Pearland outlines $100M‑plus water and wastewater CIP; surface water plant reduces well pumping, city weighs redundancy cost

City staff presented a detailed update of Pearland’s water and wastewater capital improvement program during a special council meeting on Dec. 8, outlining completed work, major projects in design and construction, and budgetary implications for rates in coming years.

The presentation said the five‑year water program totals about $109 million and the wastewater program roughly $105 million; staff warned that timing of planned debt issuance (expected May 2026) and reserve requirements will influence rate increases projected between 2% and 16.7% across FY26–30.

“The surface water treatment plant has accounted for 62% of all water consumption West of Cullen,” said Sean Gilmore, surface water treatment plant manager, adding the plant has reduced well pumpage in that area by 68% and cut purchased water by 23% while supplying an average of about 5,000,000 gallons per day and peaking at roughly 8,000,000 gpd. Staff said adding a fourth membrane rack would provide routine redundancy and allow…