The ongoing flooding issues at Playa Lake 7 remain a priority for city officials, with a long-term solution now in the works. During Tuesday’s Amarillo City Council meeting, Public Works Director Allen Harder provided an update on efforts to address persistent flooding in the area, assuring residents that relief is on the way.
For years, Playa Lake 7 has posed challenges for homeowners, particularly along 77th Street, where severe flooding displaced residents nearly two years ago. To manage the issue in the short term, the city has installed a portable pump to help regulate water levels. However, officials are now moving forward with a permanent fix.
A Permanent Solution in the Works
Harder detailed the city’s plan to construct a permanent pump station, which will include two submersible pumps to ensure redundancy and reliability. Additionally, the project will incorporate a channel to connect the two bodies of water at Playa Lake 7, improving overall drainage capacity.
“The portable pump has been effective, but we are moving forward with a more permanent solution,” Harder explained. While the project is expected to be completed by 2027, the temporary pump will remain in place to mitigate flooding in the meantime.
Mayor Cole Stanley acknowledged the longstanding nature of the issue, noting that changing development patterns have impacted Playa Lake 7’s capacity.
“This has been an issue for decades for owners in the lower-lying areas,” Stanley said. “As development continues to push further south, the capacity of Playa Lake 7 has changed, and we need to address it.”
Timeline and Budget Considerations
According to Stanley, the city has already accounted for the project within its drainage fee budget. The planning report has been completed, and the next steps include initiating the design phase in 2025, followed by construction in 2026. The goal is to have the pump station fully operational by 2027.
While the long-term fix is still years away, Stanley reassured residents that the city is taking proactive measures to protect their properties.
“We’ve purchased the pump, and it’s ready to be used as needed to prevent flooding,” he said. “We’re committed to protecting all residents, whether inside or outside city limits.”
Residents impacted by flooding can take some comfort in knowing that while the problem won’t be solved overnight, the city has a clear plan in place to address it. Until the permanent station is complete, officials will continue utilizing the temporary pump to manage water levels during heavy rain events.
Looking Ahead
The commitment from city officials to improve drainage at Playa Lake 7 is a welcome step for affected homeowners. While flooding in Amarillo’s playa lake system has long been a challenge, the planned infrastructure improvements offer hope for a more sustainable and effective solution in the years ahead.
