Magnolia’s development moratorium was originally implemented in December 2022 to manage limited water infrastructure. The moratorium restricted new water connections, effectively halting numerous large-scale residential and commercial projects. Since then, the city has invested $30.2 million in upgrades, including new wells, tanks, and booster pumps, bringing its system in line with state standards. These enhancements are expected to be fully operational by Fall 2025, and Magnolia is set to lift its development moratorium at that time thanks to these significant infrastructure improvements.
City officials and engineers emphasize that while growth will resume, it will be more carefully managed to prevent past capacity issues. Plans are already underway for two more water plants over the next three years to further support sustainable expansion. This strategic approach to growth is laying the groundwork for future capacity.
With the moratorium nearly lifted, builders and developers are poised for renewed activity. Cody Miller, GHBA director of government affairs, explains, “You’re creating economic opportunity not just for builders, but for tradespeople, lenders, realtors. … Everyone re‑engages.”