BRA sets 2026 interruptible water availability at 63,803 acre‑feet; Proctor area prorated
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Summary
The board authorized a safety factor of 0.25 and approved making up to 63,803 acre‑feet of interruptible water available in 2026, with typical uses in agriculture and mining and a pro‑rata reduction applied in the Lake Proctor area.
The Brazos River Authority board authorized staff to make up to 63,803 acre‑feet of interruptible water available in calendar year 2026 and set a safety factor of 0.25 to protect firm‑water customers.
Aaron Abel, water services manager, told the board that system inflows from significant spring and summer rainfall left reservoirs in good condition and that interruptible water — sold on a one‑year basis and subject to curtailment under severe drought — is primarily used by agricultural irrigation and mining customers. Abel explained the FY2026 system rate for interruptible water is $106 per acre‑foot and an agricultural rate of $74.20 per acre‑foot applies when eligible.
Staff reported about 26 requests totaling roughly 11,000 acre‑feet basin‑wide were received through the application process (about 6,800 AF for agriculture and 3,800 AF for mining). Abel noted requests in the Lake Proctor area exceed calculated availability and will be pro‑rated by roughly 30% in that subsystem to preserve firm water commitments.
The board adopted the resolution authorizing the safety factor and availability figure; the motion passed on roll call.