Pictured are some of the rainwater cisterns on the Cox’s property. Collectively, these have the capacity to hold 200,000 gallons of water.
Leading by Example in Water Conservation
The District has over 100 permittees, which includes individuals and entities using groundwater for industrial, commercial, and public water supply purposes. These permit holders are required to report their monthly usage and reduce consumption during drought stages. Some permittees not only meet these requirements but go above and beyond in setting an example for what water stewardship can look like. That’s why we’re proud to launch our Well Owner Spotlight series with Victoria and Travis Cox of Driftwood, Texas.
The Cox family owns and manages a unique 21-acre, multi-use property located across from Hays City Store in Driftwood, Texas where they’ve combined community-minded development with innovative water conservation strategies. Their permitted well supports their home, several businesses (such as Whiskey Ridge, Mean Eyed Cat, Mad Rooster, Hays City Hideout Coffee House, and more), and agricultural activities. This includes cattle raised by their kids in 4-H and FFA. Despite having a permit for nearly 8,000,000 gallons of groundwater annually, the Coxes have stayed an average of 70% below their monthly allotment since January 2025. Their goal is to limit their groundwater use to around 3,000,000 gallons a year.
So how do they do it? Through a mix of creativity, resourcefulness, and a deep commitment to protecting the aquifer they, and their neighbors, depend on.
Capturing Every Drop
The backbone of their conservation efforts is rainwater harvesting. Victoria and Travis installed hundreds of thousands of rainwater storage themselves, tracking down surplus tanks from a school district, moving them with the help of friends, and building the system without hiring a contractor. However, it helps that Travis Cox is a Master Plumber licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). This system now supplies water for commercial landscaping, gardening, and pastures.
“All of our commercial landscaping is watered with rainwater,” Victoria explained. “Even in a drought, we can irrigate the pastures so we’re not hauling hay. It’s all right here.”
With the roof space currently outfitted for rainwater collection across their properties, the Coxes estimate they can harvest approximately 405,800 gallons of water in a year with average rainfall in the Driftwood area. Even during dry seasons, their rainwater systems help reduce reliance on groundwater, allowing them to sustain green spaces that benefit people, livestock, and native wildlife.
They are continually expanding their rainwater harvesting infrastructure. Once complete over the next few years, Victoria and Travis expect to capture just under 900,000 gallons annually under average rainfall conditions.
In addition, they collect all air conditioning condensate from the Whiskey Ridge Restaurant on-site. This will yield approximately 36,500 gallons of water each year, which is repurposed for landscaping throughout the property.
Conservation by Design
The Coxes go above and beyond by not just collecting rainwater but embracing every opportunity to conserve water. Their landscape is mostly filled with native, drought-resistant plants that attract pollinators. With a love for supporting local hummingbirds and bees, Victoria chose these plants herself, opting not to hire a landscape architect. The result is both beautiful and sustainable, requiring much less water to flourish in the harsh Texas summer heat.“ We took what we would’ve spent on a commercial landscaping plan and used it to create something that benefits the whole community—people, animals, and pollinators,” she said.
To reduce water waste, they’ve also captured and reused water from the aquifer test required by the District, set up low-flow fixtures in buildings, and rely on reverse osmosis reject water to irrigate fields. Even the wastewater from buildings is managed thoughtfully, helping keep usable land green and productive.
Built with the Community in Mind
For the Cox family, conservation goes beyond just saving water; it’s about uplifting their community. Their on-site fire protection system includes nearly 100,000 gallons of accessible storage, providing a vital resource for emergency responders in a rural area where fire hydrants aren’t accessible. Additionally, they’ve installed low-impact lighting throughout the site, reducing light pollution and making the area more welcoming for nocturnal wildlife.
“This is our home, and these are our neighbors,” Victoria said. “We grew up here. We wanted a place that brings people together, but we also wanted to make sure no one thought we were wasting water. It was important to us to show that growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of the aquifer.”
Thanks to their efforts, the Coxes have created a working model for what’s possible when conservation is part of the plan. Their story is a reminder that with a little ingenuity and a lot of heart, we can build communities that thrive without draining our most precious resources.
The District is proud to highlight Victoria and Travis Cox for their outstanding leadership in groundwater conservation. Stay tuned for more stories from local well owners making a difference in the District.
