The details
The moratorium, originally enacted in August and extended for the first time in December, prohibits new subdivision, site planning and construction activity in the northern portion of the city, according to the city’s website.
“We’re currently sitting at about 85% capacity, which is still within the [Texas Commission on Environmental Quality] threshold,” Norman McGuire, public works director and assistant city administrator, said. “Before [the moratorium] we were at 96% capacity. ... We’re predicting a very hot, dry, long summer, and irrigation alone accounts for over 50% of water use during that time.”
How we got here
Last April, city officials alerted City Council to the declining water capacity, according to prior reporting. At a workshop in May, officials estimated the city would need approximately $50 million to fund critical water infrastructure improvements, Community Impact previously reported.
Later, during a June meeting, City Council adopted seasonal irrigation restrictions in effect from May through October, as previously reported.
Diving in deeper
McGuire said that while some relief is on the way through capital improvement projects, more changes to the moratorium may be needed.
“We’re growing by about 2,000 accounts a year outside the moratorium zone,” McGuire said. “I think there's going to be some changes to this moratorium coming in the future, and unfortunately, I think you'll probably be seeing that map expand.”
The moratorium is expected to remain in effect until infrastructure projects—such as the Silver Springs bypass water line—can be completed, McGuire said. The Silver Springs project, also approved at the meeting, will redirect water to service the northeastern part of the city and “add some additional water to some really severely needed areas,” McGuire said.
“This is the most comprehensive water plan we’ve ever had in the city’s history,” council member Harry Hardman said. “We know what we need. The bad news is we know what we need. ... It’s going to take some time and a lot of money.”
Learn more
View the map of the moratorium below.
