Wastewater Operations
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Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Department of State Health Services for Wastewater Monitoring at Panther Creek and Stewart Creek West Wastewater Treatment Plants - Resolution No. 26-08
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SUBJECT
recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 26-08 authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to allow DSHS to conduct wastewater sampling for public health surveillance at the Panther Creek and Stewart Creek West Wastewater Treatment Plants in Frisco during 2026 FIFA World Cup activities in North Texas.
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PURPOSE
DSHS partners with local health departments and water utilities to track pathogens in wastewater so communities can act quickly to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This Memorandum of Understanding allows DSHS to collect and analyze samples of wastewater for infectious diseases to provide early warning to public health officials.
RECOMMENDATION
The Executive Director, NTMWD staff, and Saunders, Walsh & Beard, recommend the Board of Directors authorize the Executive Director to execute a Memorandum of Understanding as follows:
1) Adopt Resolution 26-08, “A Resolution authorizing the Executive Director to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Department of State Health Services regarding wastewater monitoring at the Panther Creek and Stewart Creek West Wastewater Treatment Plants.”
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Contracting Party: |
Texas Department of State Health Services |
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Scope: |
Wastewater / Public Health Surveillance |
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Project: |
Memorandum of Understanding for wastewater sampling at Panther Creek and Stewart Creek West WWTPs during 2026 FIFA World Cup activities in North Texas |
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Amount: |
No direct contract amount. DSHS will coordinate and conduct sampling activities |
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Committee: |
This will be an item on the March 25, 2026, Wastewater Committee meeting agenda |
DRIVER(S) FOR THIS PROJECT
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Strategic Objective: |
3.3 Durable Strategic Partnerships |
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☐ Regulatory Compliance |
☐ Asset Condition |
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☐ Capacity |
☐ Redundancy/Resiliency |
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☐ Relocation or External Requests |
☐ Operational Efficiency |
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☐ Safety |
☒ Administrative |
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☐ Policy |
☐ Other _____________ |
BACKGROUND
DSHS partners with local health departments and water utilities to track pathogens in wastewater so communities can act quickly to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. DSHS provides local jurisdictions with support against novel or emerging pathogens, such as avian influenza, measles, and monkeypox; seasonal pathogens, such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus; and early-warning support during large international events such as the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
MAJOR COMPONENTS
• DSHS coordinates and conducts wastewater sample collection activities for participating sites in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and provides site-specific weekly reports to participating local health departments and water utilities.
• NTMWD cooperates with DSHS to provide access to wastewater for sampling.
• The Memorandum of Understanding is effective for 5 years unless either party terminates earlier.
• The proposed MOU will allow DSHS to conduct sampling at Panther Creek and Stewart Creek West Wastewater Treatment Plants in Frisco during World Cup activities in North Texas.
FUNDING
No direct NTMWD funding is contemplated under the MOU.