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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Water Resources Advisory Committee - 01/17/2013Minutes Water Resource Advisory Committee Thursday, January 17, 2013 Members present: Jeff Edmonds, Robert Kunkle, Scott Kucera, Michael Cox, and Don Roach. Staff members and guests: Gustavo Gonzalez, P.E., Director of Water Services; Brent Clayton; Joanne Salge; Debbie Lindsey -Opel, Three Dimensional Development; Mark Stroop, Deputy Public Works Office, NAS -CC Mr. Edmonds called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m. Mr. Edmonds also noted there were no minutes to review from the last meeting which was held on February 23, 2012. Each member and guest introduced themselves as there are new members and new staff. Review of Reservoir Statistics and Current Drought Status and Projections Brent Clayton provided a presentation that featured our watershed, reservoir system, the Mary Rhodes Pipeline and the proposed Mary Rhodes Pipeline Phase II. Current supply levels were reviewed as well as a history of the lake levels. The group discussed why Lake Texana is not represented in the supply levels. The City entered Stage 2 of the Drought Contingency Plan on December 6, 2013 when lake levels reached 40% capacity. Water restrictions began being enforced on December 17, 2013. The region remains in extreme /exceptional drought conditions. Models of both short term and long term demand were reported and discussed along with how new industry and the current increase in oil and gas activity will affect our supply. Most of the State of Texas is experiencing drought conditions with only a few areas not affected. A review of the daily statistics was provided as well as discussion regarding the feasibility of desalination to help meet the needs of the area on a long term basis. Update on Revisions to the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan The City of Corpus Christi Water Department is proposing changes in the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan. The current plan was adopted in 2009. The reasons for change are to be more aggressive on reducing per capita consumption and to bring clarity to the plan. Proposed changes would separate the plan into 2 documents. The Water Conservation Plan is year -round measure designed to reduce consumption by changing fixtures and habits. It is long -term and permanent. Drought contingency measures are temporary, inconvenient measure used during drought to significantly reduce water use. It is short -term. The Water Department plans to take the revised plans to Council in the spring. Update on Mary Rhodes Phase II Water Supply Project The Mary Rhodes Phase II Pipeline is 41 miles long and will run from Bay City to Lake Texana. The estimated cost is 153M. Currently it is in the design phase and right -of -ways are being acquired. All permits are in place. Construction could be complete by spring 2015. Environmental Flow Update The Nueces Feasibility Study is currently in a 3 year SMART planning process. Schedule Next Meeting Date The next meeting date is Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 11:00am in the Choke Canyon Conference Room, 2726 Holly Road, Corpus Christi, TX. Meeting adjourned at 1:03 pm.