In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed a proposed ordinance to authorize a budget adjustment for the purchase of 100 acre-feet of water rights, a critical step to support future development in Leon Valley. The city currently owns 1,758 acre-feet of water rights but requires an additional 300 acre-feet to accommodate the expected growth from 583 new homes projected by 2029-2030.

The council highlighted the urgency of securing these water rights, especially in light of ongoing drought conditions that have affected water availability. The proposed purchase price is set at $12,000 per acre-foot, totaling approximately $1.2 million, which has raised concerns among council members regarding the steep cost compared to historical prices that have hovered around $3,000 per acre-foot.

Council members debated the merits of purchasing versus leasing water rights, with some advocating for ownership to ensure long-term water security, while others expressed concerns about the high upfront costs. The city has previously struggled to find available water for lease, leading to fears of potential shortages if development proceeds without adequate water supply.

The discussion also touched on the financial implications of the purchase, noting that impact fees collected from developers could offset some of the costs. The council emphasized the importance of acting swiftly to secure the water rights before prices potentially rise further, as indicated by legal experts who predict costs could reach $15,000 per acre-foot in the near future.

As the council continues to weigh the decision, the urgency of addressing water supply needs amid ongoing drought conditions remains a top priority for the city’s future development plans.