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Water Treatment Plant 4 FAQs

Q. Why does Austin Water Utility need another treatment plant?

A: Projected water demands, despite the City’s increased conservation efforts, will exceed treatment and pumpage capacity of current infrastructure. WTP4 will supplement the existing water treatment capacity, and allow the Austin Water to make repairs and improvements to its older treatment plants, Davis and Ullrich, which were both built more than 40 years ago, without impacting service.

Q. What will happen if Austin does not build WTP4?

A: WTP4 is a complex, but necessary project. If we do not move forward with its construction, current system treatment and pumpage capacity would be stretched thin due to increased demands. Ultimately, a static water system would limit growth within the City and surrounding extra territorial jurisdiction.

Q: Where will the plant be located?

A: The plant will be on 92 acres in northwest Austin near the intersection of RM 620 and Bullick Hollow Road.

Q: How is the project being financed?

A: The land for the project was purchased with funds from a bond election in 1984. The current total estimate is $508 million, assuming the plant is completed in 2014. This number is adjusted for inflation.

Q: How was the site for the plant selected?

A: The Austin City Council chose the site with the assistance of the Environmental Board and the Water and Wastewater Commission. The city has done environmental reviews of the Bullick Hollow tract and found no endangered species or other significant environmental issues.

More WTP4 FAQs

 

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Austin Water Utility is owned and operated by the City of Austin, Texas.