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 Also, the electrical panel is out of date and compliance and a new panel is being manufactured for installation this fall.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.