PILLAR: Sustainable
AGENDA DATE: September 23, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Water Utilities Department
PRIORITY: Infrastructure
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize a three-year Joint Funding Agreement with the United States Geological Survey to continue the operation of stream flow and water quality gauging stations in the Trinity River Basin for water supply, watershed protection, and special studies that include the Zebra Mussel Monitoring Program and Reservoir Water Quality Study for the period October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2029 - Not to exceed $2,374,050.00 - Financing: Dallas Water Utilities Fund ($2,334,575.00) and Stormwater Drainage Management Fund ($39,475.00) (subject to annual appropriations)
*In alignment with Long Range Water Supply Plan.
Body
BACKGROUND
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provides basic water quality and flow monitoring data collection services throughout the United States. It is recognized as an unbiased agency whose data is unquestionably accepted by state and federal regulatory agencies.
The current Joint Funding Agreement (JFA) with the USGS combines the Dallas Water Utilities Department and Stormwater Drainage Management JFAs into a single JFA that includes measuring water quantity and monitoring water quality in The Trinity River. The City of Fort Worth, Trinity River Authority, Dallas County Park Cities Municipal Utility District, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are also cost sharing partners in this agreement. The stream flow and water quality data are utilized in watershed protection and operations of Grapevine Lake, Lake Ray Hubbard, Lake Lewisville and Lake Ray Roberts.
This agreement also includes a Zebra Mussel Monitoring Program and a Reservoir Water Quality Study on Dallas’ water supply reservoirs.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On August 13, 2025, the City Council authorized a one-year...
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