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Public Works warns of water restrictions and halts pond pumping to conserve supply
Summary
Public Works told council Windcrest owns about 10.9 acre‑feet of water and expects to begin Edwards Aquifer Stage 4 restrictions in 2025; staff will stop pumping water to ponds through March 2025 and recommended broader review of pond management and potential purchase of additional water rights.
Public Works presented a water-supply briefing describing the city's holdings and near‑term conservation steps. Staff said Windcrest owns 10.9 acre‑feet (about 3.85 million gallons) and will start 2025 under Edwards Aquifer Stage 4 water restrictions, representing roughly a 36% reduction; if conditions worsen the city could enter Stage 5, which would require greater reductions.
Public Works reported the share of the transferred 2024 10.9 acre‑feet has been fully used to fill ponds, and all additional pond pumping will be suspended until at least March 2025 to conserve water for summer needs when pumping demands are higher. Staff recommended a future, fuller conversation about pond management, including lining ponds and mitigating loss, and suggested purchasing additional water rights to secure the city's long‑term supply.
Council members asked clarifying questions about the calculations in gallons and acre‑feet, the effect on recreation or retention areas, and whether TCEQ rules would affect any conversion of retention ponds. Staff agreed to return a proposal addressing pond classification, legal requirements, and options for reducing water loss.
