The Midland City Council is set to approve payment for emergency repairs carried out on the Utilities Department's raw water pump No. 2 earlier this month.
Utilities Director Carl Craigo, in a memo to Purchasing Manager Erika Martinez, highlighted the significance of the pump, stating, "This pump plays a critical role in our adherence to the 'take or pay' contract within our water supply system, which mandates a minimum daily supply of 17 million gallons per day (mgd). The failure of this pump reduces our capacity to 10-12 mgd, significantly below our contractual obligations and operational needs." This was according to the Midland City Council agenda for its April 23 meeting.
Evans Enterprises was reportedly summoned to execute these emergency repairs on raw water pump No. 2. The necessary funding is available within the Water and Sewer fund operating budget, as per the same council agenda.
Craigo further emphasized in his memo that without this pump, the city's ability to meet increasing water demands through its water plant could be compromised. He said, "The challenge will only be heightened this year as the Colorado River Municipal District plans projects this year that will restrict the city's access to supplemental water from the O.H. Ivey Lake," adding that it would place additional stress on the city's water supply.
In case of failure to conduct these emergency repairs, according to the Midland City Council agenda for its April 23 meeting, there could have been an increased reliance on groundwater sources such as T-Bar. This could potentially lead to non-compliance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality standards if permissible pumping limits were exceeded.