The rate at which the city of Bastrop loses treated drinking water outperformed local, regional and national benchmarks, according to data reviewed during an April 14 Bastrop City Council meeting.

What else? Following a presentation from Public Works Director Curtis Hancock, council adopted the city’s latest water conservation plan, setting updated five- and 10-year conservation targets.

By the numbers: Hancock said Bastrop’s water loss rate fell below national and regional benchmarks, as well as the city’s own target of 9% or less. He noted the city’s 2025 rate exceeded expectations at 6.7%.

What residents should know: Bastrop’s water conservation rules apply year-round, regardless of drought stage.

Landscape irrigation with automatic in-ground or hose-end sprinkler systems is prohibited from 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily. Exceptions include drip irrigation, soaker hoses and hand watering with a shut-off valve.

Something to note: The plan also prohibits water waste, such as runoff, broken sprinkler heads and unrepaired leaks.

Place 4 council member Kerry Fossler said residents can request residential water audits through the Public Works Department.

“Call us up,” Hancock said.

Bastrop-area residents looking for work or considering a career change can meet hiring managers and get free job-search help at an upcoming event.

In a nutshell: Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, along with area officials, will host a job readiness workshop followed by a career fair.

According to a news release, the event is intended to help job seekers prepare, connect with hiring managers and explore career options in the area.

“Whether you are looking for a new job, changing careers, or returning to the workforce, this event is a great opportunity to take your next step,” officials noted.

• April 30, 9-10 a.m. (workshop); 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (hiring event)
• Free (admission)
• Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop

Check out some of the most-read Austin-area stories April 20-23.

1. Handmade history: A century of Round Rock Donuts

2. 19 updates from Georgetown's business and dining community

3. Keating Auto Group buys Toyota of Cedar Park, City Limits Subaru

4. 13 Bastrop-area business and dining updates to know

5. City of Austin acquires 50 acres of parkland in South Austin

6. San Marcos to weigh plan for neighborhood north of Texas State

Some Texas families began learning April 22 if they were accepted to the state’s education savings account program for the 2026-27 school year, officials said.

The big picture: Over 42,600 students will receive funding notices through April 24, the state comptroller’s office announced April 22. The first awardees include low- and middle-income students with disabilities and their eligible siblings.

Families accepted to the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program will receive state funds to send their children to private school or homeschool them.

The details: The first round of awardees is set to receive about $400 million of the $1 billion allocated for the program. Up to 100,000 students are expected to qualify for the program's first year.

The comptroller's office will run a lottery the week of April 27 to determine which low-income students will be accepted based on a prioritization system.

Stay tuned: Families that do not qualify for funding will also be notified through April 24. Additional students will receive funding awards in the coming weeks, a program spokesperson said.