By N. BRADFORD
Reporter News Staff
Drainage remains a priority in Pearland, where more than $18.2 million in projects are expected to be completed before the end of the year.
These include Cowart’s Creek Detention Pump Station Generator and drainage improvements in the West Lea and Willowcrest subdivisions, city staff said during a June 26 update.
Pearland now has approximately 322 miles of enclosed stormwater pipes, 145 miles of open ditch drainage, and 326 detention areas, according to Assistant Public Works Director Eric Hammond.
“If we were to connect all underground storm sewers end to end, it would span from City Hall to just inside the Oklahoma border,” he said.
The city recently purchased a CCTV truck to inspect all drainage every 10 years for obstructions, plus equipment used to clear drainage pipes.
“It’s work we can’t see,” Mayor Kevin Cole said. “We’re in the midst of storm season. This work is critical.”
Back in March of 2022, city crews noticed water pooling around a storage tank behind City Hall. A closer look revealed roots obstructing the storm sewer.
“That root remains in our offices and serves as a reminder of what can happen when we defer maintenance or just work on a reactionary-based approach,” Hammond said.
One issue found to be clogging drainage is litter from streets, he said, in addition to silt buildup.
Debuting soon will be a dashboard showing areas where drainage crews are working. Residents can still submit drainage-related requests to engineering and public works.
