On October 4, 2025, more than 85 locals, water practitioners, and elected officials gathered to discuss drought, flood, water planning, and what we must change for the western Hill Country to secure a reliable water supply for the current and future generations. Planned by a volunteer steering committee of Hill Country residents, the event constituted the eighth “Rural Roundup” held in the Hill Country over the last three years. Sponsored by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and the Hill Country Alliance, Saturday’s event was filled with stories of how the status quo needs to change, but also stories of how Hill Country folks have already taken action to conserve water at a personal, local, and even state level.