The Lufkin City Council voted unanimously on Thursday to spend $520,592 on a contract that will replace aging equipment at the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The contract, awarded to RAD Civil Services of Tyler, Texas, calls for the rebuilding of six clarifiers – the units that remove solid waste and suspended particles from the water before it is released back into the environment.

Why the upgrade matters

Much of the plant’s equipment is now 40 years old, and city officials say the clarifiers are overdue for replacement. Albert Duffield, Lufkin’s director of public utilities, explained that the new clarifiers will reduce the likelihood of backups and create a healthier overall system. “We need to be able to process the wastewater that’s coming to us from our citizens as well as our industries,” Duffield said.

Funding and timeline

The $520,592 project is funded from the city’s $1.2 million water and wastewater fund, which was approved in the 2026 municipal budget. Lufkin has already budgeted more than $4 million for plant upgrades in recent years, reflecting a long‑term commitment to reliable water services. Duffield noted that work could begin one to three months after the contract is signed.

Impact on residents

City leaders emphasized that the upgrade will not affect water rates. “It’s kind of out of sight, out of mind for a lot of people. This is behind‑the‑scenes type deals, but they will know if they can’t go to that toilet and flush and do the things they need to do,” Duffield said.

In addition to the infrastructure work, Duffield urged residents to help keep the system running smoothly by avoiding the disposal of wipes, grease, and oil down the drains. Those items can clog the clarifiers and slow treatment, potentially leading to service interruptions.

Looking ahead

The council’s decision aligns with Lufkin’s broader strategy to modernize essential services while preserving affordable rates for families and businesses. By investing in critical wastewater infrastructure now, the city aims to avoid costly emergency repairs later and ensure a reliable, safe water system for the community.

Residents can expect construction activity at the plant over the coming months, and the city will provide updates on progress and any temporary service impacts.

Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.