The city of Corpus Christi is spending over $3.2 million on a condition assessment study of Phase One of the Mary Rhodes Pipeline.
However, at least one city councilman has concerns about initial findings and the costs linked to potential repairs or enhancements.
The pipeline spans 101 miles, delivering crucial water to the city as a proactive measure against drought conditions. Currently, the city is conducting a thorough $3.2 million assessment of the pipeline's condition.
"The assessment project is going to, or may identify some deficiencies in the pipeline. We have an identified any yet," said Corpus Christi Water's Nick Winkleman.
Corpus Christi District 3 Councilman Roland Barrera said he's heard otherwise.
"We are not basically utilizing all of the water that's available through the Mary Rhodes pipeline. But, in order to do that, we need to have some redundancy and there need to be some repairs done," he said.
Winkleman mentioned completing an aerial drone assessment of the pipeline and ongoing soil testing. Additionally, pressure sensors have been installed along the pipeline. This data will be analyzed over the next three months, with Winkleman confirming no alarming findings yet.
"We are not anticipating a replacement," he said. "The pipe line is in use. It's operating it's running again we're just following through on our due diligence to make sure we're properly maintaining and addressing any issues that we may uncover."
The pipe is projected to last at least 50 years. The condition assessment study is expected to conclude next summer, providing clarity on necessary repairs or enhancements to this critical water pipeline.
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