Grant approval for construction of a new water treatment facility at Center’s Pinkston Reservoir has been received from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).

In making the announcement, City Manager Chad Nehring said, “Preparing for the future of Center’s water needs by replacing the 1969 Pinkston treatment plant is a key part of meeting the needs of the community and industry,”

“Having ample water available and the ability to adequately treat that supply to meet not only state and federal quality standards but also the expectations of our citizens and businesses is critical for Center’s future,” added Mayor David Chadwick.

“The new facility will be more efficient,” said Nehring. “One not only for the needs of community residents, but also as the primary driver of Center’s industrial water needs, Tyson Industries, that currently uses about half of the city’s treated water output.”

Total cost of the new treatment plant is estimated at $6 million. The city has bonds to cover the cost, according to Nehring, but has been awaiting this week’s approval of the $2.5M EDA grant application to subsidize the project. Other options for additional or alternative funding to supplement local funds required are being reviewed, said Nehring.

Construction costs and compliance with revisions to the Texas State Water Quality Standards, also known as the “Clean Water Act,” were key elements in a five-point program designed to meet Center’s growing water needs. “Turning on the faucet for free-flowing, fresh, clean drinking water seems simple enough on the surface,” said Nehring. “But a look behind the faucet reveals what’s really required to ensure a consistent, safe water supply for homes and businesses.

“In addition to dedicated employees and licensed technicians, prudent planning is essential for efficient and dependable water treatment facilities,” added the city manager.

Center relies on two surface water reservoirs, each with its own treatment facility. Lake Center, located off Highway 96 South, also known as Mill Creek, and Pinkston Reservoir off Highway 7 West near the Aiken community. While some cities the size of Center utilize wells to supplement their surface water supplies, Center has only two reservoirs that provide 100 percent of the city’s water supply, which currently stands at about 4 million gallons per day.

The oldest, Lake Center, dates to approximately 1924, marking the city’s initial efforts to supply treated public water. The Lake Center treatment facility was updated in 2001.

The Pinkston Reservoir treatment facility, built about 1969 and expanded in the early 1980s, is now in its 57th year of service, in need of repairs and updates, and, according to the city, has been deemed at the end of its feasible life.

According to Nehring, the city began looking at updated water needs 10 years ago. Wastewater treatment systems were addressed in 2018-2019, along with updates to the treatment plant and the replacement of numerous lines throughout the city. These intermediate actions revealed the impending need for a new freshwater treatment plant at the Pinkston reservoir. Considerations in the 2022 water master plan for future, continued effective water system operations include:

A. Construct plant improvement programs for water production efficiency and maximum use of available raw water rights.

B. Expand available water through a re-use (reclamation) program providing industrial water from treated effluent.

C. Prioritize water lines for replacement to improve service reliability.

D. Determine areas where water lines should be replaced or enlarged for fire protection.

E. Expand customer base by extending services, negotiating sales agreements, or acquiring systems.

“Details regarding construction start dates are expected soon,” said Nehring, adding, “Smooth transition from the old plant to the new will take place with no disruption in water service.”