Photo: Moment RF
According to city officials, the major East Water Purification Plant, which serves around 75 percent of the city, needs to be completely replaced. That project could take years and cost over four billion dollars.
Mayor John Whitmire spoke to KTRH about the issue, and he said this is another example of neglected critical infrastructure. He said, "It’s barely running with tape and baling wire, and no one’s talked about it. I’m going to be very transparent; we’ve got to replace that."
Whitmire went on to point out that if the plant does see a major failure, it could be catastrophic for not just the city but the entire Greater Houston Area. He said, "Pasadena, Bellaire, West U, they buy Houston water. Also, it furnishes water to the refineries, so it’s a homeland security issue."
He went on to say that while there isn’t any imminent crisis, we can’t afford to wait any longer to start dealing with these infrastructure problems. He also noted the massive price tag on these issues and said he’s looking for ways to fund the necessary work without raising taxes or water bills.
He said the city has gone to Austin in order to secure the necessary funds to keep the plant and other necessary infrastructure running in the short term, and he’s also spoken with federal officials like Senator Ted Cruz about securing funds from Washington.
