Houston reaches key milestone in 72-inch water line infrastructure upgrade

Houston Public Works has reached a significant milestone in its secondary Southwest Pump Station refill line, marking a critical step in modernizing the city's water infrastructure with a $120 million investment that strengthens water delivery and system resiliency for key areas. Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN), a leading planning, engineering, and program management firm, served as the technical advisor and successfully oversaw the completion of three out of four major construction contracts that will complete the refill line. 

As part of the project, a new 72-inch water line replaces an aging 66-inch transmission line constructed in the 1980s. This upgrade increases capacity to meet growing demand while ensuring critical redundancy for the Southwest Pump Station. The pump station serves not only city residents but also key institutions such as hospitals and research facilities in the Texas Medical Center, Uptown business districts and residents in Southwest Houston. 

The project was initiated after a 2009 condition assessment of the existing prestressed concrete cylinder pipe identified internal distress, prompting the need for a more resilient solution. The completed 72-inch refill line is divided into four segments beginning east of Downtown Houston and continuing west and south to the Southwest Pump Station.

This milestone represents a $120 million investment in Houston’s water system, strengthening water delivery and system resiliency for key areas. The project also included roadway enhancements, traffic signalization, drainage improvements, and relocation of several small-diameter public and private utilities, including water and wastewater lines. Additional collateral improvements to the pipeline include streetscape enhancements, decorative poles, upgraded sidewalks, narrower crosswalks, and modernized traffic signals in management districts.

“This milestone reflects the commitment of Houston Public Works and its partners' dedication to strengthening infrastructure for long-term reliability. Completing this complex interconnection enhances system redundancy and safeguards critical water delivery. It’s been a privilege to help deliver a project that directly benefits Houston’s residents, institutions and future growth,” said Manny De Pau, PE, LAN’s senior project manager.

With a population of 2.3 million, Houston serves as a major regional water supplier, covering 1,550 square miles across three counties and providing water services to approximately 4.3 million people. The successful completion of this milestone marks the conclusion of LAN’s scope of work on the project, further reinforcing Houston’s position as a leader in water infrastructure resiliency, redundancy and reliability.

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