On Monday, the City of Arlington opened its new Laboratory Services and Maintenance Building, a significant addition to the city's water utility infrastructure. According to the City of Arlington, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross alongside city officials marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The state-of-the-art 26,825-square-foot facility, stationed at the John F. Kubala Water Treatment plant on U.S. 287, is part of Arlington's commitment to provide its residents with over 18 billion gallons of treated tap water annually. The lab is commendable, having processed 7,305 samples and tested them for 372 different substances in 2023. With its reputation solidified by accreditation from the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, the lab staff ensures the city's water treatment plants and associated infrastructure, including 10 water towers and high service pumps spread throughout Arlington, keep running every day.
A multi-year project is also underway at the Pierce-Burch Water Treatment Plant. Costing $112 million, this overhaul aims at replacing key components such as chemical feed facilities, clear wells for water storage, and high-service pumps that play a critical role in the water delivery system. The City of Arlington reports that this extensive undertaking will also encompass necessary electrical upgrades to modernize the plant's operations.
Funded through a mix of a Texas Water Development Board Revolving Fund Loan and City of Arlington Water Revenue Bonds, the Pierce-Burch project signifies a robust investment in public utilities. Source Building Group, Inc., an MWBE firm with a portfolio of successful projects throughout North Texas, has been recognized as the builder of the new lab and maintenance facility started back in 2022. This new addition will consolidate operations from three former buildings that were in dire need of expansion and updates into one contemporary space.
