Surface Water Treatment Plant Upgrades

The City of Port Arthur’s Surface Water Treatment Plant Upgrades represent a monumental step in advancing water treatment capacity and infrastructure. With a joint investment between the City and private industrial partners, the project aimed to expand the existing 20-million gallons per day water treatment plant to 40-million gallons per day, meeting the escalating water demands of industrial clients and providing essential capacity for future expansion. The upgrade addressed critical challenges, including the plant’s inability to meet future water demands, leading to low water pressure issues in multiple areas of the city. The comprehensive upgrade included the installation of 5,000 linear feet of piping and 14,000 feet of shoring, along with a 3.8 million gallon clearwell, six new high-service pumps, and a new treatment train comprising a rapid mix basin, clarifier, chlorine dioxide contact, filters, and sludge thickener.

Additionally, a 2500 KW primary plant backup generator was installed to ensure continuous operations and reliability. Despite challenges such as a lack of valves for system isolation and obsolete yard piping, the project’s successful completion highlights the crucial partnership between industry and the city to address water supply challenges. The Surface Water Treatment Plant Upgrades not only enhance water treatment capacity but also demonstrate the city’s commitment to sustainable water management and infrastructure development, setting a benchmark for future projects in the region.