City can tap water in emergency

Posted

Water is a precious resource to any community. Gonzales officials have come through on a deal to insure its residents have access in times of crisis.

The Gonzales County Water Supply Corporation (GCWSC) and the City of Gonzales recently inked a wholesale water purchase contract where the city would receive water “in the event of an emergency or natural disaster that compromises the city’s ability to supply water to its customers.” As the city receives the bulk of its water from the Guadalupe River, a drought, dam breach, or river contamination could render the public water supply undrinkable or simply unreachable should a calamity occur.

Last year, according to Gonzales Mayor Connie Kacir, she approached GCWSC President Greg Tieken with a request for emergency water. At a recent meeting by the board, they agreed unanimously to the terms of the contract after a study showed that selling the additional water would not affect their current users.

Per the agreement, GCWSC would supply water to the city at three city-owned meters at a reasonable constant pressure at a minimum of 35 psi. The delivery “shall be wholesale treated water meeting required standards sourced from one or more of GCWSC’s combination of sources currently available or that may become available.”

The water could be used for any lawful purpose subject to constraints of water conservation imposed by the Texas Water Development Board.

The city would be supplied with up to 700,000 gallons of water per day for an indefinite period of time as needed. After a week, the city would be required to install a meter to track water usage for payment.

The rate is set at 30 cents per 1,000 gallons used.

“Our city feels honored to obtain the full support of GCWSC’s commitment to work together for the greater good of our city,” said Kacir. “Obtaining this additional source of water in the event of an emergency or natural disaster also reduces the risk assessment imposed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, who is the licensing regulatory oversight for hydropower projects.  This is a win for the City of Gonzales and we are deeply appreciative to have GCWSC as our partner.”

Comments