Dripping Springs officials are moving forward with a major upgrade to the city’s wastewater infrastructure. At the Oct. 20 City Council meeting, council members approved an invitation for bids for phase one of the South Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility expansion.
Scope of Phase One
The first phase will add several critical components to the existing plant, including an influent pump station, new aeration basins, yard piping, and a UV disinfection system. These upgrades are designed to increase the plant’s daily treatment capacity and improve overall water quality.
Funding and Capacity
The project is being funded with money awarded by the Texas Water Development Board in July of this year, as reported in earlier Community Impact coverage. The current facility treats about 162,500 gallons per day. When both phases of the expansion are finished, the plant will be capable of treating roughly 820,000 gallons per day, a five‑fold increase that reflects the city’s rapid growth and long‑term water‑management plans.
Background and Legal Context
Dripping Springs began planning for upgraded wastewater services more than a decade ago, basing its strategy on regional growth trends and population projections. In 2019, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality granted the city a Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) permit, allowing treated wastewater to be discharged into natural waterways such as Onion Creek. A lawsuit temporarily halted progress on the project, but the legal challenge was resolved in 2025, clearing the way for the current expansion effort.
City’s Intent for Treated Water
Utilities Director Gray Lahrman emphasized that, although the TPDES permit permits discharge into local streams, the city does not plan to release treated water into Onion Creek. Instead, the expanded facility will focus on recycling and reusing water for non‑potable purposes, aligning with the community’s commitment to responsible water stewardship.
Next Steps
After the invitation for bids is released, interested contracting firms will submit proposals. City staff will evaluate all bids and recommend the lowest responsible and responsive offer to the council in early 2027. Construction of phase one will begin shortly after the contract award, and design work for phase two will commence concurrently with the first phase’s construction.
What This Means for Residents
The expansion will help ensure that Dripping Springs can meet the wastewater treatment needs of a growing population while protecting local waterways. By increasing capacity and incorporating advanced treatment technologies such as UV disinfection, the city is taking proactive steps to safeguard public health and the environment.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed about the bidding process and upcoming public meetings, where officials will provide updates on project timelines, construction impacts, and long‑term water‑reuse plans.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
