History

First Water Plant

The City of Azle purchased and combined several small water and well systems in the ‘60s and formed the Azle Water Department. A contract was signed with the Tarrant County Water Utilities District #1 for the purchase of water from Eagle Mountain Lake. The water plant at that time was located on the corner of Lakeview and S. Broadway. The water plant had two buildings containing the pumps and water treatment equipment. A 60' easement was obtained by the City for the power lines, the untreated water pumps and transmission pipe and ran from the water intake pumps on the shore of the lake to the water treatment plant.

New Water Plant

In 1972, a new water plant containing two Neptune Microfloc package filter systems, the associated pumps, piping and a building were constructed on the same property, west of the old plant. The original plant buildings were converted to warehouse and storage facilities. A 0.5 MG elevated storage tank was built on the corner of what is now Commerce St. and Hwy 730N.

1980's Drought

During the drought of 1980, the lake level fell leaving the raw water intake pipes exposed. A floating pump platform was constructed, towed out and anchored to the bottom of the lake with steel cable. The raw water line was extended and connected to the pumps on the platform.

1981's Flood

When the lake flooded in the fall of 1981, the floating platform was submerged. The motors and electrical equipment were damaged. The extreme fluctuations in the water levels of Eagle Mountain Lake necessitated a different approach to getting water from the lake. In 1982, a new raw water intake structure was built 1500 feet from the shore. This structure was erected in 34 feet of water and assured the city an ample supply of water, even in a drought situation. The platform is high enough to prevent it being flooded and is designed to withstand large waves and high winds. The platform is lighted to prevent being struck by boats at night.

Population Growth

Due to population growth and increased demand for water, a plant expansion was completed in 1982. This consisted of adding a third package filter system and extending the plant building. It was also determined at this time that the elevated tank was in need of repair. The elevated tank was taken out of service in 1983, cleaned, repaired and painted. An intruder proof fence was erected around the tank to keep unauthorized people out of the tank area.

1990's New Water Treatment Plant

Additional land was purchased and a conventional water treatment plant was constructed in 1990. This new plant consisted of a concrete and block building with attached filters, a backwash tank, a circular flocculator, transfer lift station and concrete sludge holding ponds. This new plant was also designed for future expansion. The raw water platform was enlarged and another pump was added. The main power panel and associated controls were placed on an elevated structure on the lake shore. All electrical equipment was now above the 100 year flood line. The existing utility easement was deeded to the city. Due to the deterioration of the package plant and changes in the regulations on water treatment, the package plant was dismantled and sold for scrap. The building was converted to an equipment storage barn. In 1998, additional land was purchased for future expansion.

By 2000, population growth and water usage had reached a point where the peak demands placed on the water plant could no longer be met.

Expansion of Water Plant

Construction was started in October 2003, to expand the water plant. Additional filters and a new flocculator allowed the plant to treat 6 million gallons of water daily. A new 1 million gallon ground storage tank and a new 1 million gallon elevated storage tank were also constructed. This more than doubled the water storage capabilities of the city. Several new pumps were added to facilitate the movement of water through the system. Chemical storage was consolidated into one area of the plant and safety containment was constructed. A state of the art chlorine scrubber was built that allowed any chlorine leak to be neutralized. The newly constructed part of the plant was tested and placed into operation in February 2005.