Aqua Texas has announced the start of a new water well construction project for the Forest Grove community adjacent to Lake Palestine in eastern Henderson County. The new well will replace an existing well that collapsed. Aqua expects to place the new well in service by September at an estimated cost of about $832,000. Aqua provides water and wastewater service to nearly 1,300 residents in the Forest Grove community.

In 2018, Aqua plans to spend about $14 million on upgrades and repairs to drinking water and wastewater systems across northern Texas. The upgrades include new water supply wells, pipelines, meter equipment and other infrastructure projects that are critical to delivering quality water, ensuring reliable service, and protecting public health and the environment. This effort is on top of the $6.3 million that Aqua spent last year in northern Texas.

“Modern, reliable drinking water and wastewater systems are essential to every Texas family and community,” said Aqua Texas President Bob Laughman. “The upgrades to our Forest Grove system reflect Aqua’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health and the environment, improving service and meeting customer demand. As Texas continues to grow, we’re committed to keeping pace with that development while providing quality service.”

Laughman also noted that Aqua recently reduced water and wastewater rates statewide to enable customers to benefit from the company’s tax savings through the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Customers will receive a credit for about 5 percent of the services on their bills, and this credit will remain in effect until Aqua’s next rate application. That means water or wastewater customers with average monthly use could receive a $4 or $5 credit on their bill, and customers with both services could receive a credit up to $10.

Across Henderson County, Aqua owns and operates six water and wastewater systems that provide service to nearly 6,000 customers. Aqua serves more than 180,000 people in 53 counties across Texas. Visit Aqua online at AquaAmerica.com, facebook.com/MyAquaAmerica, and twitter.com/MyAquaAmerica.