San Antonio City Council in US approves 142-mile water pipeline project

San Antonio City Council has approved a contract with Vista Ridge Consortium for construction of a 142-mile pipeline, which will transport water from Burleson County to the city in Texas, US.

Through this pipeline, San Antonio Water System (SAWS) will bring 16.3 billion gallons of new non-Edwards Aquifer water per year over the next 30 years.

Abengoa and BlueWater Systems have formed the Vista Ridge Consortium, which has been allocated 30 months to arrange funds for the construction of the project.

After that, the consortium is expected to complete the project within 42 months.

SAWS chairman Berto Guerra said: "With this agreement we are moving from a city perceived to lack water supplies to a city that will ensure economic prosperity for our children and grandchildren.

"We will be able to do this while fulfilling our commitment to protect the Edwards Aquifer, even in times of drought."

SAWS president and CEO Robert R. Puente said: "SAWS is meeting its commitment to provide sustainable, affordable water services for San Antonio.

"City Council has demonstrated its confidence in SAWS and this contract.

"We look forward to the promise of 2020 and the water that will arrive here."

Once operational, the project can ensure sufficient water supply for the city even during drought, since its access to the Edwards Aquifer is reduced to 44% during severe drought.

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Image: The 142-mile pipeline will transport water from Burleson County to San Antonio by 2020. Photo: courtesy of San Antonio Water System.