Project Overview
MH Civil Constructors executed the North Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Improvements Project No. 3 and the South WTP Uprating Improvements for the City of Lubbock. This dual-facility modernization program, totaling $15.72 million, represents a significant investment in the region’s water security. The project encompassed critical upgrades to the North WTP—a regional hub serving Lubbock and six neighboring cities—and the South WTP, a membrane-based facility processing surface water from Lake Alan Henry.
The Problem
- Regional Dependency: As a primary regional asset serving multiple member cities, the North WTP required modernized infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted service for a broad population.
- Capacity Bottlenecks: Rapid local growth necessitated an “uprating” of the South WTP to increase permitted treatment capacity to approximately 19–20 MGD.
- System Modernization: Aging clarifiers, backwash waste storage basins, and pump stations required technological and structural upgrades to maintain operational efficiency.
- Operational Continuity: All improvements had to be executed within a live-facility environment, requiring precise coordination to avoid any disruption to the City’s daily water supply.
Our Solution
MH Civil managed a complex, live-facility improvement program that integrated heavy civil construction with sophisticated process mechanical work. At the North WTP, the scope focused on the backwash waste storage basin and pump station, as well as clarifier-related improvements and extensive yard piping. Simultaneously, the team implemented process upgrades at the South WTP—including additional plate settlers and membranes—specifically designed to uprate the facility’s treatment output. To ensure long-term reliability, the project integrated modernized electrical systems, high-performance slide gates, and advanced SCADA programming, providing the City with a fully modernized control interface across both plants.
The Results
The project was successfully completed with a final contract value of $15,719,127, effectively achieving the City’s goal of raising the South WTP capacity to 20 MGD. This modernization effort has secured the 75 MGD output of the North WTP, providing long-term reliability for both Lubbock and its regional partners. By delivering these high-consequence upgrades on time and through disciplined change-order management, MH Civil has strengthened the infrastructure that supports the City’s future growth and its commitment to providing high-quality water from Lake Alan Henry.
