On April 21, 2026, the City Council held a workshop to receive a comprehensive briefing on the Drought Contingency Plan. Chief Operating Officer Nick Winkleman presented updates to the water supply dashboard, baseline water use recommendations, curtailment percentages, and surcharge structures. City Manager Peter Zanoni noted some policy items were slated for the April 28th council meeting, though council members requested more time for the complex proposals. Water Supply Dashboard - The updated dashboard projects a Level 1 Water Emergency declaration in September 2026, assuming no inflows to western reservoirs, a 20% curtailment from Lake Texana starting in August, and the expected completion of conveyance and reuse projects. - Current western reservoir capacity is 7.9% combined. Lake Texana is at 57% capacity. - Councilman Mark Scott questioned the "no new water" modeling assumption, stating it lacked reality and requesting staff update the dashboard following rain events rather than strictly every 30 days. Residential Customer Allocations - The proposed residential allocation is 5,250 gallons per month (a 7,000 gallon baseline minus a uniform 25% curtailment). Approximately 70% of accounts already use less than this amount, leaving roughly 27,300 accounts above the threshold. - Mayor Guajardo strongly opposed potential service disconnection for overuse and urged a robust voluntary conservation program starting in June. She also opposed the ban on boat washing, citing the asset value of boats, the salt-air environment, and $20–30 million in annual economic impact from fishing tournaments. - Councilwoman Calen Paxson requested the residential baseline methodology match that of wholesale customers and that utility bills prominently highlight the 5,250 gallon allocation figure rather than the baseline. - Councilman Billy Hernandez argued the surcharge structure should be aligned with individualized baselines instead of arbitrary flat thresholds and requested a review of drought surcharge exemption contracts. - Councilman Roland Baretta requested a variance process for households with large families, foster children, or home-based businesses, noting that average usage statistics do not reflect these situations. Commercial, Wholesale, and Industrial Accounts - Staff recommended individualized baselines for commercial and wholesale customers using 2021–2024 historical data (excluding the lowest monthly value), shifting away from uniform meter-size estimates to reflect true operational needs. - Large volume users (Valero, Flint Hills, Javelina, etc.) were presented with individualized baselines and seasonal allocations. Council members requested detailed timelines for these users' reclamation and well projects. - City Manager Zanoni stressed the 25% curtailment would apply evenly across all customer classes against their respective baselines. Surcharges and Enforcement - Existing surcharge rates ($4 per 1,000 gallons for residential/commercial/wholesale over thresholds, $12 per 1,000 for large volume) were presented for re-approval. Councilman Hernandez requested the surcharge calculation use the same individual baseline methodology proposed for allocations. - The plan retains the possibility of water service disconnection for repeat violations. Mayor Guajardo stated she could not support this provision without a substantial education buffer first. - Councilwoman Campos noted that one industrial user uses roughly 1 million gallons per day while a city splash pad uses only 300 gallons per day, arguing the burden falls disproportionately on residents. Specific Restrictions and City Operations - Boat Washing: Prohibited. Engine flushing is allowed. Mayor Guajardo strongly advocated for allowing boat washing to protect structural integrity and the local economy. - Pools and Splash Pads: Staff initially proposed a 25% reduction in operating hours. Following council feedback, the plan was revised to keep all facilities open with reduced hours and to deploy pool covers to mitigate evaporation. Total summer water use for these facilities is 1.8 million gallons. - Foundation Watering: Permitted via drip irrigation or a soaker hose every other week. - Gardens and Landscaping: Landscape irrigation is prohibited. Potted plants can be watered. In-ground vegetable gardens can only be watered using auxiliary sources (well, reclaimed, rainwater). - Water Loss: Director Wes Nebgen reported a 4–5 million gallon per day discrepancy in the water audit, primarily due to meter inaccuracies rather than leaks. Actual leak losses were 56 million gallons for the prior year. - City Facilities: Councilwoman Vaughn requested the city publish a monthly list of its own facilities' water usage to lead by example. Community Engagement and Tools - A schedule of community information sessions was presented. Councilwoman Sylvia Campos objected to District 2 receiving only one session and being scheduled last, despite being the most populous district. The schedule is under review. - Council members requested clearer public messaging, including standardized variance forms, utility bill inserts showing the allocation calculation, and simplified guidance on auxiliary water sources. - Discussion of usage tracking tools (e.g., the Flume device) occurred, but Mayor Guajardo stated residents should not be asked to pay for such tools; the city must provide a solution. Key Outcomes and Next Steps - No formal votes were taken during the workshop. - Staff will bring the 25% curtailment percentage for consideration at the April 28 city council meeting. - The broader package of structural Drought Contingency Plan changes—including surcharge reforms, revised baseline methodologies, and enforcement provisions—will be presented on May 5 following council requests for additional review time. - An updated water supply scenario reflecting a successful Evangeline project hearing and a favorable TCEQ response on well field capacity will be prepared.
