Dripping Springs OUTLOOK | July/August 2025 | Volume 21 Issue 10

Page 1


Scott Daves REALTOR®

512.415.2265

scott@stanberry.com

22601 RR 12

Dripping Springs, TX 78620

A great Commercial opportunity awaits on this 7.1-acre tract which boasts prominent frontage on Ranch Road 12, is Ag Exempt, and also fully entitled and permitted for a massive 42,000 sq.ft. of flex commercial space, primed and ready for construction. For Sale - $1,950,000

Ashley Cooper REALTOR®

512.658.3224

ashley@stanberry.com

Brooke Koppy REALTOR®

512.658.3355

brooke@stanberry.com

For Lease in Kyle – Easy Access to I-35

141 Yellowstone Drive

Kyle, TX 78640

3 BR / 2 BA / 1,722 sqft

Single-story, open floorplan, light cabinets, granite counters, 2.5 car garage, fenced yard Available July 28 | $2,150/month

Rosshirt REALTOR®

john@stanberry.com

Perched on Hillside Drive, this home delivers long range views both in the house and on the patio, minutes from downtown Dripping Springs and closer to the High School! Nestled on a unique .5-acre corner lot, the great floor plan features upscale kitchen, luxurious owner suite! MLS8512391. Now under $700K.

Bolton REALTOR ®

1+ acre corner lot in the New Custom Home Gated Development of Hawkridge just minutes to Austin in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. This lot features mature oaks, views, excellent building sites in the acclaimed DISD and City Water.

Priced at $479,990

Ashley Cooper REALTOR® 512.658.3224

ashley@stanberry.com

Brooke Koppy REALTOR®

512.658.3355

brooke@stanberry.com

Custom Home Lot in Exclusive Gated Community

439 Vail River Road

Dripping Springs, Texas 78620

3.366 acres ready for your custom home Level build site and hill country views for miles! Feeds to acclaimed DSISD Building plans available!

3.366 Acres | $350,000

Kick off your weekend at Nutty Brown Farm 13900 Nutty Brown Road

Open every Saturday 8 am - 12 pm

* Locally grown flowers

* Market bouquets

* Fresh bread, bakery and * Vintage finds and gifts

“WHEN I WAS A BOY AND I WOULD SEE SCARY THINGS IN THE NEWS, MY MOTHER WOULD SAY TO ME, ‘LOOK FOR THE HELPERS. YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND PEOPLE WHO ARE HELPING.’” – FRED ROGERS

Editor

Publisher

Cyle Elizabeth Johnson

Creative Director

Nico Johnson

Cover

Crystal Springs Custom Pools

It’s still summertime and though the livin’ is meant to be easy, this time of year can be so full and fast-paced... And it doesn’t seem to slow until the end of the year. I always tease that it would behoove us to begin our holiday shopping in July but it’s true. Before we know it, we’ll be in the holiday swing of things and there’s no room for procrastination. The more we can plan and stay ahead of the coming festivities, the more we can remain present and enjoy this season that comes upon us as briskly as it evaporates.

The Dripping Springs Outlook, a subsidiary of Valentino Publications, is mailed monthly to all street addresses serviced by the Dripping Springs Post Office in 78620.

Entire contents copyright ©2025. Reproduction of any of this publication requires written permission of publisher. We are not responsible for the products and services advertised or the views contained in this publication.

This issue is full of ways to care for yourself and your loved ones as our collective pace quickens. The best of this amazing community offers now and throughout the year ways to care for yourself, your family and home, pets, garden, and mental landscape. It starts with gearing up for school and shifting out of the summertime vibe and looking ahead to all the rest of the year has to offer.

Beat the Hill Country Heat: Stay Ahead with IV Hydration

Texas Hill Country summers are no joke—scorching temps, packed schedules, and nonstop activity can make it easy to forget one essential thing: hydration. Whether you’re a student athlete training in the sun, an adult juggling a million things at once, or recovering from a long weekend, staying hydrated is non-negotiable and that’s where IV hydration comes in.

1. Prevention is Key IV hydration is one of the most efficient ways to stay ahead of dehydration. By delivering fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients directly into your bloodstream, it bypasses the digestive system for 100% absorption—something plain water just can’t do. It’s quick, easy, and preventative. Instead of waiting until symptoms hit, come

see us at REGENERATE for a boost that keeps your body running strong, your mind clear, and your energy high—especially during peak summer heat.

2. Rapid Relief When You’re Dehydrated Already feeling the effects of dehydration—fatigue, dizziness, headache, or nausea? Skip the ER and the

hefty bill. Our medical team can get you back on your feet quickly with an affordable custom IV hydration session that restores fluids and electrolytes in minutes. Whether it's post-workout, post-party, or post-chaos, we’re here to help.

Why IV Hydration Works Better Than Just Water:

100% absorption rate via bloodstream

Replenishes fluids and essential electrolytes

Fast-acting relief from symptoms

Customized to your needs (add vitamins, antioxidants, etc.)

Saves time and money compared to hospital visits

Yes, drinking water is important, but to make it effective add electrolytes or trace minerals like Celtic salt to help your body retain hydration. When you need more than what a bottle, glass, or jug can offer, come see us at REGENERATE. Pop in during our walk-in hours or schedule an appointment—we have amazing nurses available five days a week to keep you hydrated, healthy, and thriving all summer long.

We have a very unique team of experts. Come see us, call, or email us! Dr. Breca Tracy currently serves as Director of Science & Operations at REGENERATE Dripping Springs. Breca has resided in Dripping since 2007 after obtaining her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Contact us at 512-368-4548, 800 Hwy 290 W, Building F, Suite 200. NaturalHealingTX.com.

Stress: Are the Chest Pains

Worth It?

Stress is the taproot of our survival system. Without it we wouldn’t have the motivation to get out of bed, nor the sense of preservation to look both ways when crossing the street. Therefore, stress in and of itself is as natural and part of the landscape as a bunch of daisies. Too much stress, however, and you may be setting yourself up to be pushing up those flowers.

When we’re stressed our body releases from the ancient, reptilian part of our brain hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol. These are the fuels behind our physical and psychological reaction to a perceived danger: fight, flight, or freeze. Now this was great for our ancestors when they needed that extra burst of energy to avoid becoming skewered by the mastodon they were hunting. However, getting stuck in a traffic jam, or feeling pressure to get the report out to your boss before deadline, aren’t such life and death situations. And yet those same hormones get triggered and course through our veins, eliciting powerful effects. It can be like throwing our car into park, then flooring the gas. We get all revved up with no place to go, resulting in spitting out a lot of smoke and wearing our engine down. Medical experts say that up to ninety percent of our illnesses are stress-related, and studies have shown how stressed workers can increase costs to the health care system almost fifty percent over their more easygoing workmates. And we wonder why billions of doses of psychotropic medications are prescribed yearly.

Rather than taking a pill, here are some tips for developing your own stress-management strategies:

1. Get in the driver’s seat.

Emotionally healthy people tend to maintain a high degree of selfcontrol over their life. This helps to accomplish their personal goals and reduce feelings of stress.

2. Passionately pursue your purpose.

Those who feel a sense of purpose and commitment, who view change as a challenge instead of a threat, aren’t as affected by stress in a negative way.

3. Work your plan.

Take one thing at a time. Refrain from procrastinating. Choose how you spend your time.

4. Put problems in perspective.

Most stress is caused by people who overestimate the importance of their problems.

5. Become a kookaburra.

A what? Kookaburras are Australian birds known for their deep laughing sound. When was the last time you had a good, belly-wrenching laugh?

6. Don’t strangle yourself.

The word worry is Anglo-Saxon in origin, meaning to strangle or choke. Worry restricts your ability to think and act effectively. As the old saying goes, “It ain’t no use putting up your umbrella until it rains.”

7. Listen to what you are saying. Your self-talk and perceptions of events cause undue stress. You become what you think, and your perception of any event will determine your reaction to it.

8. Are we having fun yet?

So, you live to be 70, which amounts to 613, 200 hours. That is far too much time not to have fun. Fun is a diversion from the norm that gets us out of the rut the stressors of life create.

9. Build a buddy system.

Focus on building quality relationships. Give up judging, criticizing, holding grudges, unnecessary competition, and the like. Earn your neighbor’s love.

10. See streams in the desert.

Keep life in perspective. Concentrate on the positive. Keep failure and mistakes in perspective. Develop enthusiasm. See something good in every experience you have.

Leslie Tourish, LPC, is a Dripping Springs psychotherapist in private practice. To contact Leslie, visit LeslieTourish.com orLATourish.com

As the Texas sun hits its summer peak and the buzz of back-to-school season begins to stir, many of us in Dripping Springs are juggling a little bit of everything: pool days, late bedtimes, summer road trips — and now, supply lists, earlier alarms, and the return of packed schedules. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just trying to stay balanced in the heat of it all, Haus of Jayne is here to support your flow.

SEASON

At our boutique hemp dispensary right here in the Hill Country, we believe that cannabis can be a joyful part of your summer — and a helpful tool as routines start to shift back into school-year mode. From edible strips that tuck right into your pool bag to calming tinctures that help reset your sleep schedule, our curated collection is made to fit your life, not the other way around.

And if you’re a teacher gearing up for another school year? First of all — we see you, and we thank you. As a small token of our gratitude, we offer a 10% discount to all teachers, year-round, because we know you carry a lot, and we want to help lighten the load.

Our community is everything to us, and our team is always here to answer your questions, help you discover new products, or simply share a moment of peace in your day. This season, we invite you to visit the Haus, cool off, and explore how hemp can support your wellbeing — whether you're in full vacation mode or shifting gears into structure again. Better days start here. Come by, say hello, and let us help you feel better, be better, and stay balanced — all summer (and school year) long. With heart,

The Haus of Jayne Team

Christina is the Community Relations and Marketing Specialist at Haus of Jayne, boutique hemp dispensary. Native Austinite and nature enthusiast, Christina is passionate about holistic wellness and educating the community about the benefits of cannabis. She spends time reading about the world around us and learning everything she can about history, the arts, and sciences.

ASK GEORGE

GEORGE ALTGELT, OWNER OF GEO GROWERS ON 290, ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT GROWING THRIVING INDOOR PLANTS AND KEEPING OUR GARDENS ALIVE THROUGH THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER.

How do I keep my indoor and outdoor plants alive in the summertime? Let’s cover the indoor plants first, the warmer months of spring, summer, and fall are ideal for putting your house plants outside if you need to. I want you to be totally aware that you can sunburn a plant within a few minutes or a few hours if it has been inside. Its flesh is very tender and it doesn’t have lots and lots of chlorophyll. A plant that has turned pale from being indoors can easily sunburn. So when you take your indoor plants outside, make sure they’re in full shade. Your succulents, like your aloe vera and jade plants, they need a little outdoor time to get ready for the winter.

How do I know if my indoor plants are happy and able to thrive? What are some signs that they may be unhappy? When you move your fiddle leaf fig indoors, if you’ve had it outdoors, you want to put it in front of the window not to the side of the window because the inside of the house is far darker than you imagine. Because your eyes adjust to less light, you think oh there’s a lot of light in here but if light is your source of food, you would discover very quickly – if you’re a fiddle leaf fig – hey, who turned off the lights, I’m hungrier than that. Typically – and this is for all plants – plants will stop growing the lower leaves and bring the sap out of those leaves back into the main vascular system and

ship that very potent life giving sap up to the growing tip at the top. And that way it keeps its younger leaves alive. And what you usually see is that the plant starts to drink up the sap from the lower leaves and the lower leaves turn brown and fall off. If you want to do your plants a favor, don’t cut those leaves until they’re actually mostly brown. The best thing to do is to let those leaves fall off on their own.

What are some supplies that I can find at Geo Growers that will help my fiddle leaf figs and other indoor plants? You could use a really good liquid fertilizer called HastaGrow. It’s missing a few minor nutrients but it’s a really good one to work with because it doesn’t take to much of it and your plants get trace minerals. There are some granular dry fertilizers; Texas Tea makes one – it comes in a small 5 gallon package and it’s basically proteins. You just sprinkle some on or you can get a pencil and punch a hole in the soil – not too close to the trunk – and fill it up with the granular Texas Tea. That’s a great way to feed the plant because you’re not inundating it with too much fertilizer. The roots can approach and get as close as they want to or stay away. And of course, there’s fish emulsion if you can stand the smell for 48 hours.

How do I keep my vegetable garden plants alive? Vegetables have evolved to make fruit and seeds in one season. They need soil that’s relatively fluffy so they can get their roots to go through it. Heavy soils don’t do too well for gardens, especially in the summer. You need soils that are loose enough so that they’ll absorb moisture and they very much need some kind of mulch on top. Mulch is not to be confused with compost. Mulch holds in moisture and keeps the temperature from going too high. The temperature around their roots, if that goes over 88 degrees, enzyme activity slows down. You hit 90 [degrees Fahrenheit] and enzyme activity is going slow, you hit 92 [degrees] and you’ve got a total stop for any kind of enzyme activity for that plant. So you’re trying to achieve moisture holding capacity and cool soil. Both moisture and coolness will preserve nitrogen; you don’t want your nitrogen to go away. Nitrogen, of all the major nutrients, is the most ephemeral. It is a gas that wants to remain a gas. Given any chance at all it will turn back into a gas and float off. Nitrogen is the foundation of proteins. Proteins are things likes amino acids and enzymes. Everything is made from proteins.

Complex molecules, plant defense chemicals, the aroma and bouquet of wine – those are all very complex molecules. Those are in a class called polyphenols. But nitrogen is essential to make these really complex molecules. And also the not so complex molecules. How does a plant build frame and sustain winds after it grows up into the air? That’s a lot of different minerals. The most important thing is its protein that adds it all together – and you’ve got to have nitrogen to make protein.

So, there are various ways you can get nitrogen into the soil. The best is through using a protein source. Some fertilizers will use feather meal. Another protein in popular use is alfalfa meal. And probably one of the first proteins ever used to feed plants nitrogen was fish emulsion – all the left over scraps from the fishing industry. The advantage of using fish emulsion is it contains lots of protein and it has all the minerals required to sustaining living tissues. The drawbacks to fish emulsion: one, it smells like fish. But it’s not a permanent smell, it’s gone within 48 hours or less. Another drawback, if you use it heavy and regularly, you can also end up attracting raccoons. Not only are they a menace but they’re smart and they have opposable thumbs. Fish emulsion has many advantages. And again we’re talking about proteins that come into the soil as amino acids, they can be taken up quite quickly by plants that need nitrogen. And that form of nitrogen does not force its way into the plant.

All plants need nitrogen but if you use chemical nitrogen it will cause the plant to grow inordinately fast and it won’t have time to take up trace minerals. Iron is a good example. If you grow a plant faster than it can take up iron you’re going to see something called iron chlorosis. That’s easily identified; if you have a leaf that’s pale green or chartreuse but the veins are still deep green, those veins are telling you that you have an iron deficiency. As always, you can call me at Geo Growers and I will answer with further detail any of these questions.

George Altgelt is the owner of Geo Growers, located on 290 and Bell Springs Road. Geo Growers has been in business since 1995 and sells bulk material as well as bagged gardening products and plants. George believes we need to be producing more of our own food and each one of us can contribute. His goal is to make that easy and effective.

Enrichment

What do you do when you have no plans? Texas is known for warm weather and outdoor recreational activities, but some days are better than others for staying inside. On the perfect rainy day, how will you spend it? Watching a new movie that recently came out on streaming? Catching up on the newest episodes of your favorite series or starting a new one? How about reading a chapter from that book that has been sitting on your nightstand for a while? Maybe you’ll indulge in a hobby you haven’t had the time for. Or maybe it’s a good day to sit down and play a game with the family. Crossword puzzles, sudoku, knitting, or whatever pastime you decide to do, your hobby will keep you from the boredom of sitting inside. This is how you enrich your time, your mind, and yourself. Enrichment is also how we help your indoor pets get the same thing.

For your dogs, every day is an indoor day. And for them, they can’t scroll through channels or pick up a new hobby on their own. But they need to challenge their minds the same way we do. Different enrichment activities can fulfil their natural instincts and help behavior related issues while promoting overall well-being. Something as simple as introducing new smells can stimulate their minds and be something new and exciting in their lives! Enrichment can also reduce stress and anxiety by giving them a sense of control over their environment.

Introducing a durable toy can provide stimulation and chewing satisfaction that redirects destructive behaviors away from your couches and walls. Treat puzzles can activate problem solving and mental stimulation with the added bonus of a snack! Even freezing something like

peanut butter to a lick-pad can provide hours of entertainment while you are away. If you want to go above and beyond, enrolling your dog into day care gives them the best opportunity to enhance socialization, increase physical exercise, and gain experiences they otherwise wouldn’t get at home- all while being in a supervised environment. Next time you leave the house, think of a small but impactful way to improve your dog’s day. And if you don’t know how or don't know where to start, think of reaching out to your friendly local dog lovers over at Good Dog In The Making. Remember to not only prioritize your pet’s physical health, but their mental health as well. See you soon!

Diana is the owner & lead trainer at Good Dog in the Making. She is excited to bring her puppy training expertise to her new community & help families raise confident, wellmannered dogs.

Find Your Stage at On Stage Ready

As summer begins to wind down, On Stage Ready is heating up! Located conveniently in the heart of Dripping Springs, we are a comprehensive performing arts and music school dedicated to fostering creativity, confidence, and self-expression in students of all ages. Our passionate instructors are not just highly experienced educators but also dedicated working performers who bring real-world insight to every class.

This August, we're excited to offer specialized group classes designed to ignite imagination and develop theatrical prowess:

The Imagination Group (Ages 4-7): This primary acting class is perfect for our youngest artists! Focusing on imaginative play, students will explore storytelling through voice and body, learn to express emotions, and collaborate as an ensemble. Through games and creative activities, children build confidence in speaking and performing, setting a strong foundation for their artistic journey.

"Live From Dripping Springs, It's TNL!" (Sketch Comedy for All Levels, Ages 8+): For those with a flair for humor, this dynamic course is a fantastic chance to dive into the world of late-night comedy. Students will analyze iconic sketches, develop hilarious characters, and master techniques in physical comedy, vocal choices, and impeccable timing. The class culminates in an exciting public performance, offering a thrilling opportunity to showcase their comedic talents.

Express Yourself Improv (Ages 7-12): In "Express Yourself," students will gain a fantastic foundation in both acting and the magical art of improvisation. We guide students through engaging exercises that teach them to think on their feet, trust their instincts, and embrace the unexpected.

Annie Jr. the Musical (Ages 8+): For aspiring musical theatre stars, our Annie Jr. the Musical program offers a full production experience. Students will immerse themselves in acting, singing, and dancing, bringing this beloved story to life on stage. This collaborative journey culminates in three public performances, providing invaluable experience in a supportive and professional environment.

Theatre for Homeschoolers (Ages 8+) & Charley’s Aunt - Play for Homeschoolers: Whether it’s general theatre exploration or a focused production like Charley’s Aunt, these programs provide a structured and engaging artistic outlet.

Our experienced instructors offer private lessons in a wide range of instruments including piano, guitar, drums and percussion, bass, trombone, euphonium, tuba, sousaphone, and baritone horn, as well as comprehensive vocal coaching. These lessons are perfect for students looking to build a strong repertoire, improve specific skills, prepare for auditions, slay their band performance, or simply explore their passion for music in a personalized setting.

We invite you to visit OnStageReady.com to learn more about specific schedules. Join the On Stage Ready family and let us help your child discover the joy and power of the performing arts!

603 US-290

Dripping Springs

Phone: (512) 877-7765

PRE-K

YOUR GROWING CHILD

A TEXAS RISING STAR EARLY LEARNING CENTER

Now Enrolling

Low Teacher-to-Student Ratio

Parent Engagement App

On-site Chef

Secure, Classroom Camera System for Parents

DIS.IN.FX-Professional Disinfection Service

Enhanced Building Security for Safety

Our Pre-K program prepares your child for Kindergarten and beyond by combining structured learning with hands-on fun.

Curriculum includes engaging learning experiences in:

Language & Literacy Math & Science

Social Studies, Music & Art

Technology and Cultural Studies

#languagearts #science #technology #culturalarts #math #stem

INFANT & TODDLERS

PRESCHOOL

The preschool years are an exciting time of creativity, curiosity, and social growth.

We create a engaging hands-on learning environment that nurtures your child’s independence, confidence, and love of learning—all while having fun.

#Frogstreet #Zoophonics #Stem-learning

Your Growing Child’s Infant Program is designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for infants, ensuring their early development and growth

Your child will thrive in a warm, peaceful, and loving environment.

#BabySignLanguage #Zoophonics #Secureclassroom-cameras

Come Grow with Us

Five Things That Need to Change in the Real Estate Industry

The real estate world has had its fair share of drama over the past two years, with market fluctuations, National Association of Realtors scandals, and class action lawsuits dominating headlines. Full time real estate agents have continued to thrive even as the market has declined and sales seem more rare than a rational green haired TikToker.

There has been a shift in the industry where part time agents cannot compete, and full time professional agents have nabbed more market share. While the industry as a whole is evolving, there are five things that need to change right away.

1. New agents should not be allowed to practice real estate unsupervised or without a mentor scrutinizing their work. Too many agents get into the business and think they will learn it by the seat of their pants. That can be expensive for a client. Any profession from plumbers to electricians is not turned loose on the world without an apprenticeship.

2.The social media posts of people smiling at the closing, holding an absurdly large plastic key, need to be retired. Congratulations, Agent Bob. You did your job today. Hurray! No one else celebrates themselves like real estate agents. Every agent has done this at some point, but the

1.xx

2.trend needs to go away like the Macarena and the Ice Bucket Challenge.

3.The social media posts that are most watched about real estate agents are the ones that showcase tactics, lessons learned, and behind the scenes true life stories showing agents doing the dirty work needed to be a professional. The industry needs more of that. Too much of what an agent does is cloaked in mystery. It’s a hard business and the public should know it.

4.The shift to explaining how agents are paid needs to expand. Agents invest in listing a property and lose money if the property doesn’t sell. Along the way, the agent jumps over multiple hurdles and obstacles. It’s not uncommon for someone to say, Look. That agent got a $20,000 check for nothing. What they didn’t see were the months or years of work the agent put in to successfully close the deal. The industry needs to be more vocal about how agents work hard for their money.

5.Agents need to collaborate and help each other improve. If an agent sees another agent making a mistake, then the more experienced agent needs to speak up. The industry is self policing, meaning agents keep other agents in check. Feelings can be hurt, but in the end, the industry and the clients it serves will both be better for it.

Steve has been selling real estate since 2003. His team can help with all of your real estate needs. Residential, commercial, farm and ranch. Co-Host of the Mallett and Michelle on Dripping Springs Podcast.

DISCOVER HOMESTEADS AT DEER CREEK

Located in the scenic heart of the Texas Hill Country, Homesteads at Deer Creek is a thoughtfully planned residential community offering a rare combination of natural beauty, privacy, and flexibility. Situated just minutes from Downtown Johnson City, this community has quickly become one of the most desirable areas for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with modern conveniences close at hand.

Homesteads at Deer Creek features spacious lots that provide room to grow, play, and design the outdoor spaces you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you envision a garden, a backyard oasis, or simply open space to relax and enjoy the views, this community gives you the freedom to bring your vision to life. With light HOA restrictions in place, residents can personalize their properties while preserving the overall charm and character of the neighborhood.

One of the standout features of Homesteads at Deer Creek is its unbeatable location. Residents are just a short drive from some of the Hill Country’s most celebrated destinations, including award-winning wineries, local distilleries, craft breweries, and top-rated restaurants. From weekend wine tastings to exploring artisanal shops and local events, there’s always something to enjoy nearby.

In addition to Johnson City’s vibrant local scene, Homesteads at Deer Creek offers quick access to neighboring Dripping Springs—known for its boutiques, markets, and Hill Country hospitality—and the city of Austin, placing world-class dining, entertainment, and travel options within easy reach. This makes the community a perfect fit for those who want the peace and beauty of country living without being far from everything that matters.

Whether you're planning to build your forever home, a weekend retreat, or an investment property, Homesteads at Deer Creek offers the perfect setting to plant roots. Here, wide-open skies, rolling landscapes, and a strong sense of community create a place that feels like home from the moment you arrive.

$300,000

Homesteads at Deer Creek

Service Call Checklist

As with any major appliance, a water softener can occasionally have problems which are beyond the abilities of the homeowner. There are some simple things you should check before scheduling a service call. They could save you an unnecessary expense.

First, make sure that the unit is plugged into an outlet that has power. Sometimes a tripped breaker or GFCI can cut power to the softener. Often, houses are wired so that one GFCI outlet can cut power to several other outlets, so the reset button could be in a different location.

The next item to check is the bypass valve. This takes different forms depending on the type of softener you have, but is typically a quarter-turn valve, or a plunger style handle. The bypass valve should be in the service position for soft water. You should make sure that there is salt, or potassium, in the brine tank.

It is important to know that, if the unit should run out of salt completely, it can be several days before the softener will get back on track. You can initiate a manual regeneration to speed up the process. You should never have to add water to a brine tank, as the softener is set to add a specific amount of water during the regeneration cycle.

On a related note, if low flow is the issue, be sure that your whole house pre-filter (if you have one) is not clogged. If you

have checked these basics, and still have a problem, it may be time to contact a licensed professional.

It’s worth noting that there are two basic types of service providers: technicians and parts-changers. The technician truly understands the technology and function of the appliance, and actually wants to determine the source of your problem. The technician also cares to make sure that you understand the problem, what caused it, and how to avoid future issues. The much more common parts-changer is simply repeating learned actions in hopes of solving a problem. This can prove to be costly when unnecessary parts, or equipment, are replaced.

Randy Lawrence is the owner of ProQuality Water Systems, a full service water treatment company. He is one of only six Class III Certified Water Treatment Specialists in Hays County (LIC# WT0002693). With over 25 years of experience he has serviced Wimberley and surrounding areas for over a decade.

“When you want quality, call a pro.”

Litigation: Guessing What the Law Is

Recently, after hearing a former chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court and a current justice sitting on the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals discuss their experiences as appellate judges, my wife and I had a discussion about interaction between state and federal courts. This included a rather interesting fact about guessing.

then the issue is unsettled in Texas, so here we go - federal judges: let’s guess what the TSC would decide if this issue were presented to it. The “guess” is actually a somewhat informed decision as the court examines the conflicting Texas COA decisions, or, if none, the potentially relevant Texas court opinions that might shed light on the issue, seeking insight as to what the TSC might ultimately do if that issue were before it.

There is an alternate route the federal court can take which is to certify the question to the TSC. That process asks the TSC to render its opinion on the issue and advise the certifying federal court as to what that opinion is. However, the rules provide that

Cascade (1380 sqft)

Haven (1416 sqft)

(1442 sqft)

$377,729

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