2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
GULF COAST WATER AUTHORITY
EVOLVING TO MEET THE EVER-CHANGING NEEDS OF OUR CUSTOMERS
Water is essential for life, economic growth, and environmental health. Gulf Coast Water Authority (GCWA) is dedicated to providing vital water services to the communities, businesses, farmers, and industries who depend on us.
Established by the Texas Legislature in 1965, GCWA has continually adapted to meet the growing water needs of Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston Counties. Our mission to reliably deliver water to our customers drives our commitment to excellence and efficiency.
GCWA oversees an extensive infrastructure that currently delivers approximately 200 million gallons of water per day (MGD) from the Brazos River our primary source to serve our valued customers.
Through these efforts, we directly contribute to the growth and prosperity of the communities we serve, empowering families, businesses, and industries to thrive.
GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE
As we reflect on 2024, this year has truly tested our resilience, challenging our ingenuity and showcasing the strength of the Gulf Coast Water Authority (GCWA) team. From historic drought conditions to infrastructure challenges like the flooding of the May Pumping Plant, we confronted these obstacles head-on, united by a shared commitment to serving our customers and communities.
Despite these challenges, we celebrated several key accomplishments. Securing a Desalination Feasibility Study grant marked a significant step toward exploring alternative water sources for the future. Our dedication to innovation was also evident in advancements such as the integration of SCADA with GIS and improvements to our asset management systems, efforts that ensure smarter, more proactive planning and operations.
The dedication of our team was evident not only in our operational excellence but also in our commitment to growth and development. Renowned speaker Betsy Allen Manning inspired and empowered our staff through training sessions focused on leadership and personal development. We further strengthened our community connections by hosting the APWA Picnic, which attracted approximately 1,800 attendees, and participating in the successful GCWA Cook-Off, where our team earned well-deserved recognition. Additionally, we engaged in a variety of community events and public outreach efforts, reinforcing our bonds with the communities we serve.
Even in a year marked by drought, we remained steadfast in our mission to reliably deliver water to our customers, adapting operations to meet the needs of Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston counties. The resilience of our infrastructure, strengthened by continuous improvement projects, and the diligence of our team have been essential in navigating these unprecedented conditions.
This Year in Review celebrates the strides we've made, the challenges we've overcome, and the people who make it all possible. As we look toward 2025, we remain committed to our mission, driven by the knowledge that the work we do is vital to the growth, health, and prosperity of our region.
Thank you for your continued support and trust in GCWA.
Brandon Wade, PE General Manager and CEO
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
MISSION STATEMENT
To reliably deliver water to our customers
CORE VALUES
Collaboration
Inclusivity
VISION STATEMENT
To be a leader in the water industry, fostering a culture of innovation. We responsibly manage our organization, water resources, and infrastructure. We prioritize customer focus and staff development to adapt to regulatory shifts, serve our growing community, all the while providing a reliable and resilient water supply for future generations.
STRATEGIC PLAN 2023 - 2028
Water Contract
Management
New
Management and Insurance
Finance, Budget, and Rates
Grants and Appropriations
Management
Attorney and Lobbyist
Management
Regulatory
Management
Management System
Land
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GCWA is governed by a 10-member Board of Directors, appointed by the Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston County Commissioners’ Courts, to represent industrial, municipal, and agricultural interests in our service area.
OUR CUSTOMERS
Ascend Ashland
Dow Chemical Company
Approximately 16,000 acres of fields in Brazoria and Galveston Counties. Industrial
INEOS Texas City
INEOSChocolateBayou MarathonPetroleumGBR UndergroundStorageLLC ValeroRefining-TexasCity
Bacliff MUD
Bayview MUD
City of Galveston
City of Hitchcock
City of La Marque
City of League City
City of Texas City
GC FWSD #6 (Tiki Island)
GC MUD #12 (Bayou Vista)
GC WCID #1 (Dickinson)
GC WCID #12 (Kemah)
GC WCID #8 (Santa Fe)
San Leon MUD
City of Missouri City
City of Pearland
City of Sugar Land
Fort Bend County WCID #2
Pecan Grove MUD
OUR LEGACY
GCWA is a wholesale water provider serving industries, agriculture, and municipalities across Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston Counties through its three main subsystems: canal, industrial, and water treatment.
GCWA’s history dates back to 1908 with the creation of the Cane and Rice Belt Irrigation Company, which began by constructing a pumping plant in Fort Bend County. The system expanded in the early 1930s, adding new pumping plants and lift stations, and extending the canal network into G l t C t
In 1 add furt wer 196
In 1988, GCWA acquired the Canal Division from the Brazos River Authority, enhancing its ability to provide water for industrial, agricultural, and municipal use across Brazoria, southern Fort Bend, and Galveston Counties.
GCWA’s growth continued in 2006 with the acquisition of the Chocolate Bayou Water Company, also known as the Juliff Canal System. This acquisition included the William J. May Pumping Plant on the Brazos River, as well as additional pumping plants on Chocolate and Mustang
B i B i C t
PARTNERSHIP WITH FARMERS
At GCWA, we take pride in supporting the vital agricultural community that sustains our area. Our partnership with 30 farmers spans over 16,800 acres across Brazoria and Galveston Counties, ensuring a reliable water supply to nurture their crops.
During the First Crop season, farmers utilized 24,955 acre-feet of water for irrigation, with approximately 10,600 acres dedicated to seed production and 6,200 acres for commercial yields. The Ratoon Crop, a secondary harvest, covered an additional 2,340 acres and required 4,117 acre-feet of water.
By working together, we foster the growth of our agricultural community, ensuring their continued success season after season.
THOMAS S. MACKEY WATER
The Thomas S. Mackey Water Treatment Plant remains a cornerstone of water delivery in our region, producing an average of 30 million gallons of treated water daily to serve nearly 190,000 residents in Galveston County.
In 2024, the plant underwent significant improvements to enhance efficiency and resilience, including essential equipment upgrades and operational advancements. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) audit concluded successfully, reaffirming our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, and efficiency.
These achievements underscore GCWA’s dedication to meeting current water demands while preparing for the needs of a growing population. The Thomas S. Mackey Water Treatment Plant continues to deliver a reliable supply of clean, highquality water to the communities we serve.
CANAL SYSTEM ENHANCEMENTS
The Canal Division is responsible for maintaining 276 miles of canals and numerous crossings, including bridges and underdrain piping. In 2024, several key improvements were implemented to enhance the efficiency and reliability of this critical infrastructure:
Pumping Plants: Vibration issues at the Chocolate Bayou Pumping Plant were resolved with the installation of AntiVortex Splitters. Additionally, new pumps were installed at the 2nd Lift Station and the Briscoe Pumping Plant to improve performance.
Canal Maintenance: Ongoing canal reclamation and clearing projects were completed, including significant work upstream of Highway 6.
Pipe Upgrades: Aging pipes on the G Canal were replaced, and the Cloud Bayou pipeline was expanded with support from Galveston County.
System Enhancements: Vacuum pumps at the Briscoe Pumping Plant and the William J. May Pumping Plant were upgraded to enhance operational safety.
DIGITAL ACHIEVEMENTS
In 2024, GCWA continued to harness the power of technology to enhance operational efficiency, improve asset management, and support data-driven decision-making. By integrating cutting-edge tools and processes, we strengthened our ability to maintain infrastructure, monitor water quality, and optimize resource allocation. These accomplishments underscore our commitment to leveraging digital innovation for a smarter, more resilient water management system, ensuring we meet the needs of our customers and the communities we serve. Key digital milestones this year include:
SCADA Integration with GIS: Enhanced system monitoring and control through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition integration with Geographic Information Systems.
ASTERRA Satellite Leak Detection Program: Utilized GIS field data to support proactive leak detection.
3D Asset Data Integration: Integrated Matterport 3D asset data into Cartegraph Asset Management for enhanced infrastructure insights.
Water Quality Dashboard: Developed a GCWA water quality data entry system and dashboard for real-time monitoring. TexMesonet API Incorporation: Integrated the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) TexMesonet API into the GCWA River Data Dashboard for improved river data analytics.
Asset Condition Index: Advanced the Cartegraph/OpenGOV Overall Condition Index (OCI) for ranking GCWA asset conditions.
Asset Inventory and Verification: Improved inventory and field verification of South Distribution System assets to support City of Galveston projects.
These advancements position GCWA at the forefront of innovation in water resource management, ensuring we continue to deliver excellence in service.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
In 2024, GCWA advanced its mission to strengthen and modernize infrastructure by completing 62 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects valued at $12.2 million. These accomplishments highlight our commitment to delivering a reliable water supply to our customers.
For more details, visit our CIP webpage by scanning the QR code or clicking the link: https://tinyurl.com/GCWACIP
BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE
The Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Replacement Project at the Thomas S. Mackey Water Treatment Plant is a key initiative aimed at enhancing system reliability and capacity. Funded through resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), originally allocated for Hurricane Harvey flood repairs, the project involves replacing outdated equipment with modern, energyefficient systems.
The contract was awarded in October 2023, with completion scheduled for the end of January 2025. This upgrade will further strengthen the plant’s capacity to effectively serve the community.
Briscoe Incoming Electrical Project
As part of our commitment to ensuring system reliability, we are replacing the electrical supply lines from the utility transformer to the Briscoe Pumping Plant’s switchgear. The Briscoe Pumping Plant is vital in delivering raw water to our customers and serves as the sole supplier for the City of Missouri City. To enhance resilience against high windstorms, we are upgrading the original aerial electrical lines prone to storm damage to underground lines or encasing them in rigid conduit attached to the plant.
This strategic upgrade, scheduled for completion by the end of January 2025, will improve system reliability and prevent potential interference with the pumping plant’s discharge pipes.
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
The Mustang Reservoir Restoration Project aims to strengthen this essential water supply system following damage from Hurricane Harvey. Funded by FEMA, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and GCWA, the $23.86 million project focuses on embankment repairs, spillway reinforcement, and erosion control.
Construction began in October 2023 and is scheduled for completion by late 2025. Key progress to date includes re-watering several cells, with ongoing work on additional structures.
Mustang Reservoir Restoration Project
PROJECT MILESTONES
After sustaining significant damage from Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the Shannon Pumping Plant is undergoing a complete redesign and rebuild. The project is currently in the design phase, with final plans nearing completion and construction scheduled to begin in 2025.
The new plant will feature three intake bays capable of handling up to 130 MGD, as well as a discharge area connected to nearby canals. A separate building will house the electrical equipment to ensure reliable pump operations. The majority of the project’s funding comes from FEMA and TDEM, with additional support from our customers.
Shannon Pumping Plant Rendering
RESILIENCE IN WATER MANAGEMENT
GCWA continues to take proactive steps in addressing drought challenges through effective water resource planning and operational strategies. By carefully managing water flow from the Brazos River, we ensure a reliable supply for our customers through seamless coordination.
Our efforts are centered on strategic planning, optimizing infrastructure, and expanding water sources to meet both current and future needs. A key priority is focusing on major capital projects designed to upgrade aging systems and align with our long-term strategic goals.
ENGAGING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
In 2024, GCWA actively engaged with local communities through various outreach initiatives. These efforts included participating in career days at middle and elementary schools, "Careers on Wheels" events, and hosting tours of the Thomas S. Mackey Water Treatment Plant for university students and 4-H Water Ambassadors.
GCWA also took part in university and community college career fairs, presented to local civic clubs, and attended community events such as Eco-Fest, Touch-a-Truck, and the Texas City Halloween Trunk or Treat Festival. In total, GCWA participated in 17 events, connecting with approximately 5,700 community members.
SUSTAINING OUR FUTURE
Our Water Conservation program was established to protect water resources and meet future demands. In 2024, we focused on educating the community about the importance of conservation by engaging students during Career Days and sharing practical tips at local events.
Looking ahead, we plan to expand our community outreach, strengthen partnerships, and explore new technologies to further promote water-saving practices.
Our future plans include:
Developing educational campaigns: More targeted initiatives to raise awareness and encourage conservation. Increasing partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations to expand outreach and impact. Exploring innovative technologies: Utilizing cutting-edge solutions to enhance water-saving practices.
By fostering a culture of conservation, we are committed to ensuring a sustainable water future for our community.
SAFETY IN ACTION
Safety is essential at GCWA. This year’s “Safety First” theme reinforced our safety culture through initiatives such as Safety Moments at Board and committee meetings. These efforts contributed to a major milestone: completing a full fiscal year without a recordable injury, showcasing our commitment to fostering a safe and secure environment across the entire organization.
2024 Safety Highlights include:
Extensive Training: Staff completed 3,134 hours of safety training across the organization. Safety Culture Growth: The “Safety First” mindset fostered collaboration and upheld our recordable-free status. Enhanced Hazard Reporting: Through Cartegraph, we streamlined reporting, leading to more hazard identifications and a safer workplace.
GCWA remains committed to advancing safety and ensuring a secure, productive environment for everyone.
CELEBRATING SUCCESSES
Bottom
Chuck Ercol
Ethan Cross
Cory Clark
Not Pictured: Moe Villanueva Taylor Newsom
1st Place Ribs: Carson Wisnoski
1st Place Dessert: Chuck Ercol
4th Place Overall: GCWA Cookers Team
4th Place Open Protein: Cory Clark
8th Place Brisket: James Garcia
8th Place Chicken: Ethan Cross
Top Left Photo: John Lewis - Class A Water License
Top Right Photo: Virginia Migl - Project Management Professional (PMP)
Bottom Left Photo: Jacob Rice - Class B Water License
Bottom Right Photo: GCWA Cook-Off Team:
Top Row from Left to Right: Carson Wisnoski
Ricky Kettler
Row from Left to Right:
James Garcia
MEET OUR TEAM
OUR STORY
In January 2022, GCWA released Gulf Coast Water Authority: A History of Reliable Water Delivery. This publication offers a glimpse into our agricultural roots, our development over time, and the challenges we've overcome.
Explore our history by scanning the QR code below to view the book online or by clicking this link: https://tinyurl.com/GCWAHISTORYBOOK.
To request a hard copy, please email us at pr@gcwatx.gov.
