City Council debates emergency water supply agreement amid concerns over standards and security

Concerns over a proposed emergency water supply agreement dominated the Heath City Council's special meeting on December 30, 2024. Council members expressed significant reservations about the feasibility and safety of the agreement, particularly regarding documentation and compliance standards.

One council member highlighted the "number one issue" as the lack of adequate documentation and group capability from the other party involved in the agreement. This concern was echoed by others who noted that without proper standards, Heath could be left vulnerable. "We would be the only ones in a position to comply and meet their needs," they stated, emphasizing the potential risks involved.

The discussion also touched on the need for a balanced approach to adjudicating water trades, with calls for more control to be placed on Heath's side. "There can't be keys to the water kingdom that are just delivered whenever they feel necessary," one member remarked, advocating for a structured system to manage water distribution.

Additionally, the council raised alarms about the implications of a "take or pay" clause, suggesting that if the other party were to draw water during a drought, it could adversely affect Heath's water supply. The need for an alternative water source was also mentioned, with suggestions that the agreement should reflect a more realistic supply capacity.

Security concerns were paramount as well, particularly regarding the SCADA system, which manages water operations. Council members stressed the importance of investing in secure technology to prevent potential cyber threats that could jeopardize the city's water supply.

As the meeting concluded, the council acknowledged the need for further review and discussion of the agreement, underscoring the importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of Heath's water resources. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial as the city navigates its water supply challenges in the coming years.