We understand that this project has raised a number of questions and concerns. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions we’ve received from residents, community members, and stakeholders. We are committed to being transparent and providing clear, factual information about the history, process, and future of this project.
This reservoir planning effort has been underway for many years, with multiple public meetings and discussions held throughout the process. We are making a good-faith effort to involve the community and welcome your continued questions. If you have questions you would like to see answered, submit them here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Project Purpose & Need
Process, Planning & Transparency
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Yes, originally, the cities of Grand Saline, Edgewood, and Wills Point each passed resolutions in support of this project. While it will certainly benefit Canton, this initiative goes beyond just our community. With a resource like this, there’s potential for surplus water to be shared with neighboring water districts—a neighborly and collaborative step for the region.
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We understand that it may feel like this project has only recently come to light, but in reality, discussions and planning have been ongoing for many years. All meetings related to this project have been open to the public. However, because this is a long-term initiative—spanning decades—it hasn’t always been front and center in public discourse. Now that progress is reaching a new stage, we’re renewing our commitment to sharing information more broadly and transparently.
Our Monthly Council Meeting Notices are posted here.
Previous public meetings regarding this project are located in the documents page.
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This timeline includes the full process from early feasibility to final permitting, land acquisition, funding, and potential construction. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) informed the City of Canton that surface water projects of this scale typically take several decades to complete. The timeline reflects state-level permitting requirements, federal environmental reviews, engineering studies, and acquisition only as land becomes available — not an accelerated construction project.
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Absolutely. The City will publish any completed engineering, feasibility, or permitting studies on this website as they are cleared for public release. Additional documents will be added as the process continues.
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A preliminary map is available now. Keep in mind, early maps may show more land than will ultimately be needed as planners evaluate options.
More maps of the area are available within the Fatal Flaw Report, located here.
Cost & Funding
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We are still in the planning and permitting phase of this project. According to calculations made in the 2019 Fatal Flaw Report, the cost of this project is estimated at around $47.6 Million. Costs would likely come from a combination of state, federal, and local sources — not Canton taxpayers alone. Bonds or funding plans would require public input and City Council approval.
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Most reservoir projects are financed through revenue bonds tied to water utility payments, not property tax increases. If bonds are needed, details will be shared publicly before any decisions are made.
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Yes. Multiple options were studied — including expanding existing lakes, drilling more wells, and purchasing water from other cities. Each was evaluated under a “fatal flaw” process. The reservoir is one of several long-term solutions being explored.
The Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer is a valuable resource, but it cannot be over relied upon, especially as more private wells are drilled in the region.
More information on the “fatal flaw” process can be found in this letter to citizens.
The Full Fatal Flaw Report can be found here.
The Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer is a valuable resource, but it cannot be over relied upon, especially as more wells are drilled in the region.
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No. The primary purpose of the project is long-term water supply. While recreational and tourism benefits sometimes come with reservoirs, they are secondary to securing a reliable water source, which is the only goal of this project.
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No! The fatal flaw report discusses this project as serving the regional needs of the community (Other economic benefits of the proposed project). Additionally the 2020 Region D water plan references that this project could “replace the groundwater strategies for other Van Zandt County public water supplies with projected deficits (5-107).
Location, Land Use & Eminent Domain
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There are no known private homes or structures within the footprint of the proposed reservoir Grand Saline Creek Reservoir Study, Johnson and Pace Inc., 2017, pg 5). The City would only acquire the land necessary for the lake itself, as well as a modest easement around the shoreline to accommodate normal fluctuations in water levels when the lake backs up.
In nearly every case, individuals would be able to keep their homes and much of their property. The intent is not to take land beyond what is absolutely essential for water storage and public infrastructure.
Eminent domain is not the City’s objective. It is a legal tool that would only be considered as a last resort—and only if voluntary negotiations with property owners are unsuccessful. In such cases, state law requires the City to make a bona fide offer and provide just compensation for the property acquired and any damages to the remaining land (Texas Property Code, Title 4, Chapter 21).
The City is committed to treating all landowners with respect and fairness throughout the process. Compensation would be based on independent, third-party appraisals, and all property rights would be honored. Eminent domain would only be pursued if clearly justified by the City’s water needs and only under the direction of the City Council in office at that time.
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The preliminary area under review is along Saline Creek, northeast of Canton. A detailed map is available here. Boundaries of the lake are not specific at this time.
Here is a topography map of the area in question.More maps of the proposed area can be found in the Fatal Flaw Report.
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Absolutely not. Property values are set by the independent Van Zandt County Appraisal District, not the City of Canton. The Chief Appraiser confirmed the reservoir study did not influence any valuations, and some properties in the proposed area have even increased in value.
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The primary purpose of the project is water supply, not private development. Any development spurred from this project would be a byproduct, not the goal.
Construction & Infrastructure Impacts
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No construction is currently scheduled or approved. If a reservoir is eventually permitted, construction would likely be managed by contractors selected through a public bid process. At that point, road use and environmental protection would be part of the construction planning. There are no current haul routes, buyers for dirt, or contracts related to construction.
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A specialized contractor would be selected through a competitive bidding process.
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Exact quantities aren’t finalized yet, but large reservoir projects typically involve millions of cubic yards of soil. The city would coordinate with the county to address any road damage.
The Fatal Flaw Report has a study on roads affected by the construction of the reservoir. (Page 90)
Water Supply & Regional Impact
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Texas Administrative Code (31 Tex. Admin. Code § 357.34) outlines that RWPGs must assess a wide range of strategies, and conservation and demand management measures are to be prioritized and considered for every identified water supply need. Only after these alternatives have been evaluated and documented as insufficient to fully meet projected demands may large infrastructure projects like major new reservoirs be pursued and included as recommended solutions in the State Water Plan.
As outlined in the Region D water plan, the City will continue to pursue additional ground water resources as a short term approach to water supply. Additionally, the city in the process of funding a reuse plan, but the plan also approved as an alternative strategy, the development of the Grand Saline Reservoir. This reservoir, accompanied by the management of ground water resources, reuse, and the Mill Creek Reservoir, provide the community with the best long-term water resource strategy
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Right now, many communities rely heavily on wells that draw water from the same aquifer. Over time, too much pumping can lower water levels, making shallow wells unreliable. We have already seen this become a problem. A reservoir provides an alternative surface water source, which means fewer wells need to pump from the aquifer. As outlined in Report 169 of the Texas Water Development Board Ground Water Resources of Rains and Van Zandt Counties Texas, by D.E. White, USGS, April 1973, “the corrizo yields small to moderate quantities of fresh water to wells in Van Zandt County”, less dependence on groundwater wells, will reduce dependance on an already fragile aquifer
So, instead of harming the aquifer, the reservoir could help preserve it by lowering demand.
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No, this project is very different. The City of Canton’s reservoir initiative is designed to protect and secure a long-term water supply for our community. It does not involve draining the aquifer for private profit. In fact, one of the main goals is to lessen the strain on the aquifer, helping preserve smaller residential and agricultural wells. Unlike private companies that may prioritize profit over local needs, this project is a public effort to be a good steward of our water resources, ensuring they remain available for the people of Canton and the surrounding area both now and for future generations.
Environmental & Safety Concerns
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Yes. Environmental impacts studies were conducted as part of the Fatal Flaw Report.
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No. Engineers have reviewed the location relative to the salt dome. The dam of the reservoir would be located more than 2 miles from the edge of the salt dome. Its construction and retention would not increase the risk of collapse.
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Absolutely not. There is no connection between the reservoir and lithium or brine mining. Any indication that this project is connected to lithium mining is categorically false and misleading. The sole purpose of the project is long-term water supply.