The City of Huntsville has completed a repair to the 30” water line between the city and the Trinity River Authority (TRA) plant.

Early Wednesday morning, September 27, the City of Huntsville's water plant technician on call was alerted by the electronic monitoring system that the water levels in the ground storage tank were declining. The technician and Joe Massey, the Palm Street Senior Water Plant Operator, verified the levels were dropping, which indicated their was a possible failure in the 30" water line.  At that point, the 30" inch valve was shut off and the City began pumping from the wells and the levels began to stabilize in the ground storage tank.

As part of its preparedness strategies, the City had been exercising its wells on a regular basis, as doing so helps reduce any inconsistencies in odor or taste between TRA and well water. The City received only a very few calls or inquiries about any changes in odor or taste. At no time was the City’s water quality placed at risk. The City has consistently maintained a Superior water system since 1983.

Throughout the repair process, City staff continued to provide repair updates to the Public Works Department and evaluate the system for any changes. The City of Huntsville water wells can produce a total of 5243 gpm, which is a total firm pumping capacity of 7.55 MGD. The last five days prior to the line repair, the City averaged 7.25 MGD delivered to the City, which included TDCJ units, so was confident the wells would be able to accommodate the demand placed on them during the repair.

The 30" TRA line repair was completed at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 28. The City thanks the water system staff for their attentiveness and prompt response, and the crews who worked diligently to make the repair. For questions or further information, contact Daryl Uptmore, Public Works Director, at 936-294-5767.