In a recent government meeting, officials expressed growing concerns over the city's water supply and management strategies. The discussions highlighted the current water usage rates, which are significantly below the average, raising alarms about potential shortages and increasing costs in the future.

City officials noted that the average water usage is around 650 to 660 acre-feet, but current figures are alarmingly low. The urgency of the situation was underscored by a proposal to secure an additional 100 acre-feet of water, which some council members believe is a critical opportunity that may not arise again. The city manager indicated that there are other potential buyers for this water, prompting questions about the timeline for making a decision.

The council is also considering an increase in impact fees related to water usage, proposing a rise to $11,500 per acre-foot. This proposal will be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission before being brought back to the council for further discussion.

During the meeting, officials discussed the implications of the city's current water management stages, which dictate usage limits based on drought conditions. Currently, the city is operating under a stage 4 drought, which allows for only a fraction of the available water to be used. The complexities of water loss due to leaks and necessary maintenance were also addressed, with officials noting that a significant percentage of water is not sold due to these factors.

The council plans to continue discussions on these pressing water issues at their next meeting on September 17, where they will evaluate the potential acquisition of additional water resources and the proposed fee increases. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the city's water management strategy moving forward.