Once small towns just north of Austin, the Cities
of Taylor and Hutto are quickly becoming suburbs of the state capital. As the demand for more housing
and neighborhoods soar so does the demand for water.
To accommodate the growing needs now and in the future,
the Brazos River Authority (BRA) began a $17.3 million expansion of the former Taylor water treatment plant.
The East Williamson County Regional Water Supply System is expected to begin pumping additional water to the
area in April.
The expanded and upgraded plant will more than double
the capacity of the facility from 5.3 million gallons a day (mgd) to 12.8 mgd and will meet state requirements
for capacity mandated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
The expansion project consists of a new clear well,
three 2.5 mgd clarifiers and a 30 mgd terminal storage facility. In addition, the current water intake was
repaired and improved after it sustained damages from debris triggered by the spring flooding.
Phase II of the project is set to begin in 2010 with
construction of a new water intake pump for Lake Granger. The new intake will be located in a deeper portion
of the lake which will help provide continued service in the event of a drought. The deep water intake is
also expected to improve water taste and odor issues.
