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 cost of the program 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 2022 - 2023 school year. In return the City receives a Series B Groundwater Credit of 84,000 gallons per student. Further detail 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 $9.80/1000 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.
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. Series B Credits have a life of 20 years from the date of issuance. Credits due to expire and additional credits soon to expire can be sold if a suitable buyer is found. In an on-going effort to obtain return value for expiring credits the City was added to HGSD’s available groundwater credit “for sale” list in 2021. To date, the City has not been approached by a prospective buyer but will remain on the “for sale" list indefinitely, until opportunity presents itself.
Attachments:
1. Data Sheet
2. Proposed Resolution
3. Exhibit A- Interlocal Agreement
4. Groundwater Credit Spreadsheet
5. Water Detective Kit Description
FUNDING
{X} Funds in the amount of $11,324 will be available in the Water Production - Professional Services Account #10207300-53050, pending approval of FY23 budget.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor #1 - Develop and Maintain Infrastructure by promoting sustainability value through Water Conservation Outreach Program.