Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement between the City of League City and the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District (HGSD) for participation in the Water Conservation Education Program (Water Wise) for an amount not to exceed $11,324 (Director of Public Works)
Background:
Approval of this resolution will authorize an interlocal agreement that re-establishes participation in the Water Conservation Education program. Since its inception in 1994, the City of League City has participated annually in sponsoring local Clear Creek ISD schools in the Water Conservation Education Program. This program is part of the City’s water conservation outreach. It is primarily managed by The Harris-Galveston County Subsidence District. The Water Conservation Education program curriculum benefits approximately 25,000 school children each year. League City proposes to sponsor school(s) only within League City city limits. The program's cost is based upon a per student charge of $38.00 which covers all applicable student materials utilized by local elementary and intermediate classrooms within Clear Creek ISD school district for the 2025 - 2026 school year. In return, the City receives a Series B Groundwater Credit of 84,000 gallons per student. Further details are below.
The main component of the curriculum is in the District’s Water Conservation Education Program and the materials provided to the students include a water detective kit that goes home with the student, printed student material, and teacher curriculum. Our contribution provides kits to 298 students each year. The Subsidence District works with all school districts in Harris, Galveston, and Fort Bend counties. The decision for which schools participate is up to the Subsidence District and the school district. The Subsidence District is the government entity that regulates groundwater pumpage in Harris and Galveston counties, in an effort to minimize subsidence.
League City’s current groundwater allocation is 10% of the annual demand, and any volume that exceeds the allocated percentage is subject to disincentive fees in the amount of $12.12/1000 gallons. When needed, the Groundwater Credits are redeemed to increase the groundwater allocation by the amount of the water conservation credit, but not to exceed 30% of the City’s total water demand for the annual permit term. To date, the City has acquired approximately 750,000,000 gallons of available groundwater credits. This equates to 75 days of emergency groundwater usage based on the City's current average daily use of 10,000,000 gallons per day.
Historically, the City has never exceeded the 10% groundwater allocation. The benefit of acquiring and banking groundwater credits is their availability for use during extreme drought or emergency demand events. In exchange for participation in this program, the City receives Series B Groundwater Credits issued by the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District for every student sponsored in the amount of 84,000 gallons per student sponsored.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Resolution
2. Exhibit A- Interlocal Agreement
3. Groundwater Credit Spreadsheet
4. H2O Content Sheet
CONTRACT ORIGINATION: Agreement has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office
FUNDING
{X} Funds in the amount of $11,324 will be available in the Water Production - Professional Services Account #10207300-53050, pending approval of FY26 budget.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor #1 - Develop and Maintain Infrastructure by promoting sustainability value through Water Conservation Outreach Program.