Public Works' Week in Review for October 31, 2024

The Public Works Department is made up of various sub-departments including Fleet, Line Repair, Streets/Stormwater and Traffic, Wastewater, and Water. Each week, over 100 employees are responsible for the maintenance, monitoring, and improvement of existing and new infrastructure across League City which includes everything from roadways and traffic lights to storm drains, sewers, and water production.

Below are some tips and projects they are working on:

Drinking Water Regulatory Compliance Sampling

The Importance of Bacteriological Testing in League City: To help ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is paramount. One of the critical methods we use to monitor water quality is bacteriological testing, specifically for total coliforms and E. coli. But why are these tests so essential?

Understanding the Risks: Total coliforms are a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment, including in soil, vegetation, and feces of warm-blooded animals. While most coliforms are harmless, their presence in water indicates possible contamination by pathogens that can cause serious health issues. E. coli, a specific type of coliform, is particularly concerning because some strains can lead to severe gastrointestinal illness.

Ensuring Public Health: By routinely sampling water for total coliforms and E. coli, we can quickly identify potential contamination. This proactive approach helps to safeguard public health, preventing outbreaks of waterborne diseases that can lead to hospitalization or even fatalities. When a test shows elevated levels of these bacteria, we can take immediate action-such as issuing boil water advisories or initiating remediation efforts-to protect residents.

Regulatory Compliance: We are also required to comply with federal and state regulations regarding water quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets strict guidelines for drinking water standards, which include acceptable levels of coliform bacteria. Regular testing helps municipalities adhere to these regulations and avoid potential legal and financial repercussions. In League City we must take a mandatory 100 routine samples monthly to stay in compliance.

Community Trust: Transparent communication about water quality is crucial for building trust within our community. By conducting regular bacteriological tests and sharing the results with the public, our water production department can reassure residents that their drinking water is safe.

Conclusion: In conclusion, bacteriological testing for total coliforms and E. coli is an essential and necessary practice for water supply management. It not only protects public health but also ensures compliance with regulations and fosters community trust. As our city continues to grow, the importance of maintaining clean and safe drinking water through vigilant monitoring cannot be overstated.

Odor Management Wet Well Testing

Fan testing was recently conducted at the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant to support the upcoming plant expansion, which includes the addition of an odor control system. This testing provides valuable data on the system's capacity to create a vacuum in the sewer system and helps determine the appropriate fan and system size for effective odor management. Such tests are a critical step in the design and implementation of new processes and equipment, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency in the expanded facility.

Oil Leak Repair

Unit 657 came to our shop with a loss of power. Upon diagnosing the problem, the mechanics determined that the unit had an oil leak. Repairs are being made.

Pruning Trees, It's Time Now!

The time is now! The best time to prune trees in our area is between Halloween (10/31) and St. Patrick's Day (3/17)-when the weather is cooler-and trees are less stressed while trying to recover from pruning. However, less is more when pruning trees; you can always prune more off, but you can't glue it back on. And large limbs and/or tops of trees WON'T re-grow once they are removed.

Here are some general guidelines on pruning:

• Remove any dead limbs, limbs with fungal decay/conks/mushrooms, limbs that are damaged or cracked
• Remove any limbs that are crossed or rubbing
• Remove downward growth from lateral limbs to achieve an 8-ft. canopy clearance (which is common to allow room for mowing the lawn); please note that the City's ordinance requires 15-ft. of vertical clearance over the roadway (to allow for emergency vehicle access)

Also, it's important to have a Certified Arborist prune your tree to make sure it's done correctly. Check out the following website for more information on pruning: https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/pruningyourtrees

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