A recent inspection of ground storage tanks located at the Houghton Water plant revealed the need to recoat these tanks inside and out. This activity is planned to take place during the fall of 2009 when summer demand levels have passed. The resurfacing and coating of ground storage tanks is something that is generally done to each tank every five to seven years depending on the life of the coating. The State of Texas routinely inspects each of the major pieces of equipment in the district and oversees this activity to ensure compliance with water code standards.
The networks of alleys that interconnect the front sections of the district are in need of major repairs in several places. A plan is under way in cooperation with the Nottingham Country Community Improvement Association (NCCIA) to replace and repair major sections of the alleys. Sections that do not drain storm water properly will be repaired first and considered a top priority under the current project plan.
A complete rehabilitation of the elevated storage tank has recently been completed. This project included blasting 100% of the old coating from the tower inside and out. New rafters were installed and several tests of the structure's integrity were completed while it was out of service. These tests indicated that the tower is in near perfect condition, providing many future years of service. At least two of the district's ground storage tanks will require similar inspections this fall. These ground storage tanks are expected to require a minimum amount of repair.
The district completed the installation of a new backup generator at its Dominion well in the summer of 2008 prior to Hurricane Ike. With the installation of this generator each of Mason Creekâs water plants now have backup electrical power for emergency events.
Several sections of the district's underground sanitary sewer lines were televised to identify suspected problems with the pipeline systems. The replacement of several hundred feet of pipe in a main trunk line was found to have multiple sections that required complete replacement. These repairs and replacements are currently under way. The district goes to great lengths to make sure yards and green areas disturbed due to this type of construction are quickly put back to their original shape and appearance.
The district continues to promote water conservation and is working closely with regional authorities in establishing literature and programs to encourage the best use of our most precious natural resource, water. The district continues to maintain good relations with its neighboring water districts making sure that interconnections are in place to provide or take emergency water when and if needed.