Project Spotlight: Water Authorities
The Surface Water Supply Project
Between 1906 and 2000, excessive groundwater pumping caused up to seven feet of land subsidence in northwest Harris County, prompting the Texas Legislature to create subsidence districts that now mandate conversion to 80 percent surface water by 2035.
Infrastructure
55 miles of new pipeline and 2 new pump stations
Capacity
150 million gallons of water per day
Service Area
230 MUDs spanning 367 square miles
Population
Projected to reach 9.2 million by 2030 (Greater Houston)
Timeline
Water delivery expected to begin in 2026
The Challenge
Regulatory frameworks require conversion from underground wells to 80 percent surface water by 2035, while Greater Houston's population is projected to reach 9.2 million by 2030, requiring significant additional water supplies.
The Solution
ABHR structured a partnership between West Harris County Regional Water Authority (WHCRWA) and North Fort Bend Water Authority (NFBWA) to finance and construct the Surface Water Supply Project (SWSP), which will deliver surface water from Lake Houston through 55 miles of new pipeline to over 1 million residents.
This project ensures long-term water security and reduces environmental risks from subsidence, strengthening the foundation for sustainable regional growth.
ABHR’s Role
The firm negotiated numerous water supply agreements with the City of Houston, agreements between the water authorities for SWSP development, and contracts with wholesale customers, Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs), and cities, to ensure long-term water security and reduce environmental risks from subsidence, strengthening the foundation for sustainable regional growth.