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With a groundwater reservation agreement with utilities company EPCOR underway, Georgetown could ultimately have water security for a span of 60 years.
The overview
City leaders are sorting out the details of an agreement that will hold water rights for the city’s use until the contract terminates, according to city documents.
Officials said the agreement was initiated due to Georgetown’s projected population growth over the next several years and the need to secure a long-term water source.
“It became apparent ... Georgetown’s growth was informing us that we needed to take action much quicker,” Assistant City Manager Laurie Brewer said at the Dec. 12 City Council workshop.
While council originally approved the agreement back in August, Brewer said the city is still negotiating the specifics of the water supply agreement, which includes details of the water delivery, cost and a plan for treatment and maintenance.
A closer look
The reservation agreement allows Georgetown to receive between 35.2 million to 62.5 million gallons per day of treated groundwater from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer.
Costing the city roughly $5.9 million per year, Brewer said this agreement is Georgetown's most expensive water purchase.
In time, the agreement will result in higher water rates, officials said.
Notable quote
“What is being done now with the reservation agreement and ultimately a contract is probably the most important thing this city will do in the next 20 years or even beyond that,” council member Ron Garland said.
Looking ahead
City officials are in a planning and negotiation period with EPCOR, which will last until the end of 2025. The estimated project delivery is late 2029.
Brewer said the city is contemplating a 30-year agreement with at least one renewal, which will make a total of 60 years for this water source.
