Title
Discuss and consider action to approve a resolution consenting to, continuing, and renewing the Mayor's Disaster Declaration issued on March 4, 2026, imminent public water supply failure.
Summary
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Mayor issued a disaster declaration after the City entered Stage 3 emergency water restrictions due to historically low water levels at Lake Pflugerville, the City’s primary water source. The declaration authorized the City Council to seek State assistance and take necessary actions to respond to the water shortage.
A broken pipeline supplying water to the lake caused water levels to decline, with projections showing continued drops into early 2026. Engineers warned that by mid April, lake levels could fall below the City’s water intake structure, potentially limiting the City’s ability to supply adequate drinking water and maintain critical services such as sanitation and firefighting. Due to this significant risk to public health and safety, the Mayor declared a local disaster.
The declaration enabled the City to request emergency assistance, funding, and technical support from the State of Texas. Under Texas law, the Mayor is authorized to declare a local disaster when an imminent threat to the community exists. Under Stage 3 restrictions, water use is limited to indoor purposes only. Customers are prohibited from irrigating lawns, filling previously empty swimming pools, washing vehicles at homes, operating ornamental fountains unless they recirculate water or contain fish, installing new landscaping that requires irrigation, and washing sidewalks or driveways.
Restrictions will be lifted once lake levels stabilize and critical repairs are completed. City staff will continue to provide updates and encourage the community to conserve water and work together to restore the water supply to sustainable levels.
Prior City Council Action
March 10, 2026 City Council continued and renewed the Mayor's Disaster Declaration
Deadline for City Council Action
April 28, 2026
Funding Expected: Revenue __ Expenditure __ N/A _X_
Budgeted Item: Yes __ No __ N/A _X_
Budget Source: _N/A___________
Budgeted Amount: _N/A___________
Amount: _N/A_______
1295 Form Required? Yes __ No __
Legal Review Required: N/A __ Required _X_ Date Completed: 4/17/2026
Supporting documents attached:
Disaster Declaration Resolution
Recommended Action
Approve the resolution continuing and renewing the Mayor's Disaster Declaration.