The Walcrest pump house was built in 1956 and designed to look like a residence. Photo courtesy of Dallas Water Utilities
Dallas Water Utilities’ request to build a 9,000-square-foot pump station and reservoir at Walnut Hill and Hillcrest is set to go before the City Plan Commission March 20.
A new facility is necessary, according to the utility, because the original one is almost 60 years old. The existing pumps are outdated and “highly energy inefficient,” according to a presentation for neighbors in December (see “Walcrest – DWU presentation” below).
The small size of the 1956 pump station building, pictured above, limits maintenance and upgrades. Since improvements are mandatory to comply with Texas Commission Environmental Quality requirements, according to the presentation, the city wants to tear it down and build an enormous new facility there.
Artist rendering of the proposed pump building at Walnut Hill and Hillcrest
The new Walcrest station would have two 20-million gallon reservoirs, partially underground, and a 9,265-square-foot pump building.
If the plan commission approves the utility’s zoning request, it could go before the full City Council in April. The project could then be up for construction bids by June, and work would start as soon as March 2015. Completion would take about two years beyond that.
