CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
The last five to six years have been a period of major
rehabilitation of both the water and wastewater systems.
Here you will
see the spreadsheet of projects that have been completed
and those that are in the design phase, to maintain Westlake's
level of service.
These systems have deteriorated through the 28 years of
operation. The City of Houston has no plans, for at least the
next 30 years, to annex Westlake into the City; therefore,
West Lake must plan for and rehabilitate its aging system.
In 2000, the District's old well began to pull sand into the
pump causing the pump to fail. After correction attempts
failed, the decision was made to drill well number 2, going
deeper to the Evangeline Aquifer. Tests and data made this the
right decision to not only get clearer, less hard water, but
also to provide a supply of water that would last for many
years. This project was completed and went online in September
2001.
At the same time, the District's underground wastewater pipes
were also deteriorated and immediate action was necessary.
Though the District's response time to repair any stoppages or
sinkholes in residents' yards was usually same day service, it
was apparent that more of these incidents would occur if the
wastewater system was not rehabilitated as soon as possible.
The first step taken was to televise and smoke test the
wastewater system to pinpoint the problem areas and divide
these areas into three phases, the work to be done, and the
order of importance. Phase one, which encompassed the major
points of deterioration, was completed in May 2005. The
wastewater collection system rehabilitation consists of
approximately 7,000 feet of 8", 2,614 feet of 10", 2,439 feet
of 12" sewer pipes, 171 service connection reconnects and 40
point repairs to complete the project.
A cost analysis and engineering report is being performed
right now to determine the funding necessary to complete this
project and to build a new wastewater treatment plant. This
effort should be complete by the fall of this year and
hopefully work can begin in the spring 2006.
Certain components at the water treatment plant have aged as
well. Having installed a new Ground Storage Tank in February
2004, the West Ground Storage Tank and the hydropneumatic
tanks are scheduled to be replaced by spring 2006. Also, the
electrical panel is out of date and compliance and a new panel
is being manufactured for installation this fall.
Attached is a spreadsheet reflecting the updates in progress.
The intent is to keep our District up to date and to continue
to provide the same high standard of service.
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