Four Corner - Texas Water Development Board

7.0 OPERATIONAL COSTS
With the acquisition of surplus water supply and wastewater treatment capacity from
Kingsbridge MUD, no operation and maintenance costs for the water supply plant and
wastewater treatment plant will be born directly by the Four Comers area. The annual
costs for the operation of the plant facilities is incorporated into the rate structure for
water and sewer service provided by Kingsbridge MUD.
The costs for operation and maintenance of the wastewater collection system, lift/pump
stations and the water distribution system will be the responsibility of the Four Comers
area. These costs can be assessed by the Four Comers Waster Supply Corporation or
similar entity on the customers within the planning area on a monthly basis by
incorporating the costs into the ultimate rate charges to the customers. These ultimate
rate charges would include the actual cost of service from Kings bridge MUD in addition
to a surcharge to cover operation, maintenance and administrative costs. Most utility
districts contract with an operations company to maintain their water and sewer facilities
using state licensed operating personnel.
Costs for operation and maintenance of wastewater collection systems and the water
distribution systems vary between different municipalities and utility districts within the
southeast Texas area. Larger, more complex systems require more intensive operator
involvement in day to day operations. However, the major maintenance/operational issue
for proposed water and wastewater systems for the Four Corners area will be the
lift/pumping stations. Because the facilities involve mechanical and electrical equipment,
the potential for breakdown exists. Based upon reviews of operation and administration
costs for similar types of water distribution and wastewater collection systems in the area,
an annual budget amount of$50,000 to $100,000 could be expected for the Four Corners
area.
Four Comers Area Water and Wastewater Facilities Planning Study
FINAL REPORT Page 7-1