Montgomery County Municipal Utility District 89, 88 and Spring Creek Utility District Signs Agreement with San Jacinto River Authority – Groundwater Reduction Plan (SJRA-GRP) for New Surface Water Pipeline Connection

Montgomery County Municipal Utility District 89, 88 and Spring Creek Utility District (MCMUD 89, 88 and SCUD) are pleased to enter into a landmark agreement with the San Jacinto River Authority – Groundwater Reduction Plan (SJRA-GRP) to build a 1.4-mile pipeline delivering surface water to our joint facilities serving approximately 4,057 equivalent single-family connections (ESFCs). This critical infrastructure project aims to provide residents with an additional potable water source.

The MCMUD 89, 88, and SCUD shared a mutual commitment to securing an alternative potable water source to help alleviate demand on the District’s Evangeline Aquifer water wells, and this project marks a significant step forward in those efforts. By investing in this surface water pipeline project, we will reduce dependence on groundwater.

The surface water pipeline will connect SJRA-GRP’s surface water treatment plant, which distributes water within Montgomery County, ensuring a consistent, high-quality water supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users.

“This agreement underscores the importance of local collaboration and proactive infrastructure planning to secure water resources for future generations,” said MCMUD89 Paul Cote, President. “We are excited to partner with SJRA – GRP to deliver surface water to our communities.”

“With the recent 2023 drought still in mind, and with the risk of future dry weather that can negatively impact our groundwater resources, this project with the SJRA will secure long-term access to quality drinking water for our residents and local businesses,” said Ryan Tsamouris, MCMUD88 President. “We must approach our groundwater usage in a conservative, sustainable manner, and this partnership will enable us to do just that.”

The district engineers with quiddity have begun the surface water pipeline’s land acquisition and design phase, with an anticipated completion of 2 to 3 years. In addition to the pipeline project, the districts previously approved the 325,000 gallons water ground storage tank to enhance water production from the Jasper Aquifer. The estimated cost of these projects is $9.3 million; the cost will be divided equally or an estimated $3.1 million for each district.

This partnership with SJRA-GRP and the additional improvements reinforces a commitment to water sustainability and represents a positive economic impact on our communities.