Overview
Join Us in Our Stand and Protect Our Community
The Grand Saline Creek Coalition is fighting the City of Canton’s April 22, 2025, water rights application to claim Grand Saline Creek, flood over 5,600 acres of fertile farmland, and build a reservoir using eminent domain. This destructive proposal threatens to displace homeowners, disrupt critical infrastructure, and devastate a tree-lined wetland basin teeming with wildlife. Sustainable, less invasive alternatives like the Mill Creek Reservoir—recommended in Canton’s own 2008 study—can meet water needs without sacrificing our community’s heritage and environment.
Why We Oppose Canton’s Proposal
Canton’s plan to seize water rights and flood over 5,600 acres of East Texas farmland is based on outdated studies from 2008 and 2017. The rushed application and flawed 2017 study contain errors, omits affected homeowners, and ignores modern infrastructure (pipelines, electric lines and substation, fiber optic cables) within the flood zone.
Key concerns include:
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Massive Community Disruption: The reservoir affects over 143 homeowners and their properties, destroying livelihoods and Van Zandt County's rural character and community.
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Environmental Devastation: Flooding 5,600+ acres would decimate a biodiverse riparian basin, endanger wildlife and disrupt ecosystems.
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Infrastructure Damage: The project risks costly disruptions to roads, transmission lines, and utilities, unlike the less invasive solutions, including the recommended Mill Creek alternative proposed in 2008.
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Questionable Use of Eminent Domain: Canton’s claim of “needing water” overlooks sustainable options within their city limits, raising concerns about transparency and fairness.
A Call to Protect Grand Saline Creek & Van Zandt County
The Grand Saline Creek Coalition demands updated studies, transparent decision-making, and exploration of renewable alternatives that preserve our farmland, homes, and wildlife. Join us to stop this unnecessary reservoir and protect our community’s future.
Join our Mission to halt Canton’s plan and demand sustainable water solutions.