2005
Securing Water Rights
The City of Canton’s right to impound and divert water from Mill Creek was formally recognized through Certificate of Adjudication 05-4675, legally establishing the City’s claim for future water management.
2006
Regional Water Study Commences
Gary Burton Engineering, Inc. issued a public notice for a regional planning study, emphasizing that a new reservoir was a feasible, cost-effective option, showing Canton’s early commitment to long-term surface water planning.
2008
City Invests in Long-Term Planning
Canton committed nearly $100,000 for studies aimed at securing an additional surface water supply and expanding treatment capacity for future needs.
Public Study Presentation
Gary Burton Engineering unveiled a long-term water study projecting Canton’s population to reach 35,000 by 2070, recommending the Mill Creek site for a new reservoir with an estimated $54.6M cost and a 50-year service plan.
Water Reuse Application Submited
Resolution No. 2008-08 approved the application to TCEQ for authorization to reuse return flows.
2009
Commitment to a New Reservoir
Canton’s City Council passed Resolution 2009-11, publicly declaring its intent to build a new water supply reservoir.
Site Selection Decision
In a public meeting, the Council reviewed detailed comparisons of Mill Creek vs. Saline Creek sites and voted for Saline Creek, emphasizing the need to secure water rights in the Region D plan.
City of Edgewood Makes Resolution Supporting Saline Creek Reservoir
Formally passed a resolution in support of Canton's effort to pursue a new reservoir, endorsing the inclusion of the reservoir in the regional water plan.
City of Wills Point Makes Resolution Supporting Saline Creek Reservoir
Adopted a resolution supporting Canton’s petition to the Region D Planning Group to include a new reservoir in Van Zandt County as part of the region’s long-term water strategy
2010
City of Grand Saline Makes Resolution Supporting Saline Creek Reservoir
Adopted a resolution endorsing Canton's plan, recognizing that participating in a regional water supply project could reduce reliance on increasingly expensive groundwater or distant water purchases.
Regional Water Plan Inclusion
Region D formally included Canton’s proposed reservoir and reuse strategy in the regional water plan.
Siltation Study for Existing Lake
The City approved a siltation study for Lake Canton, while coordinating with the Sabine River Authority.
2011
Public Statement Issued Regarding Water Rights
“Canton working to secure additional water rights within Sabine River Basin for future reservoir. Council’s vision is to secure water rights so that future long-term needs may be met as the community grows. City meetings its current and short-term water needs by drilling additional water wells. Without water rights, City’s long-term options are limited to relying on buying water from other sources at some point in the future, which may or may not be available and cost may be prohibitive.
State requires site be selected and included in State’s water development plan. City is looking at Saline Creek area, as well as alternate locations for its conceptual plan. City is not in the process of building a lake. It is in the process of securing water rights, which could take up to five years. City is not in process of buying land, nor is it in planning stages of buying land. It has not worked to secure partners in a cooperative effort or to secure financing for the project. It merely wants the rights to the water before there are none available.”
2017
Feasibility Study Presented on Saline Creek Reservoir
Joe Hart (Johnson & Pace) presented a feasibility study confirming the reservoir as the best option due to its large watershed. The study included detailed analyses such as aerial imagery and LiDAR surveys, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, reservoir firm yield analysis, and assessments of current water supply and future demand.
2018
Contract Signed to Pursue Water Rights
Contract made with CP&Y for engineering services to obtain a water rights permit.
Water Reuse Permit Secured
After years of effort, the City successfully obtained its water reuse permit, marking a key milestone in long-term water planning and expanding future supply options.
2019
Fatal Flaw Report Presented
Terry Winn of CP&Y found a new reservoir on Grand Saline Creek to be the most cost-effective option compared to groundwater or buying from other cities. The lake would hold 23,000 acre-feet, span 37 square miles, and affect 233 parcels, plus some roads, utilities, wells, and wetlands.
Estimated Costs:
The project was estimated at $47M, including $11M for utilities, $800K for roads, and $13M for construction. Funding could come from bonds or state/federal programs, and the City could provide water to neighbors.
2020
Water Reuse Permit Amendment Approved
An amendment to the City’s water reuse permit, which was submitted in 2019, has been approved. This amendment allows the City to divert reuse water and pump it into the City’s lake before releasing it to the creek, following a process similar to what has already been done at the country club.
2021
Concern Grows Over Well Production
City leaders stressed the need to keep moving forward on the reuse permit and securing long-term water rights. Concerns were raised about the existing wells, as new wells were already drawing heavily from the aquifer, causing production to decline—a trend expected to worsen. Three main options were identified: (1) drill another well, (2) implement the reuse plan, or (3) build a new reservoir.
Grand Saline Reservoir project remains an approved alternative strategy for the City of Canton in the Region D Water Plan
2025
TCEQ issues Certificate of Adjudication No. 05-4675B
This authorizes the City to return flows from Mill Creek to the Mill Creek Reservoir for industrial and municipal uses in Van Zandt County.
City of Canton City Council authorizes Mayor to sign Water Rights Permit Application
TCEQ receives the City of Canton Water Rights Permit Application