Design/Build/Operate Services for the
Northeast Water Purification Plant

PBS&J provided owner’s representative services for the design, construction, and operation of the Houston Area Water Corporation 40-mgd northeast water purification plant located on the west shore of Lake Houston in Harris County, Texas. This project is unique, in that it is the first of its kind in the Houston area to be constructed using the design/build/operate method of delivery. The plant uses a conventional treatment process of coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. It has the potential for expansion to 80 mgd, and the plant site can accommodate a facility with a capacity of approximately 360 mgd. PBS&J also provided oversight services for another engineering firm providing similar services for an accompanying large diameter transmission line.

The three phases of the project consisted of development, construction, and start-up and testing. During the development phase, PBS&J reviewed all design related materials, obtained the Corps of Engineers 404 permit, and performed a route study for the electrical transmission lines. Quality assurance services during the construction phase included review of design and construction submittals and schedules, site inspections, construction administration activities, and equipment testing and certification witnessing. Services provided during the start-up and testing phase included the review of the operations, emergency response, health and safety plans, and the operations and maintenance manuals. A unique feature of the treatment facility was the ultraviolet light (UV) disinfection system consisting of medium pressure UV reactors, and PBS&J was responsible for review of the proposed validation protocol, and witnessing the execution of testing.