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Ennis approves application for TWDB funding to inventory water service lines
Summary
The commission approved applying for Texas Water Development Board funds (just over $3 million) to inventory water service lines and identify potential lead components; staff warned the initial inventory is intensive, may require physical inspections, and some initial procurement costs may not be reimbursable.
The Ennis City Commission approved submission of an application to the Texas Water Development Board for funding to complete a water service‑line inventory required by EPA guidance.
Staff said the application requests slightly more than $3,000,000 for phase one of an inventory to identify lead service lines or components requiring replacement. The presenter explained the inventory will rely on internal records and, where records are incomplete, physical inspection methods such as hydro excavation to determine pipe materials. Staff cautioned that the program’s procurement rules could render some fast‑track or sole‑source work ineligible for reimbursement, meaning the city might need to pay some costs up front to meet the program’s timelines; an initial submittal target noted in the presentation is Oct. 16, 2024.
Commissioner Jones moved to approve the application; Commissioner Watson seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: identifying lead service lines is a federal and state priority for public‑health protection, and the grant will fund the initial, intensive survey work necessary to plan future replacements or remediation.
Next steps: staff will submit the application, begin record reviews, and prepare for interim procurement and potential out‑of‑pocket costs to meet the TWDB timeline.
