Frequently Asked Questions

The site for the water and wastewater treatment plants was chosen after an evaluation of several factors that have a direct impact on the quality, efficiency, and cost of water and wastewater services. While we understand that new infrastructure can raise concerns, it’s important to know that this location was not selected at random or without thoughtful consideration.

Key reasons for selecting this site include: 

• Proximity to existing wastewater sources, which helps reduce construction and facility maintenance costs.
• Favorable topography (the natural shape and slope of the land) that allows for natural gravity flow, minimizing the energy required for pumping.
• Close access to a suitable discharge point that can safely receive treated water.
• Stable soil and geology in an area that is not flood-prone and supports long-term structural stability.
• The site passed a full Environmental Impact Assessment to ensure protection of nearby wetlands, wildlife habitats, and culturally sensitive areas.
• Access to existing infrastructure, such as roads, power, and communication lines, making the site both accessible and cost-effective.
• Full compliance with zoning laws and environmental regulations, ensuring the site meets all legal and safety standards.

In short, the site was selected because it best balances technical, environmental, and regulatory requirements in a way that ensures long-term, reliable service for the community.

The current water and wastewater plant facilities are operating at maximum capacities. 

Our current wastewater plant facility cannot handle additional demand. In addition, the existing facility is aging and needs investment.  It was determined that rehabilitation and upgrades to the existing plant would be significantly more costly and less efficient than building a new facility. The new plant ensures we can continue to provide safe, reliable wastewater services to our existing residents while also planning responsibly for the future.

The current water plant facilities are also operating at maximum capacity.  The new water plant facility will operate to support the City’s Greatwood water system, serving both new customers and providing reliability and resilience to the entire service area south of the Brazos River. The new plant ensures we can continue to provide safe, reliable water services to our existing residents while also planning responsibly for the future.

No, the construction of this facility will not increase your property taxes or your MUD fees. This project is part of the City’s FY25–29 Capital Improvement Plan, which was approved by the City Council in September 2024.

Water and Wastewater services are not supported through property taxes or MUD fees. The Utility Fund is a self-supporting Enterprise fund through water and wastewater bills.

The plan prioritizes responsible financial planning and long-term infrastructure needs without placing additional financial burden on residents. Funding for the project has been allocated within the City's existing capital improvement plan to ensure continued, reliable water services as the community grows.

It is extremely unlikely that residents would ever be exposed to untreated wastewater from the treatment plant. These facilities are highly regulated and are monitored 24/7/365 by trained City staff who follow strict procedures established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). These protocols are specifically designed to prevent failures—even during severe weather events.

In the rare event that untreated wastewater were to leave the plant, the City has emergency response plans in place. Residents would be notified immediately and advised to avoid contact with any affected areas. Protecting public health and safety is our highest priority, and multiple safeguards are in place to minimize risk and ensure rapid response if needed.

The selected site was not chosen solely to cut construction costs. It was chosen after an evaluation of several factors that have a direct impact on the quality, efficiency, and cost of water and wastewater service—including minimizing the impact to surrounding residents and businesses.

Relocating the plant farther away would significantly increase construction and maintenance costs, delay the project, and ultimately result in higher service rates for the entire community. The City carefully evaluated multiple locations and selected this site because it responsibly supports both current and future needs while minimizing impacts and costs.

Property values are not set by the City, they are determined by the Fort Bend County Appraisal District (FBCAD), which follows strict criteria when assessing home values. 

The FBCAD has confirmed that surrounding improvements, such as infrastructure projects, are not factored into their valuation process. Instead, property values are based on key factors like the condition and age of the home, comparable home sales in the area, and the land’s location relative to similar homes in the area. In short, each appraisal is handled individually and based on data from similar homes in similar market conditions, not on nearby development.