CWA has been a regional leader in supplying surface water to municipalities and industry for over 50 years. Currently the region is constructing over $5 Billion in new water infrastructure including a water treatment plant expansion, new pump stations, transmission and distributions lines. Surface water for this infrastructure will be delivered by CWA pumps stations, pipelines, and canals. To ensure safe uninterrupted supply of surface water, CWA will need to continue implementing its proven operation and maintenance processes, upgrade/replace older assets, and train/develop the personnel who will be responsible for operating CWA infrastructure.

CWA Vision

Coastal Water Authority will safely, efficiently, and reliably deliver up to 1.5 Billion Gallons per Day of surface water to the City of Houston and its industrial customers.

  • As its highest priority, CWA is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for our employees, contractors, and visitors.
  • CWA will work closely with the Board of Directors, City of Houston, Industrial Customers, and other agencies to achieve this vision.
  • Pump Stations, Pipelines, Canals, Reservoirs, and Dams will be operated and maintained safely and to the highest standards by the most experienced and dedicated personnel.
  • Capital Improvement Projects will be planned, funded, and implemented to provide full system redundancy and reliability.

CWA Guiding Principles:

  • Deliver excellent service to our customers
  • Maintain proficient and responsive staff throughout the organization
  • Seek continuous improvements and modernization toward world-class performance and safety
  • Treat all employees, customers, and vendors with dignity and respect
  • Be truthful, trustworthy, and transparent at all times

Major Strategies and Tactics to Accomplish Vision

CWA will work closely with the Board of Directors and City of Houston to achieve the Vision.

Strategy – Board Member and COH HPW Engagement

Tactic 1 – Workshops and System Tours for Board Members

Tactic 2 – Monthly Meetings with COH HPW

Tactic 3 – Publish Quarterly Reports by System

Pump Stations, Pipelines, and Canals will be operated and maintained safely, efficiently, and effectively by the most experienced and dedicated personnel.

Strategy – Asset Management Program

Tactic 1 – Fully implement and maintain the CWA’s Asset Management Program

Tactic 2 – Utilize Asset Management Program output to program funds for O&M tasks and CIP projects

Strategy – Operational Data Analytics and System Optimization

Tactic 1 – Installation of meters and sensors on all pumps to measure flow, pressures, vibrations, run times, and power usage. Collect and report data daily to monitor Pump Health, Cost of Pumping, and Pump Efficiency. Use data to establish optimum pump combinations/speeds to maximize efficiency.

Tactic 2 – Track/record chemical usage (Chlorine and Ammonia), PPM requirements from COH HPW, and Actual Analyzer results (CWA and COH HPW). Optimize chlorine and ammonia dosages to reduce consumption/costs.

Strategy – Personnel Training – Pump Operations, Safety, Electrical, and SCADA Programming

Tactic 1 – Maintain and regularly update facility specific operations and maintenance training modules

Tactic 2 – Sustain new hire training and required annual refresher training

Strategy – Program Operations Funds for Annual Pipeline Inspections

Tactic 1 – Utilize the Asset Management Program output to program annual operating funds for required pipeline inspections

Tactic 2 – Complete pipeline inspections on the basis of 1 interior inspection every 10 years

Capital Improvement Projects will be planned and implemented to provide redundancy and reliability.

Strategy – Access Outside Funding Sources (Grants and Loans)

Tactic 1 – Prepare Outside Funding Options Study

    • Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA)
    • American Rescue Plan
    • Inflation Reductions Act (IRA)
    • TWDB – SWIFT and State Revolving Funds
    • EPA WIFIA Financing

Tactic 2 – Complete Applications

Tactic 3 – Build and Leverage Political Assistance/Support

Strategy – B-System – Pump Expansion

Tactic 1 – Include costs for project in 2023 Budget

Tactic 2 – Complete P201/206 Pump Procurement Documents in in 1st Quarter 2023

Tactic 3 – Complete P201/206 Construction Package in 2nd Quarter 2023

Strategy – B2 Line and 410/411 Extension Project

Tactic 1 – Develop Initial Program Plan – Schedule, Funding, and Planning Activities – As-Builts, Easements, O&G Pipeline Coordination, Facility Access, Routing Options, Procurement Plan, and Program Structure/Responsibilities

Tactic 2 – Assemble all property/easement/crossing documents

Tactic 3 – Notification to businesses and pipeline owners that future waterline project is in planning stage

Strategy – Capers Ridge Pump Station (CRPS) Expansion

Tactic 1 – Obtain approval from COH HPW to complete CRPS Expansion by 2025

Tactic 2 – Complete expansion design/engineering and pumps/motors purchase in 2023

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