Rockwall, Texas – The cities of Heath and Rockwall have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which is a big step forward in solving the water supply problems for the increasing Heath population. Heath will get an extra 500,000 gallons of water per day immediately, going from 6 million gallons per day (MGD) to 6.5 MGD.
This new threshold will be tested through August 31 to ensure its long-term sustainability. If it works, 6.5 MGD will be the new daily maximum for the city. The MOU also says that Heath’s water supply will be increased to 7 MGD by July 2026, but only if the first increase is successful.
City officials say that this arrangement is a turning point that gives them short-term respite and the ability to plan for the long run. The MOU also sets the stage for more water to be available in the future, which might mean that Heath’s contracted supply could reach 9 MGD by 2032.
The agreement came after both cities agreed to drop any legal problems they were having, including as lawsuits and appeals about the North Texas Municipal Water District and a disagreement over Heath’s tree policy. Both cities have chosen a more cooperative and future-focused manner to manage resources by not going to court.
The City of Heath will put in a restrictor valve that Rockwall will operate as part of the contract. This will assist make sure the city stays within its agreed-upon water limits. The valve should be installed in the next few months.
“We are thrilled to move beyond the lawsuits involving our neighbor and water supplier and increase the amount of water available to the citizens we serve,” said Mayor Jeremiah McClure.
McClure credited improved communication and cooperation between both cities for making the agreement possible. “We look forward to being strong partners in serving our community today, and in the future,” he added.
Even though people will have more access to water every day, it will still be important to preserve it. Heath will keep following its Water Resource and Emergency Management Plan, which includes Stage 1 watering restrictions: a plan for irrigation systems that runs all year long and happens twice a week.
City Manager Steven Alexander stressed the importance of continued conservation efforts, noting that the increased supply eases pressure but does not eliminate the need for responsible usage.
“Resolving the supply issue will take time, and as such, conservation will remain an important initiative in Heath, as it is throughout Texas and much of the country,” Alexander said. “We thank citizens for being a part of this effort.”
In the next month, the final conditions of a long-term water contract are likely to be worked up and agreed upon. This will be the next step in a collaboration that both cities believe will benefit their people for many years to come.
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