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Council explores temporary moratorium on new culinary water connections as corrective plans advance
Summary
Faced with a state capacity assessment, council discussed a proposed temporary moratorium (Resolution 2026-14) on new culinary connections and legal options for emergency restriction while drilling or transmission projects proceed.
Council discussed a draft resolution (2026-14) requesting a temporary moratorium or emergency restriction on new culinary water connections while the city addresses a state-identified capacity deficiency.
Staff and council members discussed legal mechanics—whether the city needs an ordinance to impose a moratorium, whether an emergency restriction order would suffice temporarily, and the need to show a corrective action plan (for example drilling a test well or completing pipeline work) within a statutory time frame. Staff recommended consulting the state adviser (Kate/Kate Kenny) for procedural guidance.
The council did not adopt a moratorium at the work meeting; the letter to the state had been circulated and staff planned to coordinate with the state adviser and refine next steps.
