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Northlake weighs partnering with Ponder to supply interim water service
Summary
Council discussed a staff proposal to deliver 'opportunity water' to neighboring Ponder by extending pipeline capacity and building storage; staff suggested negotiating cost-sharing so Ponder and developers contribute to upgrades that Northlake will eventually need.
Council heard a detailed briefing on options for supplying interim water service to the nearby town of Ponder, which staff said is facing capacity constraints and relies on wells. Public Works staff outlined a plan to extend existing pipelines toward Ponder, to add an elevated storage tank and ground storage and to upgrade pumping and backup generation as needed. Staff framed the work as "opportunity water" the town would transport through its system while leveraging regional capacity.
The presenter said Ponder has in some places released its CCN/extraterritorial jurisdiction and lacks direct connection to the regional supplier; Northlake already has oversized pipeline capacity in parts of the corridor that could be used to reach Yarborough Lane and then Ponder. Staff noted the town could negotiate a cost-sharing arrangement so Ponder and developers would fund sections outside Northlake’s system while Northlake would retain ownership of key assets such as the elevated tank.
Staff emphasized negotiation points and fiscal safeguards. As staff put it: "We're not going to subsidize their system. Those are non starters and they haven't asked for any of those," stressing the town would seek contributions and developer-built infrastructure where feasible. Staff estimated some design work should begin within a year for an elevated tank and that ground storage might be needed in two to three years absent the Ponder arrangement. A Harvest example was cited: an elevated storage tank built about a decade ago cost roughly $3,000,000.
Council members indicated support for exploring the partnership while asking staff to ensure the town would not be left subsidizing another jurisdiction and to confirm impacts on staffing or other town projects. Staff said developer contributions and metering would help cover transport costs and that contractors would be responsible for initial flushing and testing of lines. Council gave staff direction to continue discussions and return with negotiation details, cost estimates and proposed terms.
