Austin, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Austin Water has unveiled plans for extensive upgrades across six facilities to enhance water flow and quality. The expansion of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is a key project, set to boost its capacity from 75 to 100 million gallons per day over the next six years. The initiative also includes implementing safer treatment technologies and securing up to $100 million in federal loans to support these improvements. City officials are focused on minimizing potential impacts on surrounding neighborhoods as work progresses.
Austin, Texas – Austin Water has announced long-term plans for significant upgrades across several facilities to improve water flow and quality. Six major facilities will be impacted by these upgrades, including Handcox, Davis, Ullrich, Walnut Creek, South Austin, and Hornsby Bend plants. The focus of these enhancements is to maintain and function existing systems effectively while preparing for future demands on the water supply.
One of the centerpiece projects is the expansion of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, which aims to increase its treatment capacity from 75 million gallons per day to 100 million gallons per day. The construction schedule for this expansion is expected to take over six years to complete. This expansion is being referred to as a “generational investment for the city of Austin” and is set to become the largest Envision-rated wastewater treatment plant project in the U.S. upon its completion.
To enhance safety and environmental performance, the Walnut Creek plant will replace chlorine gas with ultraviolet treatment technology for safer water treatment. Additionally, the Davis Water Treatment Plant will also see upgrades, which include the construction of a 60-foot deep tunnel for transporting treated potable water.
City Councilmember Marc Duchen, representing District 10, raised concerns about potential mitigation impacts related to the upgrades. In response, Shay Ralls Roalson, the director of Austin Water, mentioned ongoing efforts to explore both onsite and offsite strategies to minimize impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.
Funding for these expansive projects is being secured through various means, including federal loans that may cover up to 49% of construction costs. The enthusiasm surrounding these federal loans is tempered by acknowledgment of inflationary costs, which are impacting maintenance and operation expenses.
The Austin City Council is planning to apply for over $100 million in loans to support the necessary upgrades to the city’s water system. The council has already approved three items directing the city manager to pursue loans from the Texas Water Development Board. One loan resolution includes up to $45 million for the Municipal Conservation Project aimed at replacing outdated polybutylene service lines connected to homes. Another resolution will seek up to $10 million for the Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Project designed to enhance service reliability in specific areas. The largest loan application proposes up to $65 million for the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Flood Wall Project to protect the facility from high water levels.
Through these planned enhancements, Austin Water aims to establish a robust infrastructure capable of meeting the city’s growing water needs while ensuring safety and quality across its facilities.
FAQ
What major projects are part of the Austin Water upgrades?
Austin Water’s major projects include the expansion of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, upgrades to the Davis Water Treatment Plant, and other enhancements across Handcox, Ullrich, South Austin, and Hornsby Bend plants.
How much will the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant’s capacity increase?
The Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant’s capacity will increase from 75 million gallons per day to 100 million gallons per day.
What technology will replace chlorine gas at the Walnut Creek plant?
The Walnut Creek plant will replace chlorine gas with ultraviolet treatment technology for safer water treatment.
What is the total funding the Austin City Council plans to apply for?
The Austin City Council plans to apply for over $100 million in loans to support water system upgrades.
How long is the construction schedule for the Walnut Creek expansion?
The construction schedule for the Walnut Creek expansion is expected to take over six years to complete.
Key Features of the Austin Water Upgrades
| Project | Current Capacity | New Capacity | Funding | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant | 75 million gallons per day | 100 million gallons per day | Up to $65 million loan for flood wall project | Over six years |
| Davis Water Treatment Plant | N/A | N/A | $100 million (total loans planned) | N/A |
| Municipal Conservation Project | N/A | N/A | Up to $45 million for service line replacements | N/A |
| Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Project | N/A | N/A | Up to $10 million for enhanced service reliability | N/A |
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: Austin
- Fox 7 Austin
- Google Search: Walnut Creek Wastewater Facility
- Spectrum Local News
- Google Scholar: Austin Water Upgrades
- KVUE
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Water System
- KXAN
- Google News: Austin Water
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
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