewed up to 60 days prior to expiration.

Do STR units require in-person inspections?

No. However, permits must certify under penalty of perjury that their STR has a functioning type A fire extinguisher and working smoke detectors in accordance with adopted codes. Inspection may be required if the Department has a reason for concern that the permitted premises of the STR may not be compliant with Fire, Building, or Zoning requirements.

Does a host have to be present during STR stay or be your primary residents?

No. However, hosts are required to leave information for guests that includes appropriate contact information and instructions on city services. Additionally, the name and contact information of a Local Responsible Party who is listed as part of the permit application and can respond with 1 hour.

Can I rent out additional structures, campers, RV's or trailers on my property?

No. Only the residential dwelling can be rented.

The STR ordinance also explicitly states that STRs do not include rental of a dwelling unit for a premise that is used for a nonresidential purpose, including an educational, health care, retail, restaurant, banquet space or event center purpose or another similar use; a bed-and-breakfast as defined in the City’s Zoning Ordinance; or a hotel. Only one rental contract may be allowed at a time in any STR.

 

Is an active alarm system required in an STR?

No.

Are STR permits transferable?

No 

Why does the city permit STRs?

The City of Horseshoe Bay recognizes the fact that STRs are widely operating today as a popular home-sharing practice for our residents.

To provide a regulatory environment that allows the popular practice to continue while focusing responsibility and accountability among operators and limiting the impact on neighborhoods and the availability of housing for residents.

How can an STR permit be revoked or denied?

An STR permit can be revoked, and an application for a new or renewed permit can be denied if STR dwelling unit is found to be adversely affecting the public health, safety, or welfare of the immediate neighborhood in which the property is located.

Is there a limit on the number of STR rentals allowed in the City or how many a person may own?

There is no limit on the total number of STR operating in the city or how many an owner can own. Each STR requires a separate permit.

What are the penalties of not getting a STR permit?

It is a violation of the City of Horseshoe Bay Municipal Code to operate a STR without a permit, which can result in fines of up to $200.00 per day for the first violation, $400.00 per day for the second violation and $650.00 per day for the third violation.   

2. How Do I Get a Permit for a Remodel, Pool, or Irrigation System?

The Development Services Department handles most permits that you need to obtain for remodels, pools, or irrigation systems.  Development Services Department is located at City Hall, 1 Community Drive in Horseshoe Bay, and can be reached by phone at 830-598-9959, or by Email.  Along with a completed Building-Permit-Application, you will need to submit a set of construction plans to Development Services.  Contact Development Services for information specific to your project.  You can also find helpful information on the Department page under Permits.  

3. When is a Building Permit needed for a Remodel/Renovation?

When it comes to knowing when you should contact the City to obtain a permit, the basic rules are that if your project will add, alter, repair, remove, enlarge, modify, or replace electrical, HVAC, plumbing, structural elements, weather barriers (roof, siding, windows), or accessory structures (pool, fence, boat house, etc.) then you must obtain a permit from the Development Services Department.  

Please visit the Development Services Permits page for more information!

4. How do I get Information on the Architectural Guidelines in my Neighborhood?

The City of Horseshoe Bay provides courtesy information to assist you by sharing access to your private restrictions and policies governing improvements to your property on the Subdivision Architectural Standards Guidelines (ACC's) page.  

5. How do I obtain a burn permit?

1.  Call one of the fire stations in the City of Horseshoe Bay to request a burn permit.  Station 1 by City Hall can be reached at 830-598-6953 and Station 2 out west can be reached at 830-596-2808.

2.  Ensure you do not have any illegal materials to burn.  If you do, remove them or you will be denied your permit. 

3.  Provide your name, address, and phone number to the on duty crew in case they cannot accommodate the request for the permit at the designated time.

4.  Crews will come out and inspect the burn pile and if all requirements are met, they will issue you a copy of a burn permit.

5. Requests for burn permits are accepted from 08:30am until 11:30am daily for same day burns only.  No extended burns taking more than 2 days will be allowed on one permit.
***Special event stipulations (weather events typically) can be approved by the Chiefs.

6.  If you are caught burning without a permit, you can be fined.

7.  The fire officials have the right to issue stop burning notices to those issued due to drastic changes in weather or issuance of burn bans.

6. Do Contractors need to register with the City?

Yes!  City Council adopted an Ordinance that requires all contractors doing work in the City of Horseshoe Bay to register with the City through the Development Services Department.  This includes general commercial, general residential, home improvement, and manufactured home contractors.  Also, sub-contractors such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and irrigation contractors will need to register and show proof of valid State licenses. Contractors can submit a Contractor Registration Application or a Sub-Contractor Registration Application with the application fee to register as a contractor to do business in the City of Horseshoe Bay.  Contractors can Email a fully complete application and checklist items (checklist is found on the application) to Development Services.  You may also call 830-598-9959 for more information from Development Services.

7. Who do I Contact About Obtaining a Fire Sprinkler System Permit?

Development Services, at 830-598-9959, handles all permitting.  When plans reviews and inspections are ready, coordination will be passed through Development Services to the Fire Department who will contact you with scheduling a date and time.  Do not call the Fire Department first, as this will only delay the process.

8. How do I apply for a Peddlers & Vendors permit

https://www.horseshoe-bay-tx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1006

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1. How do I find out what Roads are Closed?

To Find out what roads are closed due to weather, please visit https://www.atxfloods.com/closures

2. How do I get a copy of an accident report?

Please be advised that the Horseshoe Bay Police Department is no longer the custodian of record of Crash Reports CR-3.

Effective January 1st, 2019, TXDOT is now the custodian of record on all Crash Reports CR-3's. Due to their confidential nature, crash reports are not available for online viewing by the general public. If you are requiring a copy of the crash report, you will need to submit your request online through TXDOT at: 

https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/purchase/

or Call (844) CRIS-HLP (844-274-7457)

Monday through Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm

3. How do I make an Open Records or Police Report request?

To request Open Records/Police Report on a case, you can come by the Police Department and fill out an Open Records Request form 

or you can visit the city web site https://www.horseshoe-bay-tx.gov/528/Public-Information-Requests and fill out the form online and email it to us.

The request form can be located online here:  https://www.horseshoe-bay-tx.gov/528/Public-Information-Requests

4. Where can I renew my drivers License?

To renew your Texas Drivers License please visit the Texas Department of Public Safety at:  https://www.dps.texas.gov/ to renew online

or visit their local office located in Marble Falls 

1405 Mormon Mill Rd Ste A, Marble Falls, TX 78654

(830) 693-0200 

Closes 5 PM

Hours or services may vary

5. Where do I pay my ticket?

To pay a ticket in the City of Horseshoe Bay contact the Municipal Court online at  https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/horseshoebaytx.

6. How do I request a House Watch?

You can request a House Watch either by coming by the Police Department to pick one up or you can download the form off the Horseshoe Bay Website at: https://www.horseshoe-bay-tx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1009/House-Watch-Request-PDF

7. How do I contact the Marble Falls Police Department?

The Marble Falls Police Department can be contacted at:

606 Ave N, Marble Falls, TX 78654 · ~2.7 mi

(830) 693-3611

8. How do I contact the Llano County Sheriff's Office?

The Llano County Sheriff's Office is located in LLano, Tx. 

2001 N TX-16, Llano, TX 78643 · ~25.3 mi

(325) 247-5767

9. How do I contact the Burnet County Sheriff's Office?

The Burnet County Sheriff's Office is  located in Burnet.

1601 E. Polk St, Burnet, TX 78611 · ~15 mi

(512) 756-8080

10. How do I apply for a Peddlers & Vendors permit?

https://www.horseshoe-bay-tx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1006

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1. Does the Recycle Center accept tree trimmings and brush?

Yes,  use of the site is free to city residents, however, a recent garbage bill and valid ID are required to enter the Recycle Center and access the Brush Disposal Site. 

Residents are allowed up to 100 cubic yards (25 truckloads) in a 12-month period without cost and the material must be transported by the resident. Additional fees will be applied for exceeding the allowable cubic yards.

Click here for information on the Brush Disposal Site

2. What items are accepted at the Recycle Center?

The Utility Department is making it easier for residents to participate in the recycling program.    Check out the "Know Before You Go" webpage.

3. When is the Recycle Center open?

The Recycle Center is open Monday thru Friday.

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., 

Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. except on scheduled holidays.

4. Where is the Horseshoe Bay Recycle Center located?

The recycle and compactor center is available to all residents of the City of Horseshoe Bay. The center is located approximately 0.1 miles north of Highway 71 on Highway 2831, adjacent to the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.  

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1. Who are my Representatives and Senators?

To find a complete list of all representatives, from President to County elected officials, click HERE.

2. How do I find information for renewing my driver's license?

Texas Department of Public Safety 
www.txdps.state.tx.us/ 
This site may be used to obtain information about drivers education courses, renew drivers licenses, get information on employment with DPS and much more....

3. How do I find information about Texas Department of Public Safety?

Texas Department of Public Safety 
www.txdps.state.tx.us/ 
This site may be used to obtain information about drivers education courses, renew drivers licenses, get information on employment with DPS and much more....

4. How do I contact the Texas Attorney General?

Texas Attorney General 
www.oag.state.tx.us 
The Attorney General is the lawyer for the people of Texas and is charged by the Texas Constitution to: defend the laws and the Constitution of the State of Texas, represent the State in litigation, approve public bond issues. 

5. How do I contact the Social Security Administration?

Social Security Administration 
www.ssa.gov 
An informative site to answer questions regarding the Social Security Administration and its services.

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1. What are the hours of Martin Park and how to reserve the pavilion?

For info on Martin Park click here

2. How come my Street has not been upgraded?

For more info on Street upgrades click here

3. When can I cut my Oak Tree?

For more info on Oak Tree Cutting click here

4. Who's responsible for maintaining the Islands around Horseshoe Bay?

There are 3 different identities that take care of the islands throughout Horseshoe Bay:

1. City of Horseshoe Bay
2. Horseshoe Bay POA
3. Horseshoe Bay Resort 

                                                                                                             

 

5. Who's responsible for maintaining the Green Belts?

There are 2 different identities that maintain the Green Belts throughout Horseshoe Bay:

1. Horseshoe Bay POA (830-598-8795)
2. Horseshoe BAY Resort

6. What is Sealcoating?

For more info on Sealcoating click here

7. How long will the road be closed during Sealcoating?

Sealcoating is a 2 day process for selected color and only between the hours of 8am - 5pm for day 1 and 8am - 5pm on day 2 will the road be closed. After 5 pm the barricades come down when coating has cured and are ably to drive on it immediately to and from.   

8. Does the City have any Hiking Trails?

For more info on Hiking Trails click here

9. Does the City have a Parks and Recreation page?

For more info on Parks and Recreation click here.

10. Who do I report Pot Holes to?

For more info on Pot Holes click here

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1. Why is my tank over flowing and my Red Light is NOT on?

If the tank is overflowing and your light never came on that typically means that the grinder panel is experiencing a power loss. 

Please call the City Office, available 24/7, at 830-598-8741 and report the overflow. Please have an individual available at the residence who can operate the electrical breakers inside your home or business.

HALT ALL WATER USE TO LIMIT SEWER OVERFLOW

2. Why is my Red Light on?

The red light belongs to the grinder sewer system that serves your residence or business.  

If the light is on this indicates that your grinder system is not currently functioning correctly and needs maintenance.  Please call the City Office, available 24/7, at 830-598-8741 and report the light to prevent overflow as the tank has limited capacity.

HALT ALL WATER USE TO LIMIT SEWER OVERFLOW

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1. How do I shutoff a leaking irrigation system?

If your irrigation system is leaking please follow this link for detailed instructions for shutting the system off.   

To maximize water conservation, please contact the city's Water Conservation Specialist, Bill Teeter to schedule an irrigation audit  

830.598.9973

2. How long should I run my sprinklers?

This depends on the time of year and the type of heads, or emitters, on your system. In Horseshoe Bay, it is necessary to irrigate during the eight months from March 1 to November 1. You may shut down over the winter. You will irrigate for shorter times in the spring and early fall because of lower temperatures and wetter weather.

The chart below contains approximate run times in minutes which should work for most lawns in full sun with two cycles per week. These times may not work for all landscapes depending on soil or other site conditions, so you should remain ready to make adjustments by adding or subtracting minutes based on your own judgment.

Head Type	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October
Sprays (minutes)	7	9	11	14	17	17	12	7
Rotary (minutes)	12	15	20	26	32	32	25	12
Drip (minutes)	10	13	16	21	25	25	20	10

 

Beds with drought-tolerant plants or turf or beds in shaded areas should be able to run with times set 10 percent less than shown on this chart.

3. What days can I water my lawn?

The City maintains a twice-weekly watering schedule for all utility customers based on odd or even addresses, or if the customer is a commercial or multi-family property. The watering schedule encourages conservation, which helps make sure water is always available, and reduces costs for the City water system and for our customers.

For more information on current water restrictions and watering schedules please follow this link.

4. What is a backflow prevention assembly and what is this I hear about testing?

All public water supply customers are required under state law and local rules to take steps to make sure the water in their plumbing and irrigation system cannot contaminate the public water supply or sicken people visiting their properties.

Part of this requirement means that you must have backflow prevention assemblies at certain places on your property. These devices are designed to keep water from reversing the flow and possibly carrying contaminants back into the potable supply. One place you must have a backflow device is on your irrigation system. The irrigation backflow preventer must be tested upon installation and then every five years under our local rules. An exception to the five-year rule is backflow preventers on irrigation systems at properties where there is a septic system or if the irrigation system is equipped to inject fertilizer or pesticides. Such systems are at higher risk, so their backflow preventers must be tested annually.  Backflow preventers are also required to be on automatic refill lines for swimming pools, garden ponds and fountains.

For more information about backflow prevention and testing requirements, go to Backflow Prevention | Horseshoe Bay, TX - Official Website (horseshoe-bay-tx.gov)

5. What is TCEQ?

TCEQ is an acronym for the name of the Texas state environmental agency, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. All municipal water utilities in the state are subject to TCEQ regulation.

6. Who should I allow to install or maintain my irrigation system?

For installation or maintenance on an irrigation system, you should use a professional irrigator licensed by the state environmental agency, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The license means they have gone through specialized training to do their work, including periodic continuing education, and have been checked for criminal records by the state. 

Homeowners may also install and maintain systems if they are doing the work at a property that is their residence.  You can find irrigators in telephone listings. You may confirm their licensing online through records maintained by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or TCEQ. 

To find an irrigator’s license records use this link: TCEQ Search Licensing or Registration Information (texas.gov)

Show All Answers

1. How do I know my water is safe to drink?

Public drinking water is regulated at both the state and federal levels.   These agencies require water utility providers to meet specific testing and water quality standards.

Return to Water Quality Webpage

2. What is a backflow preventer?

A backflow preventer is a device that prevents unwanted reversals of flow of water or other liquids that could cause harm to people, cause a bad taste, or discolor drinking water. Backflow preventers, known to plumbing and irrigation professionals as backflow prevention assemblies, are required on all landscape irrigation systems and all automatic refill lines for swimming pools, fountains and garden ponds. All irrigation backflow preventers must be tested every 5 years, as well as upon installation or after servicing.

Return to Water Quality Webpage

3. Where does my drinking water come from?

The City contracts with the Lower Colorado River Authority to draw surface water from Lake  LBJ.  

Return to Water Quality Webpage

4. Why does my water taste or smell like chlorine?

Chlorine is used to disinfect your drinking water by killing common bacteria. 

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Show All Answers

1. How do I know if I have a water leak?

Generally, a leak on your side of the property will result in the water meter gauge indicating active usage and is the responsibility of the homeowner.   The City offers a leak alert program through Water Smart that will notify residents when a possible leak is detected and where residents can get detailed information about their household water use.

To learn more or sign up for this free service click here.

2. Where Is My Main Water Shut Off Valve?

By Rick Williams, Director of Utilities

 

One of the most impactful lessons learned from our past two years of freezing weather is knowing the location of your main water shut off valve prior to an emergency.

If you have a leaking pipe that's gushing water into your home, it's important to get the water supply turned off as quickly as possible to minimize damage. Depending on the situation or location of a leak you can also locate shut off valves inside the house for certain appliances and fixtures such as your water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, sinks and toilets. If something erupts at one of these spots, a good first step that might save you some immediate flow, is to shut one of these down quickly, then move out to the main shut off valve if required.

Main shut off valves that control the flow of all water to your residence and irrigation system are located right near your water meter. Most City water meters have two shut off valves. One located on the City’s supply side of the meter (Corporation Stop) and another on the customer side entering the property (see image). To shut off the water supply at this point, stopping all water to the residence and the irrigation system, rotate the customer valve clockwise 90 degrees or until it stops. You will need to have a meter shut off wrench or crescent wrench. Some valves may have a round or square handle that can be turned by hand. The valve can be hard to turn, and care should be taken not to break the valve by putting too much pressure on the turning nut.  If you cannot get your cut off valve to stop the flow, contact the City for assistance with the City side valve.

     

Whenever you move into a new property, familiarize yourself with where your water switch-off valve is located. In case of an emergency, you don't want to be in the position of having to waste valuable time looking for it. It's a good idea to ask the property owner, real estate agent or the previous owner where the location of the valve is before you move in.

Leaving Town? Protect your home from a water line break by shutting off water to the house. However, it is important to remember a few issues that must be addressed when the water is off to the home. 

First, all water heaters should have the power turned off to prevent damage to the heating elements to eliminate possible fire hazard as the heater becomes empty.

Second, cutting the water off at the meter will also stop water to irrigation systems, leaving your yard and landscapes dependent on rain only. To keep irrigation on, an additional valve is required on the water line after the irrigation tie in point to isolate the house plumbing. Many homes already have these house shut off valves installed and may be found in the garage, close to irrigation feeder connections, or where the water line enters the house close to the slab.

If you have any questions or need assistance in locating your water shut off valve, you can contact the City Utilities Department at (830) 598-8741. We will be happy to assist you.

Return to Utility Webpage 

3. Where/What is my PRV?

Your PRV is your Pressure Regulating Valve. The PRV lowers the water system pressure to a level that is deemed safe for household appliances by your plumbing contractor. The City of Horseshoe Bay has higher than typical water pressure due to the hilly terrain. Your PRV is usually located within a few feet of the water meter box on the customers side.  It is the customer’s responsibility to maintain or replace your PRV.  The exception would be is