In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the adoption of a comprehensive water and wastewater master plan, developed over the past 18 months to address the growing demands on the city's infrastructure. The plan, initiated in April 2023, evaluates current conditions and anticipates future system constraints, aiming to proactively manage the city's water and wastewater needs.

City Engineer Will Watchel, representing the engineering firm TRC, presented key highlights of the master plan, which includes a capital improvement strategy to guide budgeting and project implementation. The plan outlines three planning horizons: near-term (2023-2028), intermediate (2029-2033), and long-term (up to 2043). It identifies 33 water-related projects and 44 wastewater projects necessary to accommodate anticipated growth and regulatory compliance.

Among the significant findings, the plan indicates a projected population growth of 4.25%, necessitating upgrades to existing infrastructure, including the addition of elevated storage tanks and high service pumps. Notably, the city successfully obtained a variance from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) that allows for reduced pumping capacity requirements, which will delay the need for immediate infrastructure expansion.

The wastewater component of the master plan includes the decommissioning of the Larimore plant and the expansion of the FM 20 plant, which is designed to handle increased flow. The timeline for these improvements is strategically planned to ensure that new facilities are operational before existing ones are taken offline.

Overall, the master plan serves as a living document, providing a roadmap for the city's water and wastewater systems to meet current and future demands while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The city is also exploring additional water contracts to secure future supply, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning in managing essential services for residents.