During a recent meeting of the Houston Service Delivery Committee, officials discussed critical upgrades needed for the city’s water treatment facilities, particularly focusing on the East Water Purification Plant (EWPP). The plant, which consists of three facilities, is facing significant challenges due to aging infrastructure and capacity limitations.

The EWPP, located off Federal Road in the Galena Park area, includes two plants built in the 1950s and a third constructed in the 1980s. Currently, the combined rated capacity of these plants is 362 million gallons per day (MGD). However, on average, they can only produce about 239 MGD, creating a substantial gap that necessitates reliance on groundwater sources. This reliance raises concerns about subsidence issues in the area.

In light of these challenges, the committee highlighted the urgent need for improvements. A study conducted by AECOM in 2021 indicated that most assets at the plant are nearing the end of their useful life, prompting discussions about potential upgrades or the construction of a new facility. Former Houston Water Director Greg Ehrlich previously engaged with council members and state legislators to advocate for these necessary changes.

Three alternatives were considered for addressing the plant's issues. The first option involved upgrading and expanding the existing Plant 3 with current processes. The second option proposed enhancements with new treatment technologies. The third and recommended option is to build a new plant in the monofil area, which would allow for modern processes while minimizing disruption to existing operations.

The committee's recommendation to pursue the third alternative aims to expedite the project timeline and improve water treatment reliability. This new facility would incorporate advanced treatment processes, enhancing the overall efficiency and extending the useful life of the entire water treatment complex.

As Houston continues to grow, these upgrades are essential for ensuring a reliable water supply for residents, addressing both current deficiencies and future demands. The committee's discussions underscore the importance of proactive measures in maintaining the city's infrastructure and safeguarding public health.