In a recent government meeting, officials addressed critical issues surrounding Houston's water and wastewater systems, particularly in light of ongoing challenges exacerbated by power outages. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for backup generators at wastewater treatment facilities, as many lift stations currently lack sufficient power.

City officials revealed that out of 378 lift stations, 178 are without power, and 12 of the city's 38 wastewater treatment plants are operating on partial power, with seven completely offline. This situation has led to significant sanitary sewer overflows, with incidents exceeding 100,000 gallons reported. The city's infrastructure, which includes over 6,000 miles of sanitary sewer lines, relies heavily on a complex network of lift stations to transport waste.

The meeting also touched on the implications of an EPA consent decree, which mandates extensive improvements to the city's wastewater system over the next decade. Officials emphasized the importance of addressing these infrastructure challenges to prevent further operational disruptions.

On a more positive note, the city's drinking water supply remains safe and secure, operating within regulatory standards. However, officials acknowledged that backup power issues persist at some repump stations, and efforts are underway to restore full functionality as quickly as possible.

The discussions underscored the need for immediate action to enhance the resilience of Houston's water and wastewater systems, particularly in the face of natural disasters and power supply challenges.