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Galveston staff present data-driven water and wastewater master plans with $95M in near-term projects
Summary
City staff and consultants summarized 18 months of analysis and monitoring that produced 10-year capital improvement programs for water and wastewater; projects in the first 10 years total about $95 million, with roughly $35 million expected from federal grants and the remainder from bonds or local funds.
City staff and consultant Friese and Nichols presented a data-driven update to Galveston’s water and wastewater master plans that identifies condition- and regulation-driven projects and a 10-year capital improvement program that totals roughly $95 million.
Brandon Cook, assistant city manager, said the city and consultant teams focused on condition assessments, hydraulic modeling and sensor-based monitoring to limit opinion and base the plan on measured system performance. “We did over 80 site visits with the city operational staff,” consultant Kendall Ryan of Freese and Nichols told council, adding the team deployed pressure and flow sensors during peak (tourist) conditions to calibrate models.
The plans flag water system needs including elevated storage and pump-station improvements and identify about $61 million in water projects over 10 years; Friese and Nichols reported about $34.7 million of that is expected to be covered by federal/state grants or earmarks and roughly $24.3 million by local bonds or existing bond funds. The sewer program lists about $34 million of projects (lift-station work and conveyance improvements), with the consultants noting approximately $32 million from existing bond revenue and $1.7 million from grants for the first tranche.
Consultants and staff emphasized that much of the near-term CIP is driven by condition (many pipes and facilities are older than the industry expected 50-year useful life) and by regulatory requirements under Texas administrative code (water: TAC chapter 290; wastewater: TAC chapter 217). Ryan said the city has reduced distribution system water loss from about 40% at a previous high-point to about 10% today through leak detection and meter work, improving the system’s efficiency ahead of larger investments.
Finance staff summarized the budget picture tied to the CIPs. City finance reported the FY26 draft utility budget projects combined water/wastewater revenue of about $47.6 million with operations around $35.2 million, debt service about $10.5 million and a projected ending fund balance that is close to the city’s 120-day target. Staff warned that implementation will require a rate study and likely future rate adjustments tied to any debt issuance to fund projects beyond available grants. City staff recommended conducting a FY27 rate study and presenting options to council in mid‑2026.
Council asked about growth assumptions, alternative supplies and resiliency. Consultants said the plans used a conservative 1% annual average growth projection and noted staff is pursuing short-term capacity actions (rehabilitating off‑island wellfields) while coordinating with Gulf Coast Water Authority on longer‑term regional supply and desalination options. Cook summarized next steps: finalize the plans, pursue grants, and begin a rate study so council can decide on financing and timing of bond issues or other funding mechanisms.
