On March 2, 2021, the City of Sugar Land experienced a rain event. The following morning, City crews discovered the water well for the New Territory water treatment plant had failed. It is unclear exactly what happened to the well motor, but during the storm, the main electric breaker for the site blew, and the electric well motor was damaged and inoperable. 

After an inspection of the well motor, it was determined that it had internal damage, but the external electrical and motor controls were not affected. Our motor replacement contractor pulled the motor and installed a rental motor the same day. The well was returned to service using the temporary rental motor.  The temporary rental motor was in use for over 90 days while the replacement parts were being ordered and delivered. The total cost of replacement, including temporary rental, was $61,252.00. The new motor arrived and was installed the same day. 

Funds are available in the Water Production operations budget to pay for the emergency repair. The account balance and replacement costs are summarized below:

City Policy PU-106 allows the City to execute an emergency contract to complete repairs that pose an immediate risk to health and life. The policy requires the expenditures to be ratified by council action. An FYI detailing this emergency was shared with City Council on June 16, 2021.

Staff recommends the ratification of expenditures for emergency repairs to the New Territory Groundwater Plant well in the amount of $61,252.00.