Water pressure repairs underway in Laredo’s Districts 5 and 6

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - City leaders detailed a plan this week to install new pipes and automatic sensors throughout districts 5 and 6, following complaints and observations from the public about water pressure.

Utilities Director Victor Tareq Al-Zabet and council members discussed a north water pressure continuity plan after residents raised concerns. Days later, at a press conference, Mayor Victor Trevino and Al-Zabet detailed the plan, which includes installing new pipes and automatic sensors in about 100 locations throughout districts 5 and 6.

“This is the largest replacement of the pipes in the history of Laredo. These are pipes that have been there for decades that have to be replaced,” Trevino said.

Trevino said the process will not be easy and said people should not be surprised by low water pressure and traffic delays during the work.

Along with the new pipes, new equipment is being installed.

“Working on installing new sensors and monitoring equipment so that we can address those pressure issues when they happen as soon as possible,” Al-Zabet said.

Al-Zabet said other renovations include the addition of plants and storage tanks that feed the affected areas. Crews will also use hydraulic mapping to better understand the area and address problems in advance. The additions have been budgeted for.

Earlier this summer, people living in Winfield, Alexander and Shiloh noticed their water flow was not like it once was and faced challenges as a result.

“Well, I know in the past couple of weeks our water pressure has been back to normal. Several weeks prior to that we were having some water issues, but I know that councilman Dr. King has addressed that matter,” said Danny Trevino, a Winfield resident.

Businesses along districts 5 and 6 also noticed a change. Janet Zapata, owner of 550 Pizzeria, said the past water issues affected her business. She was unable to use her soda machine and spent close to $800 on soda cans to serve customers.

“It’s very important because we rely on a lot of water here. In any restaurant, in any business, so I really hope that it works; I really hope that our district leader does move forward with this plan that he has,” Zapata said.

Changes have begun, with more expected over the next eight weeks. The city says residents still having issues with water pressure can call 311 to report problems.

The city will host a town meeting next Wednesday for people living in District 6 to allow the community to voice concerns about the water service.

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