Council renews membership in West Texas cloud‑seeding association amid public questions

The City Council unanimously approved an interlocal agreement to continue San Angelo’s membership in the West Texas Weather Modification Association and authorized payment of an annual assessment of $40,000.

City staff briefed council members on the association’s mission and history, explaining that San Angelo has been a participating member since the program began in the 1990s. "Basically, what it is is out here in West Texas, you know, we're dry...they basically try to enhance the cloud to produce more moisture," a staff presenter said, adding that the method increases precipitation only modestly — "by tenths of an inch" — and that seeding is selective and used only on candidate clouds.

Geographic scope and watershed: Staff said the program targets the western half of Tom Green County and focuses on the Twin Buttes and O.C. Fisher watersheds in the county.

Public questions: During public comment, residents asked about the chemicals used in cloud seeding and about observed differences in July rainfall: one speaker said nearby locations measured dramatically different totals in the July 4 rainfall event and asked whether cloud seeding operations played a role. Council members directed staff to note public concerns and explained membership would maintain the city’s ability to cooperate with regional partners.

Outcome and timing: The council voted 7-0 to ratify the association’s bylaws and extend membership and funding for another year. Staff said the association had updated bylaws and agreements and the action formalizes San Angelo’s continued participation.