DEPARTMENT: Planning and Community Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: John Dugan
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-wide
SUBJECT:
Briefing and possible action on a Comprehensive Water Policy Study and Report.
SUMMARY:
Briefing and possible action on a Comprehensive Water Policy Study and Report.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
At present, the City's Master Plan adopted in 1997 does not sufficiently address the need for a Comprehensive Water Policy in relation to the City's projected growth.
ISSUE:
On February 6, 2014, Councilman Ron Nirenberg, representing Council District 8, initiated a City Council Communication Request (CCR) to discuss an analysis of policies, procedures and regulations pertaining to long term planning to ensure water security including the provision of adequate and affordable water supplies through the year 2050. That CCR subsequently was clarified through a memorandum from Councilman Nirenberg to the Mayor and City Manager dated April 10, 2014.
In response to both the CCR request and the April 10, 2014 memorandum, a draft scope of work for a Comprehensive Water Policy of the City of San Antonio is proposed for Governance Committee review and input. The comprehensive study, once completed, would be brought forward to City Council for consideration as a component of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
There are three components to developing the Comprehensive Water Policy study as follows: 1) data collection and analysis, 2) policy analysis, and 3) action plan strategies. Each of these phases is detailed below.
1. Data Collection and Analysis Phase - Entails the review of existing studies, reports and data related to local and regional ground and surface water planning, which shall include but not be limited to data available through local, regional and state water planning entities and other agencies such as the Texas Water Development Board, Edwards Aquifer Authority, State Data Center, San Antonio River Authority, and SAWS. Data shall include studies on local and regional population projections, socioeconomic impacts, and water supply and demand. Data shall also be obtained on current planned projects related to surface and ground water.
2. Policy Analysis - Entails the review of San Antonio policies and procedures related to ground and surface water standards and regulations and will provide regulatory, administrative or legislative recommendations to improve local water resource management. The analysis will take into consideration the City's growth policies, annexation plans, and development regulations to ensure these policies support water quality and protect the water supply to meet the demand of residential, commercial, military, and industrial users at affordable rates on a long term basis.
3. Action Plan Strategies - Based on the policy analysis, strategies will be recommended to ensure San Antonio's water security. Strategies should take into consideration the identification of water sources/supply, conservation methods, source diversification (reuse, desalination, importation, etc.) and coordination with neighboring governments and regions concerning mutual interests and shared resources, in order to meet future needs. The costs/benefits of the current policies should be assessed related to alignment with regional and state water plans, future annexation and growth plans, and financial risks to residents and ratepayers.
The Comprehensive Water Policy study, upon completion, would be considered for adoption as a component of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated cost of study is estimated to range between $60,000 to $100,000 or greater, when using existing data. The cost possibly could reach up to $1 million if analysis requires collection of new data sets or updating existing data sets. The study could be undertaken by private consulting firms and/or University water institutes.
Funding sources:
• Possible Council initiative in FY 2015 annual budget
• Possible grant funding through Texas Commission on Environmental Quality through Clean Water Act Section 319(h) funds (60:40 federal/local match) up to $400,000
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is for briefing purposes only.