In the latter half of February, winter storm Uri wreaked havoc on many homes and businesses throughout the Greater Houston Area. Several systems that supply water in and around the area were impacted by sustained sub-freezing temperatures, resulting in loss of water pressure for thousands of local residents. In light of the anticipated historic storm, and for the benefit of District residents, maintaining a continuous water supply to Willow Point MUD was a priority.
Thankfully, the District’s Operator Si Environmental had a plan, and worked diligently to uphold the level of service that Willow Point MUD residents have come to expect and depend on. Si Environmental was happy to answer some questions about their actions before and during the storm.
Below are questions and answered by the District Operator Representative regarding the event:
Q: What preventative actions were taken prior to the storm?
A: We winterized all of our district facilities (ensure heaters are in the hydro tanks and chlorine rooms, wrap exposed piping, remove water from eye wash station, crack the drain valves on the High-Pressure Tanks and Ground Storage Tanks as well as the hose bib on the well header, drain and insulate sensing lines for pressure and GST level), perform preventative maintenance on generators and top off diesel tanks.
Q: Where there any issues at the time of the freeze event (Sun/Mon)?
A: Nothing that was extremely detrimental to the operation of the system. We replaced the 6” check valve at Well #2 as it was cracked and leaking. We turned one of the blowers off at the wastewater treatment plant as the facility lost power and the generator could not hold full load of the plant with both blowers running. The district and engineer are aware of this issue and a fix is currently in design.
Q: What actions were taken during the storm?
A: We monitored power outages in the area, responded to alarm call outs, checked district facilities, performed diesel fuel top offs, assisted with identifying leaks and terminating water service to homes that had pipe issues. We also communicated heavily with board members to ensure there was an understanding of what was going on with the WSD systems during the course of the event.
Q: Did you have a tech stationed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant? The Water Plant?
A: We did not. All of our field personnel were on call during the event to ensure proper coverage of each district facility. We dispatched personnel to the district as needed.
Q: Are there permanent generators at the facilities? Are they Diesel or Natural Gas?
A: There are permanent generators at Water Plant #1 and the Wastewater Treatment Plant. They are both diesel generators.
Q: Was the customer service office impacted?
A: We received a vast number of calls from all of our districts. There may have been longer hold times due to the call volume. That being said, our customer care staff answered all calls as promptly as they could and dispatched field employees as necessary. They also provided verbal assistance to those customers who were experiencing hardships due to leaks/breaks in their lines.
Q: How did you avoid having to issue a BWN? Did you lose water pressure?
A: The Willow Point water system never experienced pressure below 35psi during the ice event. Though we regularly maintain a pressure in the system of around 60 psi the slight drop was most certainly attributed to increased usage in the district because most residents were home. Because we were able to maintain pressure in the system due to an actively working Water Plant when on CenterPoint power and generator power, we were not required to issue a boil water notice in the district.
Q: Did you have techs working in the District to aid in resident water shut-offs, where needed?
A: Operators were dispatched to the area as soon as they were able to drive on the roads safely. If residents called in requesting assistance and we were not able to assist them over the phone, we sent a technician in to the field. Short answer: yes
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