Water staff tell council Weatherford has supplies but will need phased treatment expansions and lead‑line inventory

Water utilities staff told the council that Weatherford’s water supply portfolio—Lake Weatherford, two reuse projects under construction/approval and tiered contracts with the Tarrant Regional Water District—should meet demand in a normal year through 2040, provided planned treatment capacity is expanded. “Weatherford has sufficient water supplies available,” the presenter said while showing supply and projection charts.

Staff outlined a four‑phase treatment expansion to provide margin and regulatory compliance: phase 2 filter expansion (design and construction estimated at about $29,000,000); phase 3 raw water pump station upgrades and additional GAC contactor capacity (about $34,000,000); and phase 4 a new clear well and second high‑service pump station (about $28,000,000). Staff proposed funding from utility reserves, reissued debt, and likely some rate adjustments; they said a rate study is scheduled for FY24.

The presenter also summarized regulatory work: EPA guidance will require an inventory of service lines (public and customer side) with an October 2024 submission date; staff noted grant programs and that accepting federal funding may affect obligations to replace private‑side service lines. The EPA’s emerging PFAS rules could require additional treatment; staff said the GAC contactors under construction are a recommended mitigation strategy.

Council members pressed staff on timing and whether phased construction could be accelerated to separate projected demand and capacity “pinch points” around 2030 and 2040. Staff said they will examine construction delivery through CMAR (Construction Manager At Risk) and provide schedule and funding scenarios in the budget materials.