Missouri City News
2/5/2010
Foresight and Cooperation to Bring Adequate Water to Residents in Missouri City
Water should be flowing from a new $53 million surface water treatment plant project in Missouri City by the first quarter of 2011. The City and 19 municipal utility districts in the region are working together to make it a reality. By cooperating in this venture, the state- mandated reduction in groundwater usage will mean a savings for taxpayers in the long run.
By 2013, the City must utilize 30 percent surface water and that number will increase to 60 percent by 2025.
“The City had the foresight 10 years ago to reserve surface water options from the Gulf Coast Water Authority to assure an adequate water supply for our residents. Now we are moving forward with the bid phase of the surface water treatment plant to meet our long terms needs,” said Scott Elmer, Director of Public Works. “The plant will be a membrane treatment plant with the first phase expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2011. It will provide 10 million gallons of water per day. Ultimately, the entire plant, when completed around 2030, will be able to provide 32 million gallons of water per day to residents.”
City staff and representatives of companies working with the City on the planning and design of the water treatment plant met with members of the municipal utility districts’ boards of directors at City Hall on Feb. 2 to update the joint effort.
“We currently have a $1.10 per 1,000 gallon usage fee that the MUDs are paying, and we plan to minimize indebtedness as much as possible,” Scott Hibbs, of Enprotec / Hibbs & Todd, Inc., explained during a presentation at the meeting. “Currently, we are cleaning the land, constructing the surface water impoundments and the engineered fill for the building foundations on the plant site, which should save 60 to 90 days on the general construction contract. Bids for construction will be opened on March 2, and we hope to have a recommendation to City Council and start work by late March or April.”
The City is also in the process of seeking a $250,000 matching grant from the state Water Development Fund for regional utility planning studies.
The City also informed MUD representatives about an upcoming educational campaign to remind residents of the importance of keeping storm water sewer systems free of lawn clippings and debris.