Features

from March 2022

Parks & Recreation

Schertz Water: A Top Priority for the City as we Continue to Grow

By: Linda Klepper

When you look at a map of the earth most of what you see is blue. But if that is the case, why isn’t water our most abundant resource? Well, the fact is that only 3% of the earth's water comes from freshwater sources that are suitable for human consumption. Water is one of the world's most precious resources and here in Schertz city officials have made it a top priority. In the late 1990’s, Schertz supplied water to the community through the operation of a couple of Edwards Aquifer wells. While this system was mostly sufficient for current customers, city leadership knew the community would continue to grow and they desired to secure a long-term reliable water supply for Schertz over the next 50 years. They also believed that ownership of the water provided to the community would give the city more oversight as to the future of water in the area. In December of 1998, Schertz came together with Seguin to form the Schertz/ Seguin Local Government Corporation (SSLGC) as a non-profit corporation of the State of Texas for the purpose of providing safe and reliable wholesale potable water to retail municipal customers.

Twenty years later, SSLGC provides groundwater from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer in northwest Gonzales County to the cities of Schertz and Seguin. They own and operate twelve groundwater supply wells, designed and constructed to municipal drinking water standards, and an associated thirty-five million gallon per day groundwater treatment facility in Gonzales County. SSLGC transports water from the treatment facility in Gonzales County to its customers through a water transmission pipeline network traversing over forty miles. SSLGC has 15.1 million gallons of water storage facilities and 15 high service pumps throughout the water system to deliver water to customers.

According to SSLGC General Manager, Amber Beard, “the raw water pumped from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer is consistent in its quality which means SSLGC’s team knows exactly what to expect each day. We’ve also established a consistent and effective treatment regime such that the finished water is of exceptional quality.”

But as Schertz continues to grow, the team at SSLGC must focus on not only the quality of the water but also on the increasing demand on the system. A few projects are currently underway to

Current Projects

PARALLEL PIPELINE PROJECT

Cost: $32.2 million The 36” Parallel Pipeline Project consists of the installation of 91,862 linear feet (LF) of 36” diameter water transmission pipeline which generally parallels SSLGC’s existing 36” pipeline from SSLGC’s Hal Baldwin Pump Station in Seguin to the Schertz Live Oak ground storage tank. The project is estimated to be completed in September 2022.

THE GUADALUPE PROJECT

Cost: $34.3 million The Guadalupe Project will provide SSLGC with additional water needed to meet the increasing water demands of the City of Schertz as well as other SSLGC customers. The project consists of a new 6.0 million gallons per day water treatment plant, a wellfield of five

address this demand in Schertz and should provide additional capacity to the area as soon as Fall 2022.

By continuing to plan for system improvements and expansions SSLGC will ensure the water system can sufficiently handle water needs for years to come. Another way SSLGC is planning for the future is through the system's first hydraulic water model which was completed in June 2021 through an engineering services agreement with Kimley-Horn. Beard commented, “The water model analyzed water demand projections, SSLGC’s existing water system, and current and future capital infrastructure projects over the next 50 years. As a result of the water model, approximately $70 million of pipeline infrastructure projects were recommended over the water system’s next 50 years.”

Along with meeting the increased demand on the water system, SSLGC continues to plan for and complete maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement of existing infrastructure to ensure system reliability and resiliency well into the future. Some of these projects include groundwater well pump lowering and replacement, groundwater well replacement, transmission pipeline replacement (including valves), ground storage tanks and surge tank rehabilitation/replacement, treatment filter rehabilitation/replacement, chemical storage, and feed system replacement, pump and motor replacement, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) upgrades. “We are proud of our water system in Schertz,” says Mayor Ralph Gutierrez. “Staff and Council make it a top priority to ensure we are able to provide excellent water quality to residents now and into the future. We are incredibly thankful for the partnerships that help us provide the best water service to our customers and prepare for the future growth in the area.” SSLGC updates its Water System Capital Improvements Plan at least every five years and in April 2021, SSLGC began an Operations and Maintenance Capital Improvements Plan that will be updated at least annually.

If you are interested in attending an SSLGC board meeting, they meet on the third Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the SSLGC administrative office located at 108 W. Mountain Street, Seguin, TX 78155.

new Carrizo Aquifer wells and one Wilcox Aquifer well, and wellfield access roads and pipelines to carry water from each well to the new water treatment plant. This new infrastructure will allow SSLGC to produce and treat up to 6,000 acre-feet of water from the Carrizo and Wilcox Aquifers in Guadalupe County. The project is estimated to be completed in May 2023.

SOUTH SCHERTZ DELIVERY POINT PROJECT

Cost: $2.6 million South Schertz Delivery Point Project – SSLGC recently completed the installation of 10,162 linear feet of 18” diameter pipeline from the Schaeffer Road and Cibolo Creek area in Cibolo to the City of Schertz Corbett elevated storage tank to supply water to the South Schertz area. Water delivery to this new delivery point began in August 2021.

We are incredibly thankful for the partnerships that help us provide the best water service to our customers and prepare for the future growth in the area.

A Day in the Life of the Water Division

By: Devan Christensen

Most people never really think about where their clean water came from when they get a glass of water or take a hot shower, but our water does not just magically appear from the faucet.In fact, there is a lot of hard work that goes into maintaining ourCitywater supply and ensuring it is always safe for you to use in your home. For the Schertz Public Works Water Division, their top priority is maintaining the water distribution system and wastewater collection system in order to protect public health by providing safe and dependable water.

Schertz Public Works Water Divisionbegins their workonce Schertz/Seguin Local GovernmentCorporation(SSLGC) pumpswaterto ourE. Live Oak Water Plant in central Schertzor the Corbett Water Plant in southern Schertz. From each of thesewater plants,water is then dispersed into the Schertz water distribution system so that it can be provided to thecustomers.

Thewater division manages over 230 miles of water lines and nearly 120 miles of sewerlines. The team is responsible for routine maintenance such as checking the well routes, working on blowoffs, testing the water, and finding and repairing leaks.Theyalsoregularly check readings at well sites and water tanks to make sure the system is working properly, maintain lift station operations that are critical to the wastewater system, and check chlorine levels to guarantee safe drinking water.

Assistant Public Works Director, Scott McClelland commented, “Our number one priority in maintenance is customer safety. All of the regular checks that we do are done to ensure the customer has clean water at adequate pressure.”The impact that thewaterdivision has on the community issimilar toother first responders like Fire, EMS, and Policebecausewhen the community has awateremergency,thewater crewsrespond to help no matter what time of day or night and in any kind of weather.

For the Water division, no two days are the same. From routine maintenance to dealing with emergencies and other unplanned activities that arise, staff is always up for whatever a new day may bring.Water/Wastewater Manager, Stephen Mayfield says what excites him most about working with the water division is

“knowing that we are responsible for public health and wellbeing by providing a critical resource to the community.”

City of Schertz Water is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Per TCEQ guidelines, 50 water samples must be taken each month to ensure the water is safe for residents. Schertz is proud of our water and its high quality.Each year the city releases its Water Quality Report which can be found at Schertz.com/waterqualityreport.

Crew Leader Ismael Pardo says he loves getting to talk to people in his job. Crews are often interacting with residents when they call in for low water pressures or water discoloration in their homes and our team is there to assess the issue and help resolve it.

Members of the water crew say their favorite part of their job is learning the ins and outs of the water and wastewater systems and how to maintain them.Crewmembers enjoy the fun they have with each other while on the job as it helps build a sense of community and comradery. The team is dependable and supportive of each other all while enjoying what they are doing for the community. “The most challenging part of my job is keeping up with things that happen on a day-to-day basis as situations can change at any time, but I have to keep rolling with the flow and get the job done. I enjoy what I do in public service. It is a unique industry and not everyone can do it,” says Crew Leader Don Sarten.

Days can be very challenging for workers. Since they are on call 24/7, they are often called in during the nightandduring harsh weather conditions. Most repairs need to be made immediately in order to continue to provide service to our customers. For example, during the 2021 Winter Storm, our water crews worked diligently toensure that water pressure levels were maintained during poweroutages.As a result,the City of Schertz water customers enjoyed a continuous supply of water during the event. Currently,the Water Division is working on a few projects to help improve the water system. For example, inAviation Heights,an areawith aging infrastructure,there has been anincrease in water leaks over the past several years.Currently under construction are the final phases of the Aviation Heights waterline replacement. All of the water mains throughout Aviation Heights are being relocated and replaced with larger pipe.

Anotherinfrastructureprojectcurrentlyin designis the Transmission Main Projectthat will allow for water to be more effectively pumped to the northern area of Schertz.These projects expand the abilities of our water system to address growth as well as increase the resiliency of our water system.

In addition to maintaining and making enhancements to our water system, the city also keeps a focus on securing adequate water supplies for the next 50 years. To accomplish this, the City uses growth projections and maintains relationships with SSLGC and Cibolo Valley Local Government Corporation (CVLGC) which are both water supply corporations.

For more information on current projects the Water Division is working on, go to Schertz.com/CapitalImprovement.

The most challenging part of my job is keeping up with things that happen on a dayto-day basis as situations can change at any time.

Volunteers are the Heart of Our Community

By: Madison Porras

In 2021, Schertz Emergency Management and Schertz Emergency Medical Services led the charge on distributing COVID-19 vaccinations to our community, hosting more than 30 COVID-19 vaccination clinics, and administering over 35,000 doses. While it took a significant number of resources to make these clinics a success, none of it would have been possible without the volunteers who showed up day after day. From this time of great need, the City’s Volunteer Schertz program was born. The purpose of the City’s Volunteer Schertz program is to provide an opportunity to lead, improve, innovate, and become more proactive in our great city and provide Schertz visitors with a safe and enjoyable experience. Additionally, our volunteers are an essential and valued resource.

“When we account a volunteer's personal and professional experiences, it adds another level of value to programs. Some of our volunteers come from backgrounds like the military, education systems, and wildlife conservation,” said Events Specialist Michelle Yang.

The Volunteer Schertz program is broken into three categories: Boards and Commissions, Schertz Police Department Volunteer Auxiliary, and one-time opportunities with our Schertz Parks & Recreation Department and outside partners. If you’re interested in being an active participant in local government, our various Boards & Commissions are a great opportunity to get involved. If you are passionate about the history of our City, consider applying for the Historical Preservation Committee. If you’re more interested in the future of our city, the Planning and Zoning Commission may be the right fit for you. Whatever your interest is, there is likely a Board or Commission for you to join and help shape our great city.

Board, Commission, and Committee members serve for a 2-year term with a time commitment that varies depending on the group's meeting schedule. To be considered, you must have resided in Schertz for at least 12 months. For more information on Boards & Commissions and how to apply visit Schertz.com/ boardsandcommissions.

We also have many opportunities to volunteer within our Schertz Police Department. These opportunities give you a chance to work closely with our officers. “With our Volunteer Auxiliary Program, a volunteer can help with our Animal Services, Citizens on Patrol, Victim Services, Community Outreach, Records Unit, or help our Quartermaster," says Special Projects Officer Anna Kraft.

Because the Schertz Police Department is a law enforcement agency, there are a few necessary steps to get started as a volunteer. After applying, a background check will be conducted, fingerprints will be taken, and you’ll need to complete a short online course. Additional courses are required for Citizens on Patrol – these courses will be coordinated by the Schertz Police Department.

Do you have a day off and want to give back to your community? We also have one-time opportunities with our Schertz Parks & Recreation Department that only require sign-up. “We have opportunities for special events like Movin on Main, community programs like maintaining Gutierrez Garden Park, and outside groups like the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation and the Guadalupe Valley Habitat for Humanity,” says Events Specialist Michelle Yang. From passing out snacks to organizing parades, there's something available for every skill level. In fact, these opportunities are great for students and young volunteers. “We have seen groups from the National Honor Society, ROTC, and athletic teams. Young volunteers can use these opportunities to complete required community service hours,” says Yang. If you’re an outside organization looking for volunteers, visit Schertz.com/volunteer and complete a Volunteer Request Form. Once the request form is complete, Schertz Parks & Recreation will contact you and help walk you through the process to be added to their CivicRec platform. As Volunteer Schertz continues to expand, we also encourage input: “Volunteers can propose a clean-up event or project and work with the department to make it happen,” says Yang.

To learn more about our volunteer opportunities please visit Schertz.com/Volunteer.

Volunteers can propose a clean-up event or project and work with the department to make it happen.

Dr. Mark Penshorn welcomes Dr. Cody Strahler as his new partner in dentistry. Dr. Strahler is accepting new patients and also expands our services to include implant placements, wisdom tooth extractions, sedation, and smile makeovers. Come see us at 2501 FM 3009. Call us at 210-659-1379 Dr. Mark Penshorn welcomes Dr. Cody Strahler as his new partner in dentistry. Dr. Strahler is accepting new patients and also expands our services to include implant placements, wisdom tooth extractions, sedation, and smile makeovers. Come see us at 2501 FM 3009. Call us at 210-659-1379 Dr. Mark Penshorn welcomes Dr. Cody Strahler as his new partner in dentistry. Dr. Strahler is accepting new patients and also expands our services to include implant placements, wisdom tooth extractions, sedation, and smile makeovers. Come see us at 2501 FM 3009. Call us at 210-659-1379 Both doctors are accepting new patients. We have expanded our services to include implant placements, wisdom tooth extractions, sedation, and smile makeovers in addition to crowns, dentures and the general dental procedures we have always done. Come see us at 2501 FM 3009. Dr. Mark Penshorn welcomes Dr. Cody Strahler as his new partner in dentistry. Dr. Strahler is accepting new patients and also expands our services to include implant placements, wisdom tooth extractions, sedation, and smile makeovers. Come see us at 2501 FM 3009. Call us at 210-659-1379 If you are looking for a new dentist, come see Dr. Cody Strahler or Dr. Mark Penshorn Cody Stra Cody Strahler, DDS Cody Strahler, DDS Cody Strahler, DDSCody Strahler, DDS hler, DDS Check our website for more information on Dr. Strahler at www.drpenshorn.com Check our website for more information on Dr. Strahler at www.drpenshorn.com Check our website for more information on Dr. Strahler at www.drpenshorn.com Call us at 210-659-1379 or look us up at www.drpenshorn.com Check our website for more information on Dr. Strahler at www.drpenshorn.com Mark Penshorn, DDS Mark Penshorn, DDS Mark Penshorn, DDSMark Penshorn, DDSMark Penshorn, DDS