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Water utilities brief council on plan to reduce dead‑end mains and automatic flushing costs
Summary
Texarkana Water Utilities said the city has 419 dead‑end water mains, flushed more than 125 million gallons in 2023 at a cost estimated around $200,000; the utility proposes a looping policy and partial assistance to development that delivers public benefit, including installing $25,000 automatic flush valves where appropriate.
Texarkana Water Utilities (TWU) officials briefed the city council on Nov. 12 about a proposed policy that would require looping of water mains and prescribe standards for dead‑end mains.
TWU Executive Director Gary Smith said the city currently has 419 dead ends and that the state requires at least monthly flushing of those lines. Smith said "in 2023, we flushed over a 125,000,000 gallons of water," which he estimated cost about $200,000. To reduce labor and water loss, the utility has begun installing automatic flush valves that measure residual chlorine and flush as needed; Smith said those valves cost about $25,000 each and that the city has eliminated 61 dead ends to date.
Smith told council the proposed policy would include a partial assistance program for developments that provide a public benefit to help incentivize looping during new construction. He said the policy was developed after reviewing how other cities manage dead ends and is intended to conserve water and reduce maintenance costs.
Council did not take action at the briefing; staff presented the item as a first briefing and indicated it will return for public hearing and possible adoption at a later meeting.
