Wastewater Infrastructure

Project Description

The ARPA Wastewater Infrastructure project aims to increase access to functional sewer systems, particularly in vulnerable communities where minimizing environmental and public health impacts of septic system failure is critical. Insufficient access to reliable sewage infrastructure compromises general health and contributes to the spreading of contagious diseases, and decentralized systems in low-income areas have higher rates of failure, leading to polluted and compromised water sources.

The Harris County Engineering Department is investing $37.6 million in ARPA funding to provide public wastewater infrastructure to Westfield Estates, a high-density, low-income neighborhood consisting of older homes. Homes in this subdivision currently rely on outdated septic systems for wastewater services, which have a 46% septic failure rate and can discharge raw sewage into yards, then into the roadside open ditches, and into Halls Bayou, which is an impaired waterway.

ARPA funds are being used for a feasibility study, program management services, property acquisition, construction of a sanitary sewer system and wastewater treatment facility, materials testing, and Harris County Engineering Department labor. Constructing a public sanitary sewer system and abandoning septic tanks will help minimize bacterial contamination in the subdivision and waterways. Access to wastewater services also has the potential to increase development within the area. When completed, the new system will deliver safer, more reliable wastewater services to over 700 homes.

PRIMARY PARTNERSHIPS

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Professional engineering services have been selected for in-depth feasibility assessments and design of water and wastewater projects. Current obligations include Harris County engineering staffing and an award to Cobb Fendley, who is designing the wastewater infrastructure system.  Prior to this, 5engineering LLC, conducted a feasibility study providing a professional assessment of water & wastewater projects.

TARGET IMPACT

  • 735 Connections
  • 8” Sanitary Sewer Line = 27,160 LF
  • 10” Sanitary Sewer Line = 1,230 LF
  • 12” Sanitary Sewer Line = 445 LF
  • Sanitary Manholes = 114

6” Force Main = 3,800

USE OF EVIDENCE & PROGRAM EVALUATIONS

According to a study on the Economic Benefits of Investing in Water Infrastructure, commissioned by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Value of Water Campaign, reliable water service is an enabling force for economic growth and prosperity. On the other hand, unreliable water service and deteriorating infrastructure can put communities and the economy at risk. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the need to act and invest across all levels of government and failing to act now could lead to prolonged economic and public health vulnerability.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), septic systems sited in densities exceeding the treatment capacity of regional soils and systems that are poorly designed, installed, operated, or maintained can cause problems. These can involve the contamination of surface and ground water, excessive nitrogen discharges to sensitive coastal water, and phosphorous pollution of inland surface water.