June 29, 2026
Dear Members,
As RCH continues to make significant progress on the projects and priorities that will shape the future of our water system, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey that brought us to this point. Over the past four years, RCH has worked through major challenges, made difficult decisions, and taken important steps to strengthen this member-owned corporation for the long term.
Nearly four years ago, RCH was at a crossroads. The system was growing, water demand was increasing, and there were serious questions about long-term capacity, operations, governance, infrastructure, customer service, and how best to protect the future of this member-owned corporation.
Since that time, RCH has had to make difficult decisions, work through major transitions, and rebuild trust step by step. There were moments when the future direction of the system was uncertain. There were questions about who would operate the system, how RCH would meet future water needs, how growth would be managed, and how the corporation could move from reacting to challenges toward planning for long-term reliability.
Through that process, RCH chose to remain focused on rebuilding and strengthening this corporation as a member-owned water system. That decision mattered. It meant RCH would take responsibility for improving operations, strengthening governance, pursuing long-term water supply solutions, and making the investments necessary to serve members reliably.
A major part of RCH’s journey has been securing long-term capacity for our members. What began several years ago as a discussion about a direct connection to the North Texas Municipal Water District has now become the largest infrastructure effort in RCH’s history. The RCH Take Point and Pump Station Project is no longer a concept for the future. It is the central infrastructure investment now shaping the next chapter of RCH’s water supply, system capacity, and long-term reliability.
This project has required years of engineering, easement work, permitting, partner coordination, financial planning, and steady follow-through. Construction began last year, and since then, major work has progressed across the project site and along the transmission route. Roadway work, tank excavation, meter vault mobilization, pump station excavation, and major transmission line installation have all moved forward. RCH connected directly to the NTMWD supply line to bring this vital water resource project online in record time, without cutting corners, while also incorporating forward-thinking improvements designed to meet future demands as our community continues to grow.
As June comes to an end, the project is no longer about whether RCH can make this connection a reality. It is about completing the remaining work needed to bring this major investment fully online for the benefit of our members. Due to weather delays, final completion is now expected in July 2026. Even with that adjusted timeline, the project is only weeks behind an aggressive schedule and remains years ahead of what many once thought possible. RCH is now in the final stages of testing and commissioning the vital and complex components needed to complete the direct connection.
This direct-connect project represents an important anchor and turning point for RCH. It remains a visible example of how far the corporation has come from planning, uncertainty, and capacity concerns toward long-term strength, reliability, and resilience.
RCH has also worked through a changing relationship with the City of McLendon-Chisholm. At times, that relationship was difficult and required legal action to protect RCH’s rights, service area, and member interests. This past year marked a meaningful change. The City repealed the franchise fee ordinance, reinstated the City’s water license agreement with RCH, and supported adding Sonoma Verde to RCH’s Certificate of Convenience and Necessity. Following those actions, the RCH Board voted to dismiss the lawsuit against the City.
For our members, that meant more than a legal resolution. It meant a return to cooperation, stability, and forward motion.
RCH has also had to have honest conversations about cost, accountability, and stewardship. Following a public rate study presentation, RCH announced a FY 2026 water rate update that took effect in January of this year. No rate update is easy, but this one supports reliable operations, helps meet RCH’s financial obligations, and ensures the corporation can continue advancing current and future infrastructure projects responsibly and efficiently.
The rate plan includes the NTMWD pump station and transmission line, the Highway 205 waterline upgrade and relocation, system reinforcement, rigorous technical planning and design for the infrastructure improvements required to support RCH’s long-term needs, and the continued buildout of the digital meter program. These efforts are already in progress and are helping build the backbone of RCH’s system for today and for the future.
Accountability has mattered in other ways as well. RCH prevailed in its case against former manager Robin Baley d/b/a H2O Services, with the court ruling in RCH’s favor and awarding more than $800,000 plus interest. That outcome reinforced a principle that should never be in doubt: the assets of RCH Water Supply Corporation belong to the members, and stewardship of those assets must be taken seriously.
At the 2026 annual meeting, and as part of this year’s business affairs, the sole Board seat up for reelection was held by David Naylor. The election was unopposed, no member voting was required, and David was retained for another term. Following that continuity in Board service, he was also unanimously retained as Board President. That stability in leadership reflects an important measure of continuity as RCH moves into its next phase.
I am also grateful to have been recognized with the 2026 Texas Rural Water Association Excellence in System Management Award. I am deeply honored by that recognition, but I do not receive it alone. It reflects the work of RCH staff, the leadership of the Board, and the continued engagement of members who have asked hard questions, conserved water when asked, and stayed committed to the future of this system.
When I look back over the last several years, I see a system that has moved from uncertainty to action. RCH has strengthened its governance, modernized its metering system, improved its legal footing, rebuilt important relationships, advanced major infrastructure, and taken significant steps toward long-term capacity and resilience.
There is still work ahead, but RCH is stronger today than it was when this journey began. The future of this system is being built right now, and it is being built for the members.
Thank you for your trust, your patience, your conservation efforts, and your continued partnership. RCH exists to serve you, and I am grateful to be part of this work on your behalf.
Kind regards,
Robin Mayall
CEO, RCH
