Concerns over water supply and generator issues dominated the Port Arthur City Council meeting on January 28, 2025. The council discussed significant challenges related to the city's pump station, which is crucial for providing water to residents. A malfunctioning standby generator led to the need for a rented generator during repairs, raising alarms about the reliability of the water supply.

City officials revealed that the generator problems were compounded by issues with Entergy, the local utility provider. The council learned that a fuel tank for the generator had been contaminated with water, necessitating extensive repairs and filtration to restore functionality. "If you lose this pump station, there's no water to be passed," one official emphasized, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The discussion also touched on the need for an automatic transfer switch for the standby generator, which has been manually operated since November 2021. This switch is essential for ensuring a seamless transition to backup power during outages. Council members expressed frustration over the delays in addressing these critical infrastructure needs.

Additionally, the council reviewed a series of past-due invoices related to the generator project, which had been ongoing since March 2024. Questions arose about the frequency of these invoices and the reasons behind the delays in payment. Officials assured the council that the current payment would cover all outstanding invoices and close the project.

As the meeting concluded, the council underscored the importance of resolving these generator issues promptly to ensure the reliability of the city's water supply and prevent future emergencies.