Water Wise Update 07/07/23

WATER PUMP REPAIR UPDATE: 07.07.23

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The contractor informed the City today that parts required to repair the City’s 300-HP pump that failed at Pump Station No. 1 on June 23 should be received by Monday, July 10, and Tuesday, July 11. If shipments are received on time, the repair and return to service of the 300-HP pump could occur by the end of next week.

BACKUP EQUIPMENT PROCURED

In addition to repairing the existing pump, the City is in the process of procuring an additional 300-HP pump to replace the 200-HP pump at Pump Station No. 1 to provide additional pumping capacity. The 200-HP pump and motor will be refurbished to serve as a backup. Water pumps typically remain in service for up to 30 years; the pump that failed on June 23 was 18 years old.

STAGE 2 WATER RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN EFFECT

Water conservation was expected to be critical during the hot, dry summer months of 2023, with the necessity of water restrictions for City of Heath customers expected at some point. However, the initiation of Stage 2 water restrictions was accelerated by the failure of the 300-HP water pump in the north tower.

This failure reduced the City’s ability to pump water to approximately 4.5 million gallons per day instead of the 6 million gallons per day as allowed by the provider, the City of Rockwall. At the time of the pump failure, water demand citywide was already approaching the 4 million gallon per day mark.

Stage 2 water restrictions will remain in effect until further notice to ensure completion of the repairs and monitor demand trends. See the usage chart to follow Heath’s demand trends. You will also find tips for avoiding over watering your own lawn.

Restrictions are mandatory and violations are subject to fines, we are grateful to a community that has responded to this emergency by adhering to the restrictions to ensure a safe and secure water supply for all.

Please monitor the City’s website, Facebook and Twitter for updates. Notices of any significant changes will also be sent via the City’s utility billing notification system.