San Angelo council approves study to expand airport fire-suppression capacity, explore Lake Nazzworthy backup

San Angelo city leaders voted Sept. 2 to commission a study aimed at increasing fire‑suppression capacity at the San Angelo Regional Airport and to explore an emergency backup system drawing water from Lake Nazzworthy. The council approved the item 7-0 after staff described options to avoid using potable city water for hangar suppression systems.

The study will inventory existing storage, flows and distribution at the airport and assess upgrades including larger pumps, backup generation and an emergency pumping connection from Lake Nazzworthy to increase available nonpotable water for firefighting. ‘‘As we're moving into the future . . . we're limited in that capacity,’’ a staff presenter said, noting current constraints and regulatory changes around firefighting foams (PFOS/PFOA) that affect suppression planning.

City staff told the council the airport currently uses an older clear well — about 1 million gallons of nonpotable storage — and a single 1,500‑gallon‑per‑minute pump for suppression. The study will evaluate doubling or more of pumping capacity (staff estimated a target of roughly 2,000–2,500 gpm per pump), upsizing distribution pipe, backup generators and a secondary pumping system to move emergency water from Lake Nazzworthy into the airport wet well if the potable distribution system cannot meet demand. Staff also framed the study as a lower‑cost, interim alternative to building a full potable transmission main around the lake, which they said could cost on the order of $15–$20 million.

Council discussion emphasized that the approach is intended as a near‑term, fiscally prudent solution to enable development and hangar construction while the city plans longer‑term potable infrastructure. Councilmember Tommy Hebert called the plan “a good solution to allow us to develop the airport,” moved to approve the study and related contracting authority, and Councilmember Harry Thomas seconded. The motion passed 7‑0.

Staff said the consulting group selected under the authorized contract will survey current flows, evaluate where nonpotable (purple pipe) connections are used, model future demand for hangar and office suppression systems, and propose pump sizing, pipe upgrades and generation needs. The final scope and budget for construction, if any, will return to the council for approval; the study itself is intended to identify feasible interim measures that avoid drawing large volumes from potable treatment during growth.

Why it matters: Airport hangars and aviation facilities require high volumes of suppression water when subject to modern fire codes; addressing that need now removes a barrier to private investment at the airport without immediately committing the city to a costly transmission main. The study also responds to environmental and regulatory changes in firefighting agents and to city goals to minimize potable water use for nonpotable purposes.

City staff indicated the study team will return with recommendations and cost estimates before any construction contract is executed. Councilmembers asked staff to prioritize minimizing business disruption and to report estimated costs and timelines when the consultant's work is complete.