Cedar Park selects Corollo Engineers for $300,000 alternative water supply study

The Cedar Park City Council approved a professional services agreement with Corollo Engineers, not to exceed $300,000, to prepare an alternative water supply study intended to identify supplemental sources and resilience strategies.

"It's about our water portfolio," said Eric Rauschubert, director of public works and utilities, explaining the rationale. He told the council the city currently purchases treated drinking water through a contract with the Lower Colorado River Authority and that forecasts show surface-water supply meeting projected demand into about 2070 but that drought-driven volatility justifies exploring additional options. "To increase our water supply resiliency, our strategic plan calls for exploring supplemental water supplies," he said, listing potential approaches including reuse, aquifer storage and recovery, and other alternatives.

Staff said Corollo was selected after an RFQ process; the recommended agreement is included in the FY25 utility capital improvement program. Council members asked whether the study would examine regional partnerships and reuse strategies; staff said the study will review a portfolio of options, including direct beneficial reuse (reclamation) and regional coordination where appropriate. Several council members urged both regional engagement and an emphasis on feasible local options.

Council authorized the contract and directed staff to proceed; the motion passed unanimously with one member absent. The study will return technical findings to council when complete and is expected to inform long-range utility planning and policy choices.