Cost-effective, clean, long-duration electrical resiliency for water utilities
Water utilities and wastewater plants face a complex set of challenges in today’s ever-changing environment. From hurricanes and wildfires to droughts and supply chain disruptions, the mission to provide uninterrupted, clean water to communities has never been more critical—or more challenging. At the same time, these utilities must navigate strict fiscal constraints, maintain transparency, and minimize their environmental impact. The stakes are high: these facilities simply cannot afford to lose power and halt operations that are vital to public health and safety.
We have become a trusted partner for water utilities, delivering reliable, full-facility backup power that keeps critical systems running when they’re needed most. Our record speaks for itself—cities like Houston and San Antonio, as well as authorities such as the Gulf Coast Water Authority, North Fort Bend Water Authority, and Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District 2 (FBCLID2), have all entrusted us to safeguard their water supplies with over 170 MW of onsite power generation at their facilities.
The Enchanted Rock solution for water utilities
We offer a comprehensive, utility-grade backup power solution designed to meet the unique demands of water utilities and wastewater plants. Our advanced microgrids deliver 99.99% reliability, ensuring that your mission-critical operations remain uninterrupted, even in the face of severe grid disruptions. Our solution is not only more reliable than traditional diesel backup systems, but also significantly cleaner and more cost–effective.
Why water utilities choose Enchanted Rock
Minimal upfront costs
Unlike diesel generators, our systems offer a cost-effective alternative with upfront costs as low as 10-20% of the total system cost. This is made possible through our participation in energy markets when the system is not needed for backup, providing a unique revenue stream that can subsidize the cost of the system from the start.
Expert operations and maintenance and 24/7 monitoring
We understand that your focus should be on delivering water, not managing complex power systems. That’s why we handle all aspects of operations and maintenance throughout the typical 15– or 20-year contract lifespan. With round-the-clock monitoring, you can have peace of mind knowing your backup power is always ready.
Turnkey solution
We deliver a complete, end-to-end service, encompassing the design, construction, financing, ownership, operation, and maintenance of the entire solution. This turnkey approach allows you to focus on your core mission while we ensure your power reliability.
Long-duration resiliency
Our microgrids are powered by an underground supply of natural gas, eliminating the risks associated with refueling and the need for onsite fuel storage. This ensures your facility remains operational for extended periods, no matter the external conditions.
Low emissions and reduced noise
Our microgrids produce local emissions that are 100 times lower than standard Tier 2 diesel generators, and they operate with significantly less noise, thanks to our patented genset technology. This community-friendly solution protects your operations and supports a cleaner, quieter environment.
Eligible for government incentives
Our microgrid systems, which achieved “Awardable” status in the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office’s (CDAO) Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace, are eligible for several government incentive programs, including the Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) Program, Distributed Electricity Backup Assets (DEBA) Program, and the Base Interruptible Power (BIP) Program. These incentives can further reduce costs and enhance the value of your investment.
Community-enhancing benefits
Our microgrids do more than just protect your operations—they enhance the entire community. During periods of peak energy use, our systems can supply surplus power to the grid, helping to prevent blackouts and ensuring that residents and businesses have the electricity they need. Moreover, our technology’s low emissions and quiet operation contribute to a cleaner, more peaceful environment for everyone.
Proven success stories
City of Houston Northeast Water Purification Plant
We provide 32 MW (32,000 kW) of backup power to the Northeast Water Purification Plant, delivering a staggering cost savings of over $20 million in capital expenses for the city.
“The NEWPP project will add 320 million gallons per day by 2024 to the existing water plant’s capacity. The City of Houston evaluated several companies and selected Enchanted Rock for this project based on technical requirements, performance of past projects, and competitive pricing.”
– Ravi Kaleyatodi, P.E., Project Director, NEWPP Expansion Project, at the City of Houston
California Department of Water Resources
We partnered with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to build and operate three front-of-the-meter projects generating a total of 148 MW, through the state’s Electricity Strategic Reliability Reserve Program. The project’s three commissioned plants each provide 48 MW of fast-response, dispatchable power to local communities, further solidifying our role as a leader in utility-grade backup power.
Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District 2
We provide 12 MW (12,000 kW) of reliable backup power to a stormwater pumping facility in Fort Bend County. This initiative resulted in savings of $7 million in upfront capital for the authority.
“We are relieved to find such an effortless solution that addresses our reliability needs… We feel confident knowing that our community will be better protected from flooding during severe weather events and utility power outages.”
– André McDonald, LID 2 Board President
Contact Us
Our commitment to sustainability & innovation
We are dedicated to continuously improving our technology and further reducing our already low emissions profile.
- Carbon-neutral options with RNG: Our microgrids can be powered by renewable natural gas (RNG), offering a pathway to net-zero carbon emissions and helping water utilities meet their sustainability goals.
- Hydrogen ready: We are ready for hydrogen blends up to 25% with no performance loss, paving the way for a more sustainable future and ensuring your investment is future–proof.
By partnering with us, water utilities can achieve unparalleled resiliency while advancing their environmental and financial objectives and satisfying regulatory demands. Contact us today to learn how our cutting-edge microgrid solutions can safeguard your operations and support your community.
Learn More