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Amarillo Ledger

Storyline · 15 events · Jul 2001 – Feb 28, 2027

Osage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)

The Osage Water Treatment Plant is the City of Amarillo's surface-water treatment plant, treating CRMWA water from Lake Meredith and the Roberts County well field; the City lists its treatment capacity as 70 million gallons per day. After filter failures in 2019 the council approved emergency filter replacements, then a $4.03 million filter rehabilitation (2020). From 2024 it approved design and construction contracts for the sedimentation (settling) basins and the chlorine system: Phase I basin relining ($2,279,000, December 2024), the chlorine system replacement ($4,950,000, April 2026) and Phase II basin repairs ($3,071,000 to MH Civil Constructors, September 22, 2026). The 2024-2026 contracts name water and sewer fund revenues as the funding source. This storyline is about the water treatment plant, not the Osage Street sewer lift stations covered under sewer collection spills.

A storyline groups dated events in order. It is a chronology, not an argument; it does not say why anything happened. All storylines

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  1. · Context

    Osage plant expansion from 40 to 70 million gallons per day reported

    A July 2001 trade-press report said about $20 million in improvements at the Osage plant would raise its treatment from 40 million to 70 million gallons per day, with the benefit expected the following summer. The City's current water production page lists the treatment plant's capacity as 70 million gallons per day.[1][2]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City's water production page states that the City of Amarillo water treatment plant has a treatment capacity of 70 million gallons per day, with 15 million gallons of ground storage and a 480-million-gallon reservoir of untreated water for peak demand periods. A 2001 trade-press report said about $20 million in improvements would raise the Osage plant from 40 to 70 million gallons per day. [2][1]

      Capacity mgd
      70
      Prior capacity mgd
      40
      Expansion cost
      $20,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      The City is one of eleven member cities of the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority (CRMWA), which supplies water from Lake Meredith and its Roberts County well field; the City lists its CRMWA allocation as 11.550 billion gallons per year. [2]

  2. · Origin

    Council approves emergency replacement of three failed filters at the Osage plant

    On April 16, 2019 the council approved, 5-0, a $396,125 change order to a Dowtech Specialty Contractors contract to replace Filter 7 and a $713,500 emergency contract with MH Civil Constructors to replace Filters 2 and 3, of the plant's eight rapid sand filters. Staff memos said the filters had failed, that the plant's permit allows one filter out of service at a time, and that the work was treated as an emergency ahead of May-September peak demand. On April 23 the council, with the mayor absent, approved on its consent agenda a $64,400 emergency KSA Engineers contract for construction management of the filter repairs.[3][4][5][6]

    Ginger NelsonJonathan GreshamMH Civil Constructors, Inc.KSA Engineers, Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      On April 16, 2019 the council approved, 5-0, Change Order No. 1 to a Dowtech Specialty Contractors contract ($396,125, raising it from $1,990,400 to $2,386,525) to replace Filter 7, and, 5-0, a $713,500 emergency contract with MH Civil Constructors to replace Filters 2 and 3. [3][4][5]

      Change order
      $396,125
      Revised contract
      $2,386,525
      Mh civil contract
      $713,500
    • ✓ Verified

      City of Amarillo Director of Utilities (staff memo): Staff memos said the plant's eight rapid sand filters are essential to maintain potable water production, the plant is permitted to have one filter out of service at a time, Filters 2, 3 and 7 had failed unexpectedly, and the City anticipated needing maximum treating capacity from May through September 2019. [3]

    • ✓ Verified

      A $64,400 emergency contract with KSA Engineers to act as construction project manager for the Filter 2 and 3 repairs was on the April 23, 2019 consent agenda, which the draft minutes record as approved with the mayor absent. [5][6]

      Amount
      $64,400
  3. · Precursor

    KSA Engineers hired to design Osage filter underdrain and media rehabilitation ($784,000)

    The council approved, 5-0, a $784,000 engineering agreement with KSA Engineers to evaluate and design new filter underdrains and media profiles at the Osage Water Treatment Plant.[7][8]

    KSA Engineers, Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      On October 15, 2019 the council approved, 5-0, a $784,000 agreement with KSA Engineers for evaluation, recommendation and design of filter underdrains and media profiles at the Osage plant, including bidding and construction administration. [7][8]

      Amount
      $784,000
  4. · Related development

    Contract to rehabilitate the Osage plant backwash water tank ($472,000)

    The council approved, 5-0, a $472,000 contract with NG Painting, LP to rehabilitate the plant's backwash water tank with a high-performance coating and modify it to meet current code.[9][10]

    • ✓ Verified

      On March 24, 2020 the council approved, 5-0, a $472,000 construction contract with NG Painting, LP to rehabilitate the Osage plant's backwash water tank with a high-performance coating and modify it to meet current code. [9][10]

      Amount
      $472,000
  5. · Starting point

    Stolz Mechanical awarded $4.03 million Osage filter rehabilitation

    On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council awarded Bid No. 6851 to Stolz Mechanical Contractors for $4,029,950 to replace filter underdrains and media with stainless-steel underdrains. The memo said two underdrain systems had failed, reducing the plant's ability to produce water at full capacity, and that the lower-profile underdrains gave the City its best opportunity to ask TCEQ for an increase in the plant's overall flow rating. A May 2021 change order for sidewalks ($71,015) brought the contract to $4,090,665.[11][12][13]

    Stolz Mechanical Contractors, LLC

    • ✓ Verified

      On August 11, 2020 the council approved, 5-0 on its consent agenda, Bid No. 6851 Osage Water Treatment Plant Filter Rehabilitation to Stolz Mechanical Contractors for $4,029,950, funded from project 523385 (WTP Filter Rehabilitation). [11][12]

      Amount
      $4,029,950
    • ✓ Verified

      City of Amarillo Director of Utilities (staff memo): The staff memo said two filter underdrain systems had failed, diminishing the ability to produce water at full capacity, and that standardizing on low-profile stainless-steel underdrains would give the City its best opportunity to ask TCEQ for an increase in the plant's overall flow rating. The documents reviewed do not show whether such a request was made or granted. [11]

    • ✓ Verified

      Change Order No. 2 to the Stolz filter rehabilitation contract added $71,015 for sidewalks for safe access; after Change Order No. 1 (a $10,300 reduction) the contract total became $4,090,665. It was on the May 11, 2021 consent agenda recorded in the draft minutes in the May 25, 2021 packet. [13]

      Original
      $4,029,950
      Change order 2
      $71,015
      Revised total
      $4,090,665
  6. · Context

    2023-2028 capital plan lists Osage plant projects

    The City's 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program lists Surface Water Treatment (Osage Water Plant) projects including the chlorine system ($1,265,758), sedimentation basin improvements ($2,500,000 in FY2024), air scour for filters ($4,350,000), CPS 15 and 16 inverter replacement ($924,000), generators ($1,600,000) and Chem II building HVAC ($400,000), all programmed amounts.[14]

    • ✓ Verified

      The 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program lists, for Surface Water Treatment (Osage Water Plant): Chlorine System (project 523440, $1,000,000 in FY2024 and $265,758 in FY2025), Sedimentation Basin Improvements ($2,500,000 in FY2024), Air Scour for Filters ($600,000 in FY2025 and $3,750,000 in FY2026), CPS 15 and 16 Inverter Replacement ($924,000 in FY2026), Osage generators ($1,600,000 in FY2028) and Chem II building HVAC ($400,000 in FY2028). These are programmed amounts, not spending. [14]

      Chlorine system
      $1,265,758
      Sedimentation basin
      $2,500,000
      Air scour
      $4,350,000
  7. · Related development

    HDR Engineering hired to design Osage chlorination improvements ($675,770)

    On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council awarded HDR Engineering a $675,770 professional services agreement for design, inspection and construction-phase services to rehabilitate the liquefied chlorine gas storage and feed system in the plant's chemical building.[15][16]

    Michael PriceHDR Engineering, Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      On April 9, 2024 the council approved, 5-0 on its consent agenda, a $675,770 professional services agreement with HDR Engineering for preliminary and final design, inspection and construction-phase services to rehabilitate the liquefied chlorine gas storage and feed system, funded from water and sewer revenues. [15][16]

      Amount
      $675,770
  8. · Related development

    KSA Engineers hired to design sedimentation basin repairs

    On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council awarded KSA Engineers $257,500 to design replacement of the foundational floor of a sedimentation basin and clarifier area, with construction estimated at $4,500,000 over two years. The memo said a similar project was done on a different basin in 2012 and cited cracking, spalling and delamination of the sub-floor.[17][18][19]

    Michael PriceKSA Engineers, Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      On August 27, 2024 the council approved, 5-0 on its consent agenda (item 8.T), a contract with KSA Engineers for design of sedimentation basin repairs; the City estimated total construction at $4,500,000 over two years. [17][18][19]

      Construction estimate
      $4,500,000
    • ⚠ Sources differ

      City records give different original amounts for KSA Engineers' sedimentation basin design contract.

      Reported value 1[17][18]

      Amount
      $257,500

      Amount on the August 27, 2024 agenda item and transmittal memo (RFQ 24-24, design phases 1 and 2, phase 1 bidding, construction administration and inspection)

      Reported value 2[20]

      Amount
      $395,000

      Original award listed for the Sedimentation Basin Phase I and II Design contract in the September 23, 2025 Change Order No. 1 item

    • ✓ Verified

      City of Amarillo Interim Director of Utilities (staff memo): The August 2024 memo said a project in 2012 replaced the foundational floor in a different sedimentation basin and that this was the next phase of foundation replacement due to cracking, spalling and delamination of the sub-floor. [18]

  9. · Related development

    MH Civil Constructors awarded Phase I basin relining ($2,279,000)

    On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council awarded MH Civil Constructors $2,279,000 to reline the east sedimentation basin, Phase I of a two-phase project procured through Bonfire RFP 200-25 RNG and funded from water and sewer fund revenues.[21][22]

    Michael PriceMH Civil Constructors, Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      On December 10, 2024 the council approved, 5-0 on its consent agenda, a $2,279,000 contract with MH Civil Constructors to reline the east sedimentation basin at the Osage plant, Phase I of a two-phase project (Bonfire RFP 200-25 RNG), from CIP project 523879 with a $2,500,000 balance. [21][22]

      Amount
      $2,279,000
      Project balance
      $2,500,000
  10. · Context

    Council work session held at the Osage plant's ozone building

    A council orientation work session met in the ozone building of the Osage Water Treatment Plant at 3701 S. Osage; the Director of Utilities presented a departmental overview and toured council members through the plant. No votes were taken.[23]

    Michael PriceLes Simpson

    • ✓ Verified

      On May 27, 2025 a council orientation work session was held in the ozone building of the Osage Water Treatment Plant at 3701 S. Osage; the Director of Utilities, Michael Price, presented the Water and Sewer Utilities overview and toured the governing body around the plant. Mayor Stanley and Councilmember Tipps were absent. [23]

  11. · Related development

    Change order adds $41,000 to the basin Phase I and II design contract

    On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council approved Change Order No. 1 to KSA Engineers' Sedimentation Basin Phase I and II Design contract, listing an original award of $395,000 and a revised total of $436,000.[20]

    Michael PriceKSA Engineers, Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      On September 23, 2025 the council approved, 5-0 on its consent agenda, Change Order No. 1 to KSA Engineers' Sedimentation Basin Phase I and II Design contract: $41,000, for a revised total of $436,000, from water and sewer fund revenues. [20]

      Change order
      $41,000
      Revised total
      $436,000
  12. · Context

    SCADA software upgrade for the Osage plant ($189,005)

    On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council approved a $189,005 purchase from Schneider Electric to upgrade the plant's supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system.[24]

    • ✓ Verified

      On February 10, 2026 the council approved, 5-0 on its consent agenda, a $189,005 purchase from Schneider Electric (Omnia Partners R220703) to upgrade the Osage plant's SCADA system. [24]

      Amount
      $189,005
  13. · Related development

    Stolz Mechanical awarded $4.95 million chlorine system replacement

    The council voted 5-0 to award Stolz Mechanical Contractors $4,950,000 (BVB 406-25 KD) to replace the plant's chlorine disinfection system, funded from water and sewer fund revenues (CIP 523440). The staff memo said the system was installed around 1996 and was becoming harder to maintain and susceptible to breakdown, and that a temporary backup disinfection system must be installed during construction.[25][26]

    Donny HooperDon TippsLes SimpsonStolz Mechanical Contractors, LLC

    • ✓ Verified

      On April 14, 2026 the council voted 5-0 (motion by Councilmember Tipps, second by Councilmember Simpson) to award Stolz Mechanical Contractors a $4,950,000 construction contract to replace the Osage plant's chlorine system, funded from water and sewer fund revenues (CIP 523440) after best value bid BVB 406-25 KD. [25][26]

      Amount
      $4,950,000
    • ✓ Verified

      City of Amarillo Director of Utilities - Operations (staff memo): The staff memo said the chlorine disinfection system was installed around 1996, was becoming more difficult to maintain and susceptible to breaking down, "which makes the system inadequate to meet safe drinking water standards issued by the State and Federal governments," and that construction must include all TCEQ-required safety and process-control parameters. [26]

  14. · Peak

    MH Civil Constructors awarded Phase II settling basin repairs ($3,071,000)

    The council voted 5-0 to award MH Civil Constructors $3,071,000 (base bid $2,951,000 plus $120,000 in alternates, BVB 415-26, West Basin) for Phase II of the Osage settling basin repairs, funded from water and sewer fund revenues (CIP PRJ-523952). The memo said the basin and several components had reached the end of their service life, that the work would extend their life by up to 20 years, and that construction was planned for November-February with a 140-day contract term.[27][28][29]

    Cole StanleyDavid PrescottLes SimpsonMH Civil Constructors, Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      On September 22, 2026 the council voted 5-0 (motion by Councilmember Prescott, second by Councilmember Simpson) to award MH Civil Constructors $3,071,000 for Osage Water Treatment Plant Settling Basin Repairs Phase II, funded from water and sewer fund revenues (CIP PRJ-523952). The minutes cited are the draft minutes in the October 13, 2026 packet. [27][29]

      Amount
      $3,071,000
    • ✓ Verified

      The award followed best value bid BVB 415-26 (Phase 02 - West Basin), in which MH Civil Constructors was identified as the low bidder with a base bid of $2,951,000 and $120,000 in approved alternates (lean concrete fill in the west and east basins, $60,000 each). CIP PRJ-523952, Sedimentation Basin Repairs, had a current balance of $3,761,020. [28]

      Base bid
      $2,951,000
      Alternates
      $120,000
      Total
      $3,071,000
      Project balance
      $3,761,020
    • ✓ Verified

      City of Amarillo Director of Utilities - Operations (staff memo): The staff memo said the existing basin and several of its components had reached the end of their service life and required rehabilitation "to maintain safe, reliable, and regulatory-compliant operation"; Phase II covers concrete and joint repairs, mechanical equipment rehabilitation, component replacement, protective coatings and sludge box repairs, and is intended to extend the infrastructure's useful life by up to 20 years. [28]

    • ✓ Verified

      The 2019 Filter 7 change order (Water and Sewer Fund balance), the 2024 HDR chlorination design, the 2024 Phase I basin relining, the 2026 chlorine system and the 2026 Phase II basin contracts all name water and sewer fund revenues as their funding source. None of the Osage plant items reviewed cited revenue bonds, certificates of obligation or Texas Water Development Board loans. [3][15][22][26][28]

  15. · ResolutionScheduled

    Phase II basin construction window (November 2026 - February 2027)

    The City's memo said Phase II construction was anticipated during the lower water-demand period between November and February, with a 140-calendar-day contract term.[28]

    MH Civil Constructors, Inc.

    • Pending

      Phase II construction was anticipated during the lower water-demand period between November and February, with a contract term of 140 calendar days (a City projection). As of October 14, 2026 no report of construction starting had been located. [28]

Related storylines: CRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)