Since 1949, the Walnut Hill Pump Station has played a vital role in delivering potable water to homes and businesses across northwest Dallas – serving nearly one‑third of the city’s residents. With aging infrastructure and increasing service demands, Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) advanced a major modernization program to replace the station’s two original pump buildings. DWU selected STV as engineer‑of‑record for this landmark effort, which also marked the City’s first use of the design‑build delivery method for a water project – reducing cost and accelerating delivery.
What challenges did STV address?
The existing pump station needed to remain fully operational throughout construction to ensure customers never lost water service. The site required a new high-capacity pumping facility built immediately adjacent to functioning infrastructure within a residential neighborhood. DWU also required a design that reduced surge pressure, accommodated long‑term capacity increases and met the City’s “green building” requirements while blending architecturally into the surrounding community.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV designed a modern 44‑MGD in‑line booster pump station to replace the outdated facilities. The team developed a unique side‑suction configuration to optimize space and mitigate surge pressures on the suction side. STV provided permitting, commissioning quality control and construction oversight, and worked closely with DWU and the contractor to develop a detailed construction sequencing plan that allowed the existing pump station to remain in service until the new facility was complete. The building’s façade and noise‑mitigation features ensure compatibility with the residential setting.
How does this project benefit the region?
The new facility strengthens water reliability for hundreds of thousands of residents, improves system efficiency, and reduces operational risk. By increasing capacity and incorporating modern design standards, the pump station supports the city’s long‑term growth and enhances sustainability across Dallas’ water network.
Key Stats and Accolades
- 44 MGD new booster pumping capacity
- Continuous water service maintained throughout construction
- Architecturally compatible, low‑noise neighborhood design
- First design‑build water project delivered by Dallas Water Utilities
- Original station in service since 1949
- Honored by ACEC Texas
