Lindsay City Council hears water-capacity study, reviews budget and approves memberships and holiday spending

City staff presented a technical memorandum and spreadsheet tool for assessing Lindsay City’s water supply capacity and urged the council to use it as a live document to guide development approvals and capital planning. The presentation showed that the city’s total water supply would meet average demand but that the firm supply — the amount available in emergencies if a major source is lost — would fall short as population and entitlements grow unless additional sources or wells are developed.

The memo, produced with outside engineering support, tested seasonal demand factors and scenarios that assume the city rehabilitates Well 11 and brings other planned wells online. Staff emphasized that firm-supply shortfalls occur sooner if the council approves new entitlements without new water resources. City staff said the technical spreadsheet that accompanies the memo will allow planning staff to update entitlement assumptions and immediately see supply/demand impacts.

Why it matters: Lindsay’s water supply decisions affect whether the city can responsibly allow new housing or commercial projects without risking service interruptions. The city must plan not only for average-year supply but for resiliency under drought, contamination, or infrastructure failure — the “firm supply” scenario state reviewers require.

Details from the presentation and council discussion

- Scope and assumptions: Staff and the consultant reviewed current wells, the surface water treatment plant, and a canal that historically goes offline some winters. The memo used seasonal peak-day factors rather than a single…