East Water Purification Plant Improvements Package 3
Project Overview
Council District: E
Project Number: S-000056-080D
Estimated Budget: $3,514,819
Start: Summer 2024
Completion: Summer 2025
Project Impact Area 
Community Feedback
Have questions or feedback about this project? Email us at engage@houstontx.gov or call 311.
Project Overview
Council District: E
Project Number: S-000056-080D
Estimated Budget: $3,514,819
Start: Summer 2024
Completion: Summer 2025
Project Impact Area
Community Feedback
Have questions or feedback about this project? Email us at engage@houstontx.gov or call 311.
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Latest News
Share Latest News on Facebook Share Latest News on Twitter Share Latest News on Linkedin Email Latest News linkExciting news – the project is now complete! As we wrap things up, please be aware that traffic control measures may remain in place, and a few final restoration touches are still underway. We truly appreciate your patience and cooperation during this last phase!
Exciting news – the project is now complete! As we wrap things up, please be aware that traffic control measures may remain in place, and a few final restoration touches are still underway. We truly appreciate your patience and cooperation during this last phase!
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Latest News
Share Latest News on Facebook Share Latest News on Twitter Share Latest News on Linkedin Email Latest News linkThe project is progressing smoothly and is approaching completion. Contractors are focusing on final restoration work, and the project remains on schedule for completion in Summer 2025.
The project is progressing smoothly and is approaching completion. Contractors are focusing on final restoration work, and the project remains on schedule for completion in Summer 2025.
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Project Timeline
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Design
East Water Purification Plant Improvements Package 3 has finished this stage -
Construction
East Water Purification Plant Improvements Package 3 has finished this stage -
Complete
East Water Purification Plant Improvements Package 3 is currently at this stage
Why This Project Matters
The East Water Purification Plant Improvements Package 3 is a critical infrastructure project for Houston, representing one part of the city's broader effort to modernize its primary water treatment facility. Serving approximately 75% of Houston's population, or about 1.9 million residents, the plant's reliability is essential to the city's water supply and public health. Package 3 is now complete as of Summer 2025.
1. Aging Infrastructure at Risk of Failure
Constructed in the 1950s and 1980s, the East Water Purification Plant has components that are well beyond their intended service life. Recent assessments indicate that 31% to 43% of the plant's components are projected to fail within the next one to two years. Package 3 targeted specific improvements to address these risks and support continued safe operations.
2. Essential for Public Health and Economic Stability
The plant supplies water to key areas, including Downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, and the Houston Ship Channel. Maintaining and upgrading the facility in targeted phases, like Package 3, helps protect not only residents but also critical industries and healthcare facilities that depend on a reliable water supply.
3. Preventing Future Emergencies
In 2022, a power outage at the plant led to a citywide boil water notice for 2.2 million residents, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the current system. Improvement projects like Package 3 are part of the city's ongoing work to reduce those vulnerabilities and ensure a more resilient water supply.
4. Part of a Larger Strategic Investment
Package 3 is one component of a proposed $4.2 billion investment to overhaul the East Water Purification Plant over the coming years. Funding sources include $966 million from the Texas Water Development Board, $45 million from the city, $2 billion through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, and $1 billion in revenue bonds. This phased approach allows the city to make targeted, immediate improvements while the long-term program advances.
5. Minimizing Disruptions During Construction
Work on Package 3 was designed to allow continued plant operations throughout construction, minimizing disruptions to the water supply. This approach reduces the risks associated with maintaining an aging facility while larger-scale improvements are planned and underway.
In summary, the East Water Purification Plant Improvements Package 3 is a completed step in Houston's long-term commitment to ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of its water infrastructure, safeguarding public health and supporting the city's continued growth.