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Weatherford details multi-phase water treatment expansion and seeks state grants for PFAS and capacity work
Summary
Utility staff described a multi-phase expansion to boost Weatherford's water-treatment capacity, reported GAC contactors removed over 97% of taste-and-odor compounds, and said the city has applied for House Bill 500 and an emerging contaminant grant totaling potential awards up to $51 million.
Utility staff presented a multi-stage plan to expand Weatherford’s water-treatment capacity and improve drinking-water aesthetics and regulatory resilience.
The plant’s current rated capacity is 14 million gallons per day (MGD). Staff explained the expansion in phases: phase 1 (completed GAC contactors) focused on taste and odor remediation and also provides partial PFAS treatment; phases 2–4 add filter capacity, raw-water pump station and clear wells intended to raise plant capability toward a long-term maximum near 22 MGD. Utility staff said that phase 2 includes Trident filter units and an additional 10 MGD of filter capacity and that the filters are expected to be operational by late July. “We’re removing over 97% of the taste and odor film compounds, in the drinking water,” utility staff said when describing the GAC benefit.
Funding and grants Staff said the city is pursuing two large external funding opportunities: an application under House Bill 500 (initially capped lower but updated to make Weatherford eligible for up to $21 million at 100% grant funding for water infrastructure) and a separate $30 million application tied specifically to GAC contactors and the emerging-contaminant program focused on PFAS. Staff submitted the $30M application on March 27 and expect notice of award in the fall; the HB500 application is due July 30 and the city believes its raw-water pump-station design timeline dovetails with the grant schedule.
Budget and schedule estimates Phase 1 (GAC contactors) was reported to have been about a $9 million construction project. Staff presented a current $120 million estimate for phases 2–4 and suggested a full build-out (including GAC #7 and #8) could bring the tab toward $125 million before grant offsets. Staff said that $51 million in potential grant funding could cover a significant portion if awarded.
Why it matters Council members pressed staff on timing, grant likelihood and communications to residents who repeatedly ask about water availability. Staff said the city’s early deployment of GAC gives it a regulatory and operational head start on anticipated PFAS standards and reduces nonrevenue water by decreasing required system flushing.
Next steps Staff will finish design packages and pursue the HB500 application and the state emerging-contaminant grant. They will return to the utility board and council for award and contract approvals as procurement documents are complete.
