SAWS Moves Forward with Backup Water Project in Fair Oaks Ranch

The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is advancing its Emergency Interconnect Project in Fair Oaks Ranch with a strategic relocation of the backup water supply infrastructure. According to a November 2025 City Council workshop, this revised project scope aims to enhance access and reliability for the growing residential community.

As San Antonio’s western suburbs continue expanding, ensuring a dependable water supply is vital for both current residents and future development. The new configuration positions Fair Oaks Ranch for sustainable growth and improved emergency preparedness—critical factors that savvy homebuyers and investors consider when evaluating Hill Country properties.

Project Details: What’s Changing and Why

Original Plan vs. New Location

The Emergency Interconnect Project was originally planned near the intersection of I-10 and Fair Oaks Parkway but was deemed infeasible after initial engineering assessments.

The revised alignment now runs between Fair Oaks Parkway and Leslie Pfeiffer Drive, near the Frost Bank property and the upcoming Cinco De Mayo restaurant location—a more accessible configuration that improves construction efficiency and long-term maintenance access.

Technical Specifications

According to Fair Oaks Ranch Assistant Director of Public Works Steven Fried, the project includes:

• Replacement of approximately 700 feet of 3-inch and 6-inch water lines
• Upgraded to 12-inch lines capable of delivering approximately 1,000 gallons per minute
• Emergency backup supply serving customers south of Dietz Elkhorn Road
• Enhanced system resiliency during power outages or pressure maintenance issues

What this means: The infrastructure upgrade provides triple the capacity of existing lines and ensures Fair Oaks Ranch can maintain water service during emergencies—critical for a community experiencing 4%+ annual population growth.

Why This Matters for San Antonio and the Hill Country

Regional Growth Context

The San Antonio metropolitan area is one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas, with many families relocating to suburban communities like Fair Oaks Ranch that offer:

• Space and privacy on larger lots (often 1+ acres)
• Scenic Hill Country views and natural beauty
• Small-town feel with big-city amenities nearby
• Highly-rated schools (Boerne Independent School District)
• Country club lifestyle with golf, tennis, and pools

For these expanding areas, infrastructure such as water supply, roads, and utilities must keep pace to support population growth responsibly. The updated Emergency Interconnect Project strengthens water system resiliency in Fair Oaks Ranch—ensuring the community has reliable access during peak summer demand or unforeseen outages.

Water Security in Texas

Texas has faced increasing water supply challenges, particularly during:

• Drought conditions (increasingly common in Central Texas)
• Population boom (San Antonio metro adding 50,000+ residents annually)
• Aging infrastructure requiring systematic upgrades
• Peak demand periods during hot summer months

SAWS serves over 500,000 water customers across Bexar County and surrounding areas. Proactive infrastructure investments like the Fair Oaks Ranch Emergency Interconnect demonstrate the utility’s commitment to reliability—a critical consideration for homebuyers investing $700K+ in Hill Country properties.

Impact on Property Values

Homebuyers searching for properties in Fair Oaks Ranch can expect improved utility services to play a major role in the area’s attractiveness and quality of life. Infrastructure reliability directly affects:

• Resale value and marketability
• Development potential for surrounding areas
• Insurance considerations and risk assessment
• Long-term livability and community stability

Community Overview: Fair Oaks Ranch Market Statistics (2025)

Sources: Redfin, Rocket Homes, MySA, September-October 2025

Market Analysis

These statistics reveal several important trends:

Strong Price Appreciation: Fair Oaks Ranch has seen home values increase 11.7% year-over-year according to some reports, significantly outpacing San Antonio’s overall metro appreciation of approximately 3-5%.

Healthy Population Growth: At 4.2% annual growth, Fair Oaks Ranch is adding approximately 500+ new residents yearly—creating sustained demand for housing and supporting infrastructure investments like the SAWS project.

Stable Premium Market: With median prices consistently above $700,000, Fair Oaks Ranch maintains its position as one of San Antonio’s premier suburban communities, balancing affordability with amenities.

Normalizing Inventory: The market is transitioning from the extreme seller’s market of 2021-2023, with days on market increasing 50-116% depending on price range. This provides buyers with more negotiating power while maintaining stable pricing.

Real Estate Impact: What Infrastructure Means for Value

For Current Homeowners

Fair Oaks Ranch’s appeal lies in larger lots (many 1+ acres), quality schools (Boerne ISD), and a balance between city convenience and peaceful Hill Country living. Reliable water infrastructure upgrades like SAWS’ Emergency Interconnect Project add significant value to this market by:

Reducing Risk: Emergency backup water supply minimizes the impact of system failures, drought conditions, or maintenance issues that could affect daily life and property usability.

Supporting Development: Enhanced water capacity allows for continued responsible growth, protecting property values by ensuring the community doesn’t become “built out” prematurely due to infrastructure constraints.

Demonstrating Municipal Commitment: Infrastructure investments signal that Fair Oaks Ranch and SAWS are planning proactively for the community’s future—a positive indicator for long-term property appreciation.

For Prospective Buyers

“Infrastructure upgrades like this are key for long-term growth,” says Tami Price, REALTOR®. “It’s a great signal to homebuyers that San Antonio’s surrounding areas are investing in reliability. When you’re making a $750K+ investment in a home, knowing the water infrastructure is modern and redundant provides real peace of mind.”

Key considerations for Fair Oaks Ranch buyers:

• Water reliability matters more in Hill Country locations where wells were historically common
• Emergency preparedness protects your investment during Texas’s increasingly common extreme weather events
• Infrastructure capacity ensures your neighborhood can support future amenities and services
• Municipal planning indicates professional management and forward-thinking governance

For Real Estate Investors

For investors and developers, a strengthened water supply system offers:

Development Potential: The upgraded 12-inch lines with 1,000 gallons-per-minute capacity support future residential and commercial development in the area.

Risk Mitigation: Emergency interconnects reduce the single-point-of-failure risk that could impact property values during extended outages.

Market Differentiation: Communities with robust infrastructure command premium pricing and attract quality buyers, supporting sustained appreciation.

Long-Term Stability: Infrastructure investments demonstrate fiscal responsibility and planning that protects real estate values over decades, not just years.

Fair Oaks Ranch Lifestyle: Why Buyers Choose This Community

Hill Country Living with Urban Convenience

Located approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio along I-10, Fair Oaks Ranch offers:

• Easy commute to San Antonio (25-30 minutes)
• Proximity to The Rim shopping and dining (15 minutes)
• Access to Boerne’s historic downtown (10 minutes)
• Quick route to Hill Country attractions and wineries

World-Class Amenities

Fair Oaks Ranch Golf & Country Club:

• Two championship 18-hole golf courses
• Tennis and pickleball courts
• Multiple swimming pools
• Fitness center and dining facilities
• Social events and activities

Top-Rated Education

Boerne Independent School District consistently receives high ratings and offers:

• Excellent student-to-teacher ratios
• Comprehensive extracurricular programs
• Strong academic performance
• Modern facilities and technology

Natural Beauty

• Cibolo Creek trails and green spaces
• Texas Hill Country scenic views
• Mature tree canopy throughout the community
• Wildlife viewing (deer, birds, and more)

Three Key Takeaways

1. Strategic Relocation Improves Project Efficiency

SAWS relocated its Emergency Interconnect Project from the original I-10/Fair Oaks Parkway location to a more accessible alignment between Fair Oaks Parkway and Leslie Pfeiffer Drive. This change enhances construction efficiency and improves long-term maintenance access.

2. Infrastructure Capacity Supports Growth

The upgraded system replaces 3-inch and 6-inch lines with 12-inch lines capable of 1,000 gallons per minute, providing triple the capacity to support Fair Oaks Ranch’s 4.2% annual population growth and future development.

3. Backup Supply Enhances Community Resilience

The Emergency Interconnect provides redundant water supply during power outages, system maintenance, or pressure issues—critical infrastructure that protects property values and ensures quality of life in this premium Hill Country community.

The Bottom Line: Infrastructure Drives Value

As San Antonio’s suburbs continue to expand west and north into the Hill Country, proactive utility upgrades like the SAWS backup water project are essential for smart, sustainable growth.

Fair Oaks Ranch residents and potential homebuyers can view this infrastructure investment as a positive indicator of the community’s long-term viability and commitment to maintaining the quality of life that attracted them to the area in the first place.

Why This Matters for Your Real Estate Decisions

Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in the region, understanding infrastructure developments can inform your decisions and maximize value:

For Buyers: Infrastructure reliability reduces risk and supports long-term property appreciation—critical when investing $700K+ in a home.

For Sellers: Recent infrastructure improvements provide concrete talking points about community investment and forward-thinking planning that appeal to quality buyers.

For Investors: Communities demonstrating proactive infrastructure management historically outperform those with deferred maintenance and reactive approaches.

Ready to Explore Fair Oaks Ranch?

Fair Oaks Ranch continues to be one of San Antonio’s most desirable Hill Country communities, combining natural beauty, excellent schools, resort-style amenities, and now, enhanced infrastructure reliability.

Contact Tami Price, REALTOR®:

Phone: 210-620-6681

Website: www.tamiprice.com

Email: tami@tamiprice.com

Tami’s Expertise:

• ✅ Hill Country & Fair Oaks Ranch Specialist
• ✅ Luxury and Premium Properties
• ✅ Boerne, Helotes & Western Suburbs
• ✅ Infrastructure & Development Impact Analysis
• ✅ Investment Property Guidance

Contact Tami to discuss how local improvements may impact your real estate options in Fair Oaks Ranch, Boerne, Helotes, and the greater San Antonio Hill Country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Emergency Interconnect Project by SAWS?

A: The Emergency Interconnect is a critical infrastructure initiative that provides a backup water supply and interconnects water systems to improve reliability for communities like Fair Oaks Ranch. It creates redundancy in the water distribution system, ensuring service continuity during emergencies, power outages, or maintenance issues.

Q: How does this project affect Fair Oaks Ranch residents?

A: The project ensures a more secure and stable water supply during peak summer demand, power outages, or emergency situations. Residents south of Dietz Elkhorn Road will benefit from approximately 1,000 gallons per minute of backup capacity, directly benefiting homeowners and supporting future development.

Q: Why is water infrastructure important for real estate values?

A: Reliable utilities:

• Increase property values by reducing risk and improving livability
• Support sustained appreciation through responsible growth management
• Attract quality buyers who prioritize long-term stability
• Enable development that maintains community character while growing tax base
• Protect investments during drought, power outages, or system failures

Q: What makes Fair Oaks Ranch attractive to homebuyers?

A: Fair Oaks Ranch offers a unique combination of:

• Larger estate-sized lots (often 1+ acres)
• Scenic Texas Hill Country views and mature trees
• Boerne ISD’s highly-rated schools
• Country club amenities (two championship golf courses, pools, tennis)
• Balanced lifestyle between suburban convenience and natural surroundings
• Easy I-10 access to San Antonio (25 minutes) and Boerne (10 minutes)
• Premium homes ($700K-$2M+ range) with strong appreciation

Q: Has the water project location change delayed development?

A: No. According to Fair Oaks Ranch officials, relocating the project actually enhances efficiency and accessibility, ultimately supporting faster, more reliable service expansion. The new location provides better construction access and easier long-term maintenance.

Q: How does Fair Oaks Ranch compare to other Hill Country communities?

A: Fair Oaks Ranch offers:

• Higher price point than Boerne ($600K median) but more affordable than Dominion ($1.5M+ median)
• Larger average lots than most San Antonio suburbs
• Direct I-10 access for commuters
• Country club amenities included in many neighborhoods
• Boerne ISD schools without Boerne city taxes
• 4.2% annual growth indicating strong demand

Q: Are there other infrastructure projects planned for Fair Oaks Ranch?

A: Yes. Fair Oaks Ranch is also addressing the Fox Falls Off-Site Gravity Sewer Project to enhance sewer capacity, plus various road improvements. The City maintains an active projects page with current infrastructure initiatives.

Q: What’s the long-term water outlook for the region?

A: Fair Oaks Ranch is evaluating multiple water sources for long-term sustainability. While the city chose not to participate in the GBRA WaterSECURE $5.9 billion regional project in July 2025, officials continue exploring alternative sources to support growth through 2050+.

About Tami Price, Realtor®

Tami Price is a Broker Associate with Real Broker, LLC, specializing in Hill Country properties including Fair Oaks Ranch, Boerne, Helotes, and the greater San Antonio western suburbs. With deep knowledge of infrastructure development, community planning, and luxury real estate markets, Tami helps clients make informed decisions about premium Hill Country properties.

Service Areas: Fair Oaks Ranch, Boerne, Helotes, San Antonio, Schertz, Cibolo, New Braunfels, and surrounding Hill Country communities

Disclaimer

All information provided is for educational purposes and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Real estate market data is subject to change. Consult with qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation. Information current as of November 2025.