by Nicole Bradford
Pearland’s new surface water plant, along with a new project to improve water quality, are both expected to be online in 2024.
The Bailey Road Water Plant is undergoing rehabilitation that includes the construction of five aerators designed to filter iron and manganese, which occur naturally in groundwater.
Amounts of either element found in Pearland water don’t cause health effects, city staff says, but they stain clothes, discolor plumbing fixtures, and sometimes add a rusty taste and look to the water.
During an update on the city’s water facilities this month, Pearland Water staff reported the filtration project has an expected completion date in the first quarter of 2024.
After much delay of supplies and materials, the surface water treatment plant, which will add another 10 million gallons of water per day to the city’s capacity, is expected to be online in March 2024.
Since the plant is funded through the Texas Water Development Board, 95 percent of the iron and steel used in the project must come from the U.S., plant manager Shaun Gilmore said.
“This is one restriction that has caused a setback that still has effects today,” he said. “Waivers from the EPA have been granted to temporarily utilize foreign made check valves.”
The valves and other fittings are still on order — a year after the plant’s expected completion date.
“The last of the six generators for the plant scheduled to be installed in May of 2022 is now scheduled for delivery this week,” Gilmore told city leaders Monday. “Electrical switch gear was also delayed eight months during construction.”
