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Council directs staff to study recycled-water hookup to irrigate Hebner Creek Greenway
Summary
Council asked staff to pursue engineering cost estimates and funding options to connect SAWS recycled-water mains to the Hebner Creek Greenway Phase 1 after Public Works presented a feasibility estimate that showed operating savings but a significant upfront installation cost.
Leon Valley staff will take a deeper look at using SAWS recycled water to irrigate landscaping along the Hebner Creek Greenway after the council on March 17 voted to explore engineering costs and funding options.
Public Works Director David Demoline presented preliminary numbers for Phase 1 (roughly 0.9 mile): an estimated design fee of about $31,500 and installation costs near $331,000, with current annual service for a six acre-foot allotment estimated at roughly $6,471 (SAWS recycled-water rate quoted at about $2.32 per 1,000 gallons). Demoline said the city already uses two recycled-water connections for athletic fields and that SAWS allows volume adjustments with amendments to agreements.
Councilors noted the potential to conserve potable water and reduce operating costs over time, but questioned upfront capital funding and whether the water enterprise reserve or other funding sources (tree-mitigation fund, community development funds) would be appropriate. Several councilors supported further study; Councilor Compost moved and Councilor Hyle seconded a motion to explore engineering estimates and funding sources for a recycled-water connection, and the council approved the motion.
Next steps: staff will solicit engineering probable costs and return with a budget adjustment proposal and recommended funding source(s) before committing to construction.
