Everything is bigger in Texas, including the amount of money we saved the City in repairs and upgrades.

CLIENT SITUATION

Inframark’s relationship with the Kingwood area of the City of Houston (the fourth largest city by population in the U.S.), began in 1974 when five utility districts selected us to assist them in correcting their operational problems. It has grown from that time as facilities and systems were added up until the area was annexed by the City in 1996. (Our contract began with the City in 1997.) We are currently responsible for providing water and wastewater services to approximately 120,000 residents. The wastewater portion of the contract includes five activated sludge wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) at 11 MGD, 350 miles of collection system and 60 lift stations. We also operate 12 water treatment plants) WTPs at 38 MGD.

INFRAMARK SOLUTION

When the City annexed Kingwood, we continued our services to the customers and helped City staff transition services over to municipal operations. This included a smooth and efficient transition of meter reading, billing, collection and customer service. Additionally, we briefed City staff on a major upgrade of the treatment facilities. Because we were involved in this multi-phased project from the beginning, we were able to bring the City up to speed quickly and ensure a successful completion.

INFRAMARK RESULTS

  • Recommended changes to the proposed expansion of the Kingwood Central WWTP, which reduced the cost of construction significantly. The resulting modifications to the tank levels and improved oxygen transfer from the fine bubble diffusers eliminated additional construction of extra tanks and led to a 30% decrease in electricity usage as a result.
  • Saved the City more than $590,000 on sand filter repairs.
  • Continued to provide vital services to our customers during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 (without an interruption in service). To assist, we called upon multiple non-local resources (including a large number from our Oklahoma City project).
They do an excellent job. They don't want to go back and repeat work so they spend time doing it properly and finding the best solutions.
Anthony Edwards
Public Works and Engineering ─ Drinking Water Operations Senior Inspector