Water department outlines reuse, yield limits and $100M+ capital needs
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Water Utilities reported firm yield limits, ongoing rate‑study work, and a range of long‑term capital projects including indirect potable reuse, tank storage and major plant upgrades; staff said reuse is feasible but will require multi‑year funding and a robust communications plan.
Water Utilities Director John Kaufman and Assistant Director Danielle Rick Schuesen told council the department is nearing completion of a rate study and outlined supply, reliability and capital options.
They said average demand is roughly 16,000–17,000 acre‑feet and noted limits on firm yield from surface and groundwater sources. The department is pursuing reuse options—indirect potable reuse has planning approvals in regional documents and staff reported tentative draft approval from TCEQ on aspects of a Bend Banks permit. Kaufman emphasized reuse would make the system more drought‑resilient and help manage taste/odor and disinfection byproducts, but cautioned the capital cost is large. A planning slide shown to council aggregated potential projects that exceed $100M in present‑dollar planning estimates.
Staff asked for council support for communications, prioritization and longer‑term funding strategies (grants, bond or partnership options) while noting near‑term operational savings from efficiency measures (SCADA, variable frequency drives, chemical optimization, and targeted water‑budget rate structures) could reduce operating costs.
Council did not take action; staff will return with prioritized, phased project options and the Raftelis rate‑study findings when available.