City told $6 million in pump, generator and tank upgrades likely needed within next budget cycle

City engineers told the Feb. 28 work session that pumping and storage upgrades are likely required to keep pace with projected growth and to meet Texas Commission on Environmental Quality standards.

Engineering staff presented a scenario that includes a 1.5‑million‑gallon above‑ground storage tank at Pump Station 2, pump replacements to achieve firm pumping capacity at both stations, and substantial electrical and generator upgrades; combined, the items were estimated at roughly $6 million. Staff said the figure does not match the current capital budget and recommended applying $1.3 million in recently received developer contributions and reprioritizing some drainage funding to cover the first phases.

Engineers explained why the upgrades are necessary: pumps designed to fill buried tanks operate on different curves than pumps that must lift water to above‑ground tanks, and current standby generators may not handle larger pumps. Work could include new 3,000‑gallon‑per‑minute firm pumps, upgraded electrical service and larger backup generators at both sites.

Staff suggested phased approaches and said above‑ground tanks can be bolted steel so later relocation or consolidation of pump stations is possible. Council members asked whether buying land to centralize pumping capacity would be preferable to upgrades at two separate sites; staff agreed to explore feasibility and return with timelines and parcels.

What’s next: staff proposed applying available developer funds and delaying lower‑priority drainage work to fund the earliest items, while developing a longer‑term plan for centralized pump‑station consolidation and schedule alignment with growth forecasts.

Why it matters: The upgrades would increase system capacity and reliability as the city grows; costs are material for the city and were flagged so council can weigh fund reallocation and priority in the coming fiscal cycle.