Where does my water come from?

Historically, the majority of the city’s drinking water supply has been from groundwater aquifers. There are twelve city groundwater plants ranging in size from approximately 3 to 12 million gallons per day (MGD) of production capacity. The water in these aquifers is from the Gulf Coast Aquifer system with an average depth of greater than 1,200 feet.  

In response to Fort Bend Subsidence District’s (FBSD) 30 percent alternative water supply conversion deadline, the city constructed a 10.85-MGD surface water treatment plant (SWTP) that went into operation in 2013. The city has three sources of water available to supply the SWTP with surface water. The city holds a contract with the Gulf Coast Water Authority (GCWA), who delivers raw water from the Brazos River to Oyster Creek. The contract with GCWA provides 10 MGD (11,201 AFY) of raw water, and an agreement to purchase an additional 10 MGD for future needs. The city also has a contract with the Brazos River Authority (BRA) for 6,388 AFY of raw water. Finally, the city holds a water right on Oyster Creek which allows the City to withdraw 18,000 acre-feet per year (AFY).

Show All Answers

1. Is the water in Sugar Land safe to drink?
2. Where does my water come from?
3. How do I get my drinking water tested?
4. I think I have a water leak, what should I do?
5. Whom should I call if I notice water running down the street?
6. What is the best way to turn the water off at my house in an emergency or for repairs? How?
7. Why is my water pressure so low?
8. What causes white water?
9. What is the white deposits on my glasses, pans, and ice cube trays?
10. What is the hardness of Sugar Land's water?
11. The aerators on our faucets are filled with white debris. What is it?
12. What is the rusty color in my water?
13. Can I paint the fire hydrant near my home to make it more decorative?
14. There are colored paint marks in the grass and on the road in my neighborhood. What does this mean?
15. Is the City of Sugar Land’s water system fluoridated?