A Conroe city official is pushing to formally request more water from the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) as water issues persist. However, a $24 million dispute over unpaid fees continues to restrict the city’s access to its full water allocation.
A Conroe elected official is calling on the city council to back a formal request for increased surface water from the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) to tackle the ongoing water supply challenges facing the city.
Conroe is currently utilizing 3.8 million gallons of surface water per day, which is significantly less than its permitted daily allocation of 6.4 million gallons. SJRA General Manager Aubrey Spear has confirmed that the agency provided an additional 1.5 million gallons last year. However, the authority remains “hesitant” to release further water until a long-standing payment dispute with the city is resolved.
Since 2016, the city of Conroe has amassed more than $24 million in groundwater reduction fees from its residents and businesses. The town is still remitting payments to SJRA at the 2016 rate, with the funds currently held in escrow. The costs are associated with a Groundwater Reduction Plan (GRP) required by the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District.
Ongoing efforts are being made to resolve the issue. In February, the council approved for staff to enter negotiations aimed at settling. Spear and Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska reported that discussions have been fruitful.
“SJRA has consistently engaged with us in these discussions,” Mikeska stated.
In response to ongoing water concerns, city officials have decided to suspend development activities. The moratorium on new residential and commercial construction on the north side has seen two extensions to date. On Friday, a proposed citywide building freeze was turned down following the announcement that state officials had obtained $15 million in infrastructure assistance from the Texas Water Development Board.
The ongoing legal dispute regarding water rates originates from the SJRA's rate increase implemented in 2016. Conroe's decision to withhold payment has resulted in an ongoing lawsuit, which remains unsettled following a 2020 district court ruling that favored the city and is currently under appeal.
With rising temperatures and ongoing growth, the pressure mounts for Conroe and the San Jacinto River Authority to finalize a sustainable agreement.
