Background

The current unhealthy conditions in the colonias consist of inadequate designs and construction of septic tanks and latrines used to dispose of wastewater. Also, some areas do not provide water supply or sewerage services. Consequently, these conditions have created public health risks for the population of communities involved in the project. The Texas Natural Resource and Conservation Commission (TNRCC) and the Texas Department of Health (TDH) have indicated that the existing conditions do not comply with the minimum sanitation and health standards, as defined by TDH. Such conditions include the exposure of the public to sewage, human excreta and wastewater, the presence of surface privies and overflowing septic tanks, and other conditions that could lead to the transmission disease.

Accelerating the hook-up process to the water supply and sewerage systems, the septic tanks that work inadequately could be removed rapidly, and the related health problems previously described can be eliminated.

Description

The purpose of the project is to expedite the hook-up process for users in different colonias in the previously listed communities. This project will provide the necessary resources to hook-up these services to residents in these communities with funds from the North American Development Bank (NADB) and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Likewise, NADB will provide financial assistance to assist local promoters in identifying users and determining their eligibility to receive financial assistance to connect these services. Within the scope of the project, the potable water hook-ups will be limited to the residential meter, and wastewater to the residential discharge system. Currently, 23,155 persons live in these communities and it is estimated that in the next 20 years the population will increase to 33,583 persons.

Benefits

The project would allow the City to begin to accommodate its desired growth leading to additional tap and monthly service fees. The cost to operate the new system will be slightly less than the current system. Added residential units will provide economy of scale in future utility rate determinations.